Not weak but strong
This summer, Vitalii Andriiets and the Wise Carpenter team hosted two camps at Camp MAXIMUM. Both went very well and gave the opportunity for around 150 young boys and teenagers to experience the bible teaching, teambuilding, extreme sports and other activities these camps provide.
However, managing these full-on events is not without its challenges, and for the second week, several of the leaders who had volunteered to help were just teenagers themselves. Vitalii was quite uncertain how this might work out – so it was wonderful to receive this newsletter sharing his reflections on the experience.
“For the past four days, I have been closely watching the young men who volunteered to serve at our camp. It has filled my heart with both joy and hope.
“Out of the 14 mentors and assistant leaders serving directly with the boys, 8 are young men who are only 14, 15, 16, or 18 years old.
“For some of them, this is their very first camp serving in a leadership role. To be honest, before camp began, I wondered whether they would have the maturity, endurance, and sense of responsibility that this ministry requires. But now I can clearly see how much God has already done in their lives.
“It doesn’t take long to recognize a person’s worldview, their understanding of God’s Word, and the condition of their heart. I am deeply grateful to see that God has been faithfully working in these young men through their parents, mentors, churches, and many others who have invested in them over the years.
“What has impressed me the most is that the very young men I initially thought might become the weakest part of our team have turned out to be some of our greatest strengths. They are constantly with the boys—encouraging them, playing with them, helping them, listening to them, and pouring themselves into their lives.
They are constantly with the boys - encouraging them, playing with them, helping them, listening to them, and pouring themselves into their lives.
“Meanwhile, our older leaders are beginning to feel the weight of these demanding days. Some have become sick, and others are simply exhausted. Yet these younger leaders are full of energy. They willingly carry extra responsibilities, allowing the older men to rest and regain their strength.
“I thank God for this new generation. Moments like these remind me why it is worth investing in children and teenagers year after year. Today, we are beginning to see the first fruits of those investments.
“Please continue praying for these young men. Pray that the Lord would keep them humble, give them wisdom, strength, and faithfulness, and use this camp not only as a place where they serve others, but also as a significant step in their own spiritual growth.”
