Jesus Day

In the weeks and months leading up to camp, the year-round staff always refers to Thursday of camp as Jesus Day when we are talking about the theme or morning devotions. Of course the kids aren't hearing Jesus' name for the first time on Thursday, but this is the time we have set aside to talk about Him in detail. No matter what the theme is, we always try to lay out salvation history in story form so that it is easy for little hearts and minds to grasp. Monday always starts with creation, since many of our kids don't have any foundation with Scripture, it's really important to start at the beginning. Tuesday and Wednesday we typically select Old Testament stories that help to reinforce the theme. By Thursday, the kids have enough background information that they are better able to understand the importance of the person and work of Christ. Friday morning typically discusses a New Testament person who exemplifies the theme and Saturday morning we review them all.
Since our theme is Overcome and its Jesus Day, today's scripture highlighted our verse for the whole week, which is John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” The devotion used several examples from the Gospel of John to expound on this verse.
Each day there is a Bottom Line that we hope the kids will take away from the devotion. Today's Bottom Line: The world is fallen, the people are broken, and Satan is the ruler of the world, but God has won the ultimate victory through Jesus life, death on the cross, and his resurrection and ascension into Heaven. We all have the opportunity to be a part of that by trusting and believing in Him.
Thursday is also the second night of the week that one of the counselor's shares their testimony, highlighting how Jesus victory has changed their lives.  As I type this, Johnny Kimani is preparing to share his testimony in the next few minutes.  Johnny is a former camper and a bit of a legend at Camp BlueSky.  All of the kids know him and I know they will be listening to every word he says so lets pray that the Lord speaks through him to the kids tonight.  Also be in prayer for cabin devotions tonight where each counselor will have the opportunity to talk more in depth with their kids about morning devotion and Johnny's message.
Here are some pictures of morning devotions from this week.

Wednesday afternoon was Sports Day, which pretty much means everyone can play whatever they want.  Its one of the few unstructured times we have during the weeks so everyone always really enjoys it.  Here are a few pictures.