We have this Hope.

What an amazing week!!

We just finished our second camp week. This week we partnered with the Zlin youth group and the American team from CFC in Evansville, Indiana. I am so impressed with how camp turned out - it was a great time for students and leaders. I so badly want to communicate the success and joy of the camp, and I believe that pictures can really help me out here. So here are just a few...

Everyday we had played "sports" on the field/hill. Filip and Michael from the Czech team were super creative and this time was always really fun. Here we are playing Human Bumper Cars - Don't touch your engine or you'll blow up!

The main meeting area: all meals, evening programs and morning announcements were held here. It was also a great place for games; students could be found here during free time and around meal-time.

David (Zlin youth group leader and one of my students!!!) gave his testimony during the Evening Program. Notice there are two speakers - everything must be translated!!!

 Many testimonies were shared throughout the week. The students heard the gospel very early on and several responded not even half-way through camp! - both believers and nonbelievers! It was so great to be able to speak freely about Jesus only a couple days into the week. The students knew what we are about and why we have this hope and joy!!

TALENT SHOW!! The students were soooo creative! Here Sarah Burge and Amy Hartman's class is performing the 2012 Olympic Ceremony. Their swimming routine (with music from Pirates of the Carribean) was incredible. Be impressed.

Our intern leaders - Matt and Amy Hartman - on their 15th wedding anniversary! (July 27; also Ben's birthday). Amy's mom, Sylvia was able to join us for the camp and surprised her children with loads of pastries for the entire camp!

A few of the girls during the concert on Friday night.

The Band. Even though all the songs were in Czech, the music was certainly enjoyable that final Friday evening.

Saturday morning, the Americans (and a Canadian) were given signed Czech flags as a thank you!!!

And here is a video!!! Friday, the final day of classes, was Ben's birthday; my class came down to visit Ben's class to sing a Czech birthday song.

What a joy this week has been. The message of the camp was woven throughout the week: like both sons in the parable of the prodigal son, we try our best to reach the "good life." We might go after fun and excitement or just stick to the rules to get ahead; either way, we come out feeling empty. Run to your heavenly father through Jesus Christ - He is Greater Than the 'good life,' "freedom," chaos, rules... He will not leave us empty; those who hope in the Lord will not be put to shame!! I know that God has used this week-long message to change lives - including mine. 
Thanks again for joining our journey.

Rejoice in the Lord always,

Esther.