by Cadance Tyler

We live in a world that focuses on the importance of the individual. This affects all spheres of our lives, and ministry is no exception. As Christians, it is important for us to look outside ourselves and partner with others to share God’s love with the world.

This year at Impact Mission Camps our theme is “One God/One Mission,” and our goal is to focus on missional living. Yes, we operate in a world of one, but as Christians, we see the number one with a different lens. A week at Impact Mission Camp is a way to learn about and live out what it means to be a part of one body of Christ, working together to serve one God with one mission. During Impact Mission Camps, individual participants come together to live in community and share God’s love through service and relationship building.  

The theme verse for camp this year is from John 17:18, which states: “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” In this Scripture passage, Jesus is praying for his disciples and all believers. As Christians, we are not tasked to be alone, looking out for our own good. We have been sent to work together, looking to Jesus Christ as our example of what it means to be about kingdom work in our communities. Impact Mission Camp is a place where believers of all ages are encouraged to be a part of what God is doing in communities around Virginia.  

At camp, working together for One God/ One Mission looks like churches from Virginia and beyond living in community, serving together, and returning to their own communities ready to live out their faith. While living together, students eat around a table full of food that was prepared by Disaster Response volunteers. They worship in the evenings and spend time together in reflection with their church groups. During the day, crews composed of students and adult volunteers complete projects aimed to help homeowners be safe, warm, and dry. Students are learning how to use tools and make repairs as skilled crew chiefs guide them along the way. Local community organizations partner with Impact Mission Camps, and BGAV churches are a huge support by providing housing, adult volunteers, and lunches for crews.

‍

A week of Impact Mission Camp is a great opportunity to grow spiritually, learn about other communities, and get excited to make mission a part of everyday life. Our prayer is that church youth groups and adult volunteers will leave camp with a contagious energy to continue serving God and loving their neighbors in their own communities. There are four great locations for Impact Mission Camps this summer, and we’d love to have you serve alongside us. To register and get more information, go to https://impactmissionsmovement.org/youth-missions/what-we-do/

Cadance Tyler is Mission Camp Coordinator for BGAV's Impact Missions team.