I was as new of a Christian as a green apple when I was invited to attend a youth camp as a junior in high school. A generous couple gave a scholarship to me to go to camp in northern Arizona for a week as our youth leaders discipled and ministered to us. It was high adventure for a kid who had to drop out of the Boy Scouts and had never been away from home with that many other Christians. Kum ba ya!

Early in the camp, I was convicted by the Holy Spirit to settle the issue of assurance, according to 1 John 5:13. After the late night campfire, near the Grand Canyon, I went to Carl Hodges and shared my doubts. He urged me to get in my sleeping bag, ask Jesus to save me if I had never done so, and then thank Him in faith. Looking up at a star, I claimed that I could "know for sure that I had eternal life."

As we approach our youth camps for high school, middle school, and fifth graders, you can pray for the young Hayes Wickers out there. We need a number of scholarships for deserving kids, which cost $240. Over 80 were helped last year. The challenging economy is especially hard for some families to send their children to camp. Janet and I are looking forward to speaking at different times with them and "hanging out." This year could be a turning point, and it will be like the song from the 70’s about "sparks," which "get a fire going," which concluded, "That’s how it is with God’s love." Let’s share the love.