(The testimony of Hannah Portugal, a participant of the April 2007 Youth Fellowship camp, “Christ: Life from the Grave.” Her love note to the Lord…)

Dear God,

This is a beautiful place, and even if I'm two days late, I'm glad to be here. It's a quiet place, blessed with the beauty of your Creation. Thank You, Lord, for sending me here. Truly, You are the God of perfect timing. I came not knowing what exactly to expect, and then I realized I am spiritually dehydrated.

Through fellow campers, speakers, Ates and Kuyas, You provided for me and helped me find the joy and fulfillment of being Your child. The camp blessed me in so many ways. Pastor Sandy's expositions dropped like lead into my stomach. A sin to complain? I didn't realize that. What caught me, though, was when we were told, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world." Deep inside, I knew I was slowly slipping away from the person You wanted me to be, Lord. I knew that, oftentimes, I did things without heart – singing, speaking, living.

Thank You for reminding me what it meant to be Your servant. Thank You for drawing me closer to You – for teaching me to love those You love, and for giving me the assurance that You will always be with me.

Camp was just what I needed – a spiritual reawakening. Indeed, life from the grave.

Hannah