Originally, we agreed that we would have religious activities since we have a Sunday in our schedule. We plan to have separate activities like a mass for the Roman Catholics, worship service for the Protestants, Imam for the Muslim and so forth. Interestingly, it was only a day before the camp that we were informed that those invited to facilitate the different religious activity were not coming.
We made Plan B which is to do a Scout's Own. A Scout's Own emphasizes that Scouts should believe that a God exist. This is the common denominator for all Scouting movement all over the world - Duty to God. To be in Scouting, you need to believe in a god.
The Scout's Own started with singing some spiritual songs that are generic for the majority and widely use in Scouting. Then, we had a Scripture reading from Psalm 1, I was tasked to share an instant message since I am a Pastor. The we had intercessory prayers. We used ACTS - Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication. We sang a song for each section and asked a everyone to pray and it was closed by a staff through a closing prayer. While for supplication we gave emphasis on praying for the nation, scouting movement and our own family. These prayers were ended by Scout representatives. We also had an offering and ended with a closing song prayer and benediction by me.
Many were telling me it was their first experience in congregational type of prayer. It was good since many first experience praying for the country, and their family. They felt very spiritual and blessed throughout the day. I also got the opportunity on giving emphasis on Jesus Christ that day. I praise God for such an opportunity. I also praise God that I saw boys praying as partners, which is good because I noticed many really do not know how to pray.
We also have a Scout's Own booth were all Scouts are required to visit. They will have activity in the booth. I was able to get a gospel presentation on foldable cards. The kids loved it. There were two type of foldable card; the paper and a cardboard type. Each Scout was asked to listen and try folding the paper foldable card. If they are interested to get the cardboard type, they have to share to others and I will assist them. Interestingly so many young people wanted to share the gospel. They stayed with me, batch by batch it was their turn to share the gospel. Isn't that amazing, it lighten our load since Scouts themselves were sharing in their own. Incredible! There were also tons of gospel tracts for them to use.
I am bless as I hear each kid and even adults coming and praying to accept Jesus to be their personal Lord and Savior.
As a reward, for those who attended the Scout's Own service, Scouts Own Booth and Film Showing, we prepared a Scout is Reverent button pin as a gift, sponsored by Scout Citizen Dexter.
Being a pastor, prayer has become an emphasis in our camp, including our meetings and activities were filled with prayers. I hope they were not offended but I believe they themselves experience God's love and care throughout the camp.
Because of our emphasis on Spirituality, stolen things were even returned during the last day. Wow! That is indeed evidence of transformation. I praise God that I believe everyone was drawn closer to God during those five days of camp. Two windbreakers of the staff was stolen and one was returned. A bag of shirts of Abad Santos High School was stolen and was returned though missing one piece. The rest of the things stolen were a windbreaker, a cellphone and a three kilo hotdogs. It seems this camp has the most few stolen things according to record as compared to other camps. But I am not sure, I think the cellphone was also returned. God is good!
Of course, the last is the Manga Messiah book that we gave out as a reward if they were to complete all the decals in their booklet. And for the adults was Daily Bread. But it seems the adult leaders wanted the Manga Messiah as well. hehehe The Manga Messiah is a Japanese cartoon book about the birth of Jesus, His life and miracles, death and resurrection, which I included a sticker of congratulations with a sinner's prayer included in my message.
Christ was given emphasis in this camp because it is a Christmas Camp. It is all about Jesus Christ and the whole camp was able to do it well because it was His camp.
Finally, during the closing ceremony when the all the people gave a grand Mabuhay Cheer to me, I requested that we need to give also one to God. And everyone was really shouting at the top of their voice, praising God! Amazing!
Praise the Lord talaga!!!
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