Shepherd's Heart 1/17/25

100+ students and Leaders. A weekend away. A chance to encounter God. How awesome is that?

This weekend, over a hundred of our students are heading to Lake Geneva Youth Camp—a space where God moves, friendships deepen, and faith is stretched. Leading the way are Elisabeth, Max, and Collin, who have been pouring their hearts into making this weekend a time of transformation.

For some students, this will be a moment of clarity—the first time they sense God’s presence in a real way. For others, it might be a time of healing, a turning point, or simply a chance to be reminded that they’re not alone.

And that’s where we come in.

Will you pray with me?

When we pray, we’re not just offering nice words. We’re stepping into the work God is already doing, asking Him to move in ways we can’t even imagine. So here’s how we can pray together:

1. Pray for Open Hearts
Students carry a lot—stress, questions, doubts, fears. Pray that this weekend, they would feel safe enough to let their guard down and open their hearts to what God wants to say.
Prayer Prompt: Jesus, clear away distractions. Break through the noise. Speak in a way that each student can hear and understand.

2. Pray for Protection
Travel, winter weather, health—there are a lot of moving parts. Let’s ask God to keep everyone safe, from the bus ride there to the last worship session.
Prayer Prompt: Lord, watch over every student and leader. Keep them safe, healthy, and fully present in what You’re doing.

3. Pray for Our Leaders
Elisabeth, Max, and Collin aren’t just chaperones. They’re shepherds. They’re investing deeply, guiding conversations, and creating space for students to encounter God.
Prayer Prompt: Father, strengthen Elisabeth, Max, and Collin. Give them wisdom, patience, and words that bring life.

4. Pray for Breakthrough Moments
Some students will hear God speak for the first time. Some will experience healing. Some will make decisions that shape the rest of their lives. Pray for moments that matter.
Prayer Prompt: Holy Spirit, move in power. Let this weekend be a marker—one they look back on as the moment everything changed.

5. Pray for the Return Home
The real challenge isn’t just the mountaintop experience—it’s what happens afterward. Pray that what God starts at camp will continue long after the bags are unpacked.
Prayer Prompt: Jesus, don’t let this be just a weekend thing. Let the fire keep burning. Let faith grow roots.

How You Can Be Part of This

Prayer matters. But there are other ways to support our students, too.

Send an encouraging message – If you know a student going, send them a quick text before they leave or when they get back. A simple “I’m praying for you” means more than you know.

Check in after camp – Ask a student what God did in their life. Give them space to share. Sometimes, talking about it helps solidify what God is doing.

Keep praying – Just because the weekend ends doesn’t mean the work does. Keep lifting these students up in the weeks ahead.

Support the Youth Ministry – Consider volunteering, mentoring, or supporting future student ministry events.

Church, I believe this weekend is going to be powerful. Thank you for standing with our students in prayer. Let’s lean in together and expect God to move.

With you in this,
Pastor Jake