Why English Camp...

This week a group of studnets are gathered in Vinni for the annual March English Camp. This camp is for the 8th straight year done in conjuction with Northwest Bible Church in Ohio, the same church that I came from before I moved to Estonia.

People often ask, why do English Camps and what is so special about them. I wish I could explain it, but its really a miracle of sorts. The camp is very simple, we take a group of studnets who want to practice and learn English and match them with a group of young Americans who can make that a reality. The camp is full of large group meetings with videos, games, skits, music and someone sharing about a particular theme. The students then spend time in small groups with the Americans and some local estonian leaders. The camp also has lots of free time, sports, movies and a lot of hanging out.

From a ministry persepctive, this is one of the most effective tools we have seen in Estonia. The camp is 100% relational. We are all together, eating sleeping and having a lot of fun. The leaders have a chance to spend time with the students and invest their lives. During these camps we see students take significant steps in their faith and in starting a relationship with Christ. For years many of the students in our church first started a relationship with Christ at the camp, or it was the first place they really started to think about it. English Camps year after year after year continue to be a huge funnel for not only our church, but other churches in Tartu and others around Estonia who have participated in them.

Of course, English Camp is just a tool, but I think its a tool that has been blessed and for now one that we will continue to use and even help other churches around Estonia to use English to reach young people with Christ amazing message.