Looking Back While Moving Forward

This last month has been filled with a lot of travel, speaking, reunions, goodbyes, and meetings. I wanted to take a moment to highlight a few key events from this last month, and then share with you a peek into the future.Camp Lurecrest- Bearwallow 2This year I was able to speak alongside my Father, Brett Ray, at Camp Lurecrest. This week was special because it was the last time that my dad was ever going to speak for Camp Lurecrest. It was a humbling experience as we met with people my dad had influenced over the years through his ministry at Camp Lurecrest.We spent the week speaking on how Jesus is the only way to salvation. How it is only through the blood of Jesus that we are made right and sin is removed. We talked about our need for a Savior and how God was (and still is) calling every camper to a relationship with him.Each chapel was precious as we counted down the days until his final chapel session.At his last chapel session, we had a short service led by the camp directors: David Butts and Jeremy White. We celebrated 28 years of ministry and service with a video of different testimonies from different people who my dad mentored over the years spent at Lurecrest.Without saying a word, every heart cried the same thing: I want a legacy like Brett Ray’s! A legacy that is built upon reliance and dependence on Jesus. A ministry that is built on obedience to the Holy spirit. A teaching that always points to the the majesty of the Father. The night was magical, and I’m not sure I will ever experience a chapel session quite like it.New Venture CampTwo weeks ago I spoke for New Venture camp. Every camper that attended New Venture, was placed in the foster care system because of neglect or abuse. For many of the campers, this camp is the only place that they get to hear the gospel preached, and see it lived out by adults that care about and love them. This camp, although difficult in its nature, has consistently been my favorite week of teaching I do every year. This year, was the same.This year I focused on the basics of the Christian faith. That we are created to experience relationship with God, it’s why we exist. Sin separates us from experiencing life the way that God intended it to be. The world is broken and we are broken because of personal and corporate sin. Jesus Christ has come and is the only way to experience oneness with God. Now we can look forward to the hope of final restoration in heaven!I’m always surprised how the youth respond to camp. It’s fun to see them glow during activities. It’s fun to see them listening during chapel, and asking questions when they are confused.I left New venture feeling like God had moved in the hearts of the campers. I pray that the Gospel is deeply rooted in the hearts of these campers. Many returned to difficult situations at home. I pray for steadfastness in the face of adversity.The Return Home4 days ago I stepped through the threshold of Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center. It felt like a wonderful breath of fresh air to be home. As I write this, we are in our second day of vision casting and dreaming up a brand new Emmaus program.Today we went back through our mission and vision, and we’re praying through what we believe God is calling us to do with our program. I am so excited to share more with you about what we are creating and what we believe God is doing here in Orlando! Stay tuned.