Calvary Student Ministry

What a great first full day at camp!

We started the morning in chapel, where we began our study on prayer. Our theme passage for the week is Matthew 6:9–15, and we spent time looking at how Jesus taught His disciples to pray. One of the most encouraging sights of the day was seeing students engaged in chapel with open Bibles, taking notes, and genuinely leaning into God’s Word.

The rest of the day was filled with group rec, free time, and plenty of opportunities to build relationships and make memories.

Tonight wrapped up with worship and small group discussions, and that may have been one of the most encouraging parts of the day. We saw our students continuing to open up and be vulnerable with one another. The guys showed more participation and engagement in discussion, while the girls naturally divided into “Bigs” and “Littles” so they could spend intentional time getting to know one another, praying for one another, and offering support and encouragement.

Several of the girls shared how meaningful it was to hear from students in different grades. They talked about how learning from one another made them feel more comfortable asking questions and sharing honestly.

Nothing about it was forced. It was simply a beautiful, natural unfolding of the kind of Christ-centered community we have been praying God would build this week.

We’re excited to see what God continues to do in the days ahead. Thank you for praying for our students and leaders!

Yesterday, a group of our students gathered to bless a widow in our community during our first Summer Serve Day.

The homeowner is a 79 year old widow who cares for her special needs relative. Several years ago, a tree fell on her home, leaving many of her belongings scattered across the property. What seemed overwhelming to one person became an opportunity for our students to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Over the course of the day, students cleared the yard of debris, helping her begin the process of reclaiming her property and moving one step closer to the possibility of a permanent home. There is still work to be done, but the debris pile is now ready to be hauled away at our next Serve Day.

I am incredibly thankful for students who understand that following Jesus means serving others. I am also grateful for one of our student ministry leaders, BradandKelley Westberry, who saw a need and believed our students could help meet it.

The Movement isn’t just a name. It’s students moving toward Jesus, moving with Jesus, and moving for Jesus.

Thank you to everyone who gave their time, energy, and sweat to make a difference in someone’s life. This is what ministry looks like.