I’m wondering today if any of you have ever been to a revival. When I say revival, I mean an event that has literally revived your spiritual life.

There’s a church near my parents house that had a sign advertising a revival service for many years- they had a revival every Sunday. Seemed a little odd to routinely experience revival… but who knows.

For me, I’ve experienced a revival [almost] every summer since I was in 9th grade. FUEL, our national youth camp, is probably the main thing that’s had the biggest impact on my spiritual walk. Many of the counselors I met at FUEL were trusted adults I felt comfortable talking to as a kid- and these same people continue to be those that I look to as mentors in my present day life. I created real, quality friendships that have lasted longer and been stronger than any friendships I’ve ever made elsewhere. I’m still in contact with several camp friends. For comparison, I’m in contact with zero people from my high school.

Then a few years ago we made the switch from FUEL to Midwest Family Camp. Let me tell you, I still get the same nervous, excited feeling of anticipation I felt when I first arrived at FUEL years ago when I approach the Camp Mack sign for family camp each year. Butterflies in the stomach every time! The classes, the worship, the mentorship, the friendship, the great outdoors- it is like a spiritual defibrillator on a weary heart. And the cherry on top is getting to enjoy the experience alongside our children who love it as much as we do.

A few years ago I decided to spend my time really intentionally praying for my family while at family camp. I prayed very specifically for each member of our family, even Isla who was only a baby at the time, that God would give each of us a purpose and lead us to it. I prayed that each of us would return home with a clearer direction for our lives. So, I think J.J. was more surprised than I was when he felt an undeniable call (or maybe it was more of a forceful push) into ministry. It didn’t seem unexpected to me- because I had been praying for J.J.‘s direction and God responded. That was a big revival year for our whole family. I’m typing this email in the van, on the road to family camp. I’m praying for and expecting a bit of a revival again. I think I need it this year, especially after missing out last year.

Camp isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Trust me, I understand that! But getting yourself out of routine, and taking time to really reset, and purposefully choosing a moment of revival is something we all can do. Take your Bible on a walk, leave your phone at home and read in a place without distractions. Take a look at those basic spiritual disciplines and ask yourself where you’re lacking and recommit to good habits. Take a week and listen to the Family Camp playlist (if you want it, I’ll send it your way!)

This email is getting long, but one more thing. FUEL is kind of a big deal. It means more than words can say to so many kids. Life is tough for kids these days and there’s not a lot of opportunity for them to set aside time for Godly pursuits…and many kids aren’t getting much encouragement for these things either. I heard this week that kids that go to church camps tend to stay in the church. If you’ve got kids old enough for FUEL, please send them. If you’ve got some extra vacation time, sign up as a youth worker! If you’ve got an extra $5, donate it to the FUEL scholarship fund to help kids who don’t have the funds get there (I can direct you with how to do this if need be.) All of us can be covering this event in prayer, please say a few words for the staff as they prepare and the students that will be so positively impacted by this experience.