Let No Man Despise Thy Youth
“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
2 Timothy 4:12
Christian Junior camp was always special to me. From the time I was 8 years old I’ve been able to enjoy at least one week a year of lots of preaching, fun games, new friends, Bible memory and lasting decisions for Christ. In fact, it was at a Junior camp when I was 11 that God called me to be a missionary!
Today was the last day of my church’s annual Junior Camp and they invited me in to preach the morning service. It was wonderful to sit in a room with 80 children and quite a few sleep-deprived teens and adults, all eager to hear the Word of God. They’ve already seen several saved this week and many make decisions for God. There were two more young men that acknowledged their need of salvation this morning. Will you pray with me that they settle that soon? The Holy Spirit was moving in their heart! Also, after I preached on Josiah this morning, over 30 kids and teens made decisions to step out and make a difference for God, to go against the world’s norm, and to surrender their life to Him. Hallelujah! Pray that these decisions will last and that God really will use them for His eternal Glory.
I often wondered as a child, “what can I do, being so young?” This has always brought me back to 1 Timothy 4:12. You see, being young isn’t the issue. Just as being tall, short, fat, skinny, black, white, ugly or pretty isn’t the issue. The issue is a perfect heart toward God. He can use anybody that’s willing to be used. And we, as Christians, need to realize that it’s not about us. It’s all about HIM! He can take the smallest tool and create a masterpiece. And when it comes down to it, that’s all we are–His tools. And it sure feels good to be a tool in the Master’s hand!
Let’s not discredit our young people. They are today’s harvest and tomorrows leaders.
Also, please pray for the Faith Factor Teen Camp my church hosts every year. This is for Middle and High school age young people and will take place in less than two weeks. We’re praying that God saves many, calls many to Christian service and works on all of our hearts in a special way. Check out the video that was put together for the camp here:
Freedom Isn’t Free! (with Video)
Image by malenga via Flickr
Happy Memorial Day! I want to thank those that have served in our country’s military, and the families of those that have given their lives to defend our freedoms. May we always appreciate the sacrifice that they’ve made and may we always remember that freedom isn’t free!
And as Christians, just as Americans, somebody had to pay the price for our freedom. Jesus Christ died on the cross 2,000 years ago to make us free from the bondage that is sin. I love what John 8:32 & 38 say,
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free... If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
Please enjoy this video that was put together a couple of years ago for my church, Lighthouse Baptist Church in Dawsonville, GA to remember those that have laid down their lives, and to celebrate the freedom we have because of their sacrifice.
If you can’t see the embedded video, please click here)
Quick Update
Hello everybody, I hope that God has been good to you! The past few weeks have kept us super busy. After my last day of secular work on May the 6th we’ve been able to travel a bit, with meetings in Ohio, Tennesee, South Carolina and several here in Georgia. It was also nice being able to spend a little time with Aubrie’s family in Ashland, Ohio during Mother’s Day. God has allowed us to cross pass with some wonderful people and we sure have been blessed by the churches we’ve been in.
I’m still trying to fill up our calendar with meetings over the course of this year and next. Will you pray with me that God will open up the doors of opportunity to present our burden for Colombia? The longer we’re here, the more people drop off into eternity there. We must get them the Gospel!! It really is an urgent matter.
Love you all. Thanks for your prayers!
Funny Hymns
Hello all. I found this funny collection of favorite hymns, though I’m not sure where it originated. Enjoy!
The Dentist’s Hymn……………………Crown Him With Many Crowns
The Weatherman’s Hymn………..There Shall Be Showers of Blessing
The Contractor’s Hymn………………….The Church’s One Foundation
The Tailor’s Hymn…………………………………………Holy,Holy, Holy
The Golfer’s Hymn………………………There is A Green Hill Far Away
The Politician’s Hymn…………………………Standing on the Promises
The Optometrist’s Hymn……………….Open My Eyes That I Might See
The IRS Agent’s Hymn………………………………………I Surrender All
The Gossip’s Hymn………………………………………………..Pass It On
The Electrician’s Hymn……………………………………..Send the Light
The Shopper’s Hymn……………………………………….Sweet By and By
The Realtor’s Hymn…………I’ve Got A Mansion Just Over the Hilltop
The Pilot’s Hymn………………………………………………..I’ll Fly Away
The Paramedic’s Hymn……………………………………Revive Us Again
The Judge’s Hymn……………………………………….Almost Persuaded
The Psychiatrist’s Hymn………………….Just A Little Talk With Jesus
The Architect’s Hymn…………………………..How Firm A Foundation
The Credit Card Telemarketer’s Hymn………A Charge To Keep I Have
The Zookeeper’s Hymn………………..All Creatures of Our God & King
The Postal Worker’s Hymn………………………………….So Send I You
The Waiter’s Hymn………………………………………Fill My Cup, Lord
The Gardener’s Hymn…………………..Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming
The Lifeguard’s Hymn……………………………….Rescue the Perishing
The Criminal’s Hymn……………………………………Search Me, O God
The Baker’s Hymn………………….When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder
The Shoe Repairer’s Hymn………………………It Is Well With My Soul
The Travel Agent’s Hymn………………………….Anywhere With Jesus
The Geologist’s Hymn…………………………………………Rock of Ages
The Hematologist’s Hymn………………Are You Washed in the Blood?
The Menswear Clerk’s Hymn……………………………..Blest Be the Tie
The Umpire’s Hymn………………………….I Need No Other Argument
The Librarian’s Hymn…………………………………..Whispering Hope
Now, for those who enjoy speeding (you know who you are!), a few hymns for you:
45 mph…………………………………………..God Will Take Care of You
55 mph………………………………….Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
65 mph……………………………………………….Nearer My God to Thee
75 mph…………………………………………………….Nearer Still Nearer
85 mph………………………………………..This World Is Not My Home
95 mph……………………………………………..Lord, I’m Coming Home
Over 100 mph……………………………………………Precious Memories
Don’t Miss The Our Generation Camp!
Do you know a young person wanting to make a difference in the world? Maybe you’re the person. Maybe it’s somebody you know. Well, I want to personally invite you to an event that could change your life… The Our Generation Camp.
This camp is specially designed for teens and college aged young adults that are interested in missions and world evangelism. It is actually organized by missionaries, and it is one of the most exciting weeks of the year!
It will be held at the Fort Bluff Camp and Conference center in Dayton, TN from May 30-June 3. There is a track for Middle and High school students and another track for college students and singles.
I encourage you to check out the website for more information and to register.
My family and I plan to be there. If we can help you in any way or answer any questions for you, lease let us know!
The Vance Family 