The last two days of camp have been truly extraordinary! God is working in ways greater than we could have imagined and it is only day three. To help you get in on the action here is what your students are doing during a typical day at camp.
Students gather early in the mornings for breakfast and then precede out to Squirrel Park to spend some quiet time alone with God. Afterward they go to worship God at our Morning Celebration Service. While many of our students are running on less than normal amounts of sleep, our morning worship continues to be one of the most high-energy points of the day. There is hunger among our students for the things of God and they are focused each time they come into the worship services.
Following that, students have been discussing the deep spiritual needs of their life in small groups with their peers and camp leaders. Questions and discussions are led on how to apply principles that the students have learned from the previous night's talk to their everyday life. Lunch is up next! Camp food has been good and the cafeteria ladies have expressed that this group is one of the most kind and encouraging groups they have ever encountered.
The early afternoon is a time of fun as students get together with their REC teams and practice their "LipSync", which they will perform Thursday night. Then, they charge out on to the REC field for games. Tuesday was Water Day (pictures can be seen below). Wednesday was Field Day. Students have competed with a positive attitude and a whole lot of team spirit.
The late afternoon is a time to decompress with free time before going to dinner and eventually to worship. Students have enjoyed good times hanging around "The Hawk's Nest" and performing for "Transformed's Got Talent." The field was narrowed to nine on Wednesday and the final winner will perform Thursday night for all campers from the main stage in McDowall Columns Hall.
The Big Event of the evening is worship. As I walked out of the service yesterday evening I was stopped by our camp speaker, Alex Himaya, in the hallway. He said, "This student ministry is never going to be the same. The group in there tonight is not the group that came Monday. God is moving." Truly God is moving. Please continue to pray for our students to worship as God draws them closer to him through the preaching of his word and songs of praise. The students that you dropped off on Monday will be different than the students you pick up tomorrow. Please pray that God would help to sustain them and apply the things that they've learned as we come home on Friday.
Thanks for your continued prayers. We look forward to seeing you all at the Celebration Service at First Baptist Norfolk, in the Sanctuary, at 3PM Friday afternoon.
Living the Mission --
Steve Browning
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Camp Day One!
Day One was an incredible experience here at Chowan University. We arrived shortly before lunch yesterday and students took in their first sights of the campus, which is tucked away in the small town of Murfreesboro, NC. Students rushed off the bus and into their college-style dorms, before heading on to lunch. Afterward, we began "Transformed's Got Talent". A number of students participated including solo acts by Harris Albritton and Joe Adams. There was comedy, music, and the occasional odd (but amusing) talents supplied by our middle school students. The students gave it their all and the judges were so impressed that everyone made it to day two.
Recreation was centered around teamwork as this was the first time that our rec teams competed together. We gathered on "Squirrel Park" for a variety of games in which students had ro rely on their team mates in order to get them through. The chants and cheers have already started. Trash talking is being dispensed and everyone is wondering who will be the Transformed Camp 2009 Rec Champion.
Now to the really good stuff... worship. Severly Yours rocked the house as they led us in songs of praise and adoration to Jesus. Since I have been here as student minister, I have never seen our group of students worship God like last night. (Including camp, DNow, and other ministry events) There was a true sense of brokenness and hungering for God. As Alex Himiya shared his powerful testimony, students were focused and hanging on his every word. God was moving and it was apparent to nearly everyone in the room.
Alex issued an invitation for those in need of Jesus as Savior, in need of returning to God in repentance, for those who feel as though God is moving them toward a call to ministry, and to those who were suffering from broken relationships. What happened next was truly awe-inspiring. More than 30 students stood to their feet and walked boldly to the counselors. At least three students gave their life to Jesus for the very first time.
Last night was the defining moment for our camp this week. Please continue to pray! We desire for God to transform our students from the inside out.
Pray that these students would come ready to hear from God at worship and small group times.
Pray for those that have made decisions that they would be encouraged and sharpened before they come home.
Pray for those who still have their guards up and haven't let God in.
Pray for this ministry... may God begin a revival here that will spread like wildfire through our church, through Hamptone Roads, and across the globe. We believe that God is big enough to do it. We must pray that our students hearts are open to accomplish it!
Steve
Recreation was centered around teamwork as this was the first time that our rec teams competed together. We gathered on "Squirrel Park" for a variety of games in which students had ro rely on their team mates in order to get them through. The chants and cheers have already started. Trash talking is being dispensed and everyone is wondering who will be the Transformed Camp 2009 Rec Champion.
Now to the really good stuff... worship. Severly Yours rocked the house as they led us in songs of praise and adoration to Jesus. Since I have been here as student minister, I have never seen our group of students worship God like last night. (Including camp, DNow, and other ministry events) There was a true sense of brokenness and hungering for God. As Alex Himiya shared his powerful testimony, students were focused and hanging on his every word. God was moving and it was apparent to nearly everyone in the room.
Alex issued an invitation for those in need of Jesus as Savior, in need of returning to God in repentance, for those who feel as though God is moving them toward a call to ministry, and to those who were suffering from broken relationships. What happened next was truly awe-inspiring. More than 30 students stood to their feet and walked boldly to the counselors. At least three students gave their life to Jesus for the very first time.
Last night was the defining moment for our camp this week. Please continue to pray! We desire for God to transform our students from the inside out.
Pray that these students would come ready to hear from God at worship and small group times.
Pray for those that have made decisions that they would be encouraged and sharpened before they come home.
Pray for those who still have their guards up and haven't let God in.
Pray for this ministry... may God begin a revival here that will spread like wildfire through our church, through Hamptone Roads, and across the globe. We believe that God is big enough to do it. We must pray that our students hearts are open to accomplish it!
Steve
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
VBS at NAS Oceana
The following is an article by Craig Clayton, FBCN Local Mission Strategist:
Snake Handling and Handcuffs Liven Up VBS at Oceana NAS
When word began to spread that Stephanie Parker was handling snakes and handcuffing some of the children at Vacation Bible School more than a few heads began to turn. Fortunately, the snakes were made of rubber and used to tell the story of Adam and Eve and the handcuffs were made of plastic and used to teach about the dangers of sin in our lives.
Even if there were no live snakes or real handcuffs, those involved in the joint venture of Chaplain Stephen Zachary (Oceana NAS) and the First Baptist Church of Norfolk, Va. agree that this has been a wonderful partnership. Chaplain Zack (as many of the children call him) visited the staff of First Baptist Church Norfolk with the purpose of seeking their help with an unexpected opportunity to conduct VBS on base during the week of August 4-8, 2008. When presented with the opportunity, Gary Sanders, Military Minister, Steve Browning, Minister to Students, and Craig Clayton, Local Missions Strategist agreed that they could not pass up such a wonderful opportunity. In the ensuing weeks meetings were conducted that produced a wonderful week of song, dance, crafts, snacks, and Bible study.
One of the fifth graders in attendance decided after the first day that he wanted to return next year as a volunteer with the VBS leadership. When his Mother learned of this it was quite a surprise because he did not want to go in the first place! Many children among the 50 in average attendance each day expressed gratitude and were so thankful for the opportunity to attend a VBS experience on base that was just for them.
Pray that God will continue to bless this Chaplain and Church as they seek to further God’s Kingdom together in faith and Christian brotherhood.
When word began to spread that Stephanie Parker was handling snakes and handcuffing some of the children at Vacation Bible School more than a few heads began to turn. Fortunately, the snakes were made of rubber and used to tell the story of Adam and Eve and the handcuffs were made of plastic and used to teach about the dangers of sin in our lives.
Even if there were no live snakes or real handcuffs, those involved in the joint venture of Chaplain Stephen Zachary (Oceana NAS) and the First Baptist Church of Norfolk, Va. agree that this has been a wonderful partnership. Chaplain Zack (as many of the children call him) visited the staff of First Baptist Church Norfolk with the purpose of seeking their help with an unexpected opportunity to conduct VBS on base during the week of August 4-8, 2008. When presented with the opportunity, Gary Sanders, Military Minister, Steve Browning, Minister to Students, and Craig Clayton, Local Missions Strategist agreed that they could not pass up such a wonderful opportunity. In the ensuing weeks meetings were conducted that produced a wonderful week of song, dance, crafts, snacks, and Bible study.
One of the fifth graders in attendance decided after the first day that he wanted to return next year as a volunteer with the VBS leadership. When his Mother learned of this it was quite a surprise because he did not want to go in the first place! Many children among the 50 in average attendance each day expressed gratitude and were so thankful for the opportunity to attend a VBS experience on base that was just for them.
Pray that God will continue to bless this Chaplain and Church as they seek to further God’s Kingdom together in faith and Christian brotherhood.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Graduating from Oxford...
What a tremendous experience it was yesterday to see the crown jewels, stand in Westminster Abbey (the site of nearly every royal coronation since the 1200's), and walk the same hallways that Prime Minister Winston Churchill walked in the war time cabinet meetings held underground. Truly, we have walked in the foot steps of many of the major figures in world history. The students have been pondering as they go, how will my life make a great impact as those who have come before me.
Today we are privileged to travel to Oxford University, one of the world's most prestigious and historic institutions of higher learning. While there we will hear from Dr. Jay Strack and Brent Crowe, before participating in the Student Leadership Graduation Ceremony for all students who have complete SLU 101-301. Now all you proud parents out there can say, "My son/daughter graduated at Oxford."
Our trip is drawing to a close and we will be soon talking about the importance of applying these great investments into these students personal lives. Please pray for them as many will be deciding this week to do something GREAT with their lives. I personally believe in every last one of them and look forward to how they will answer the call to change the world for the better.
I love being your student minister!
Steve
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