Well, whether we like it or not summer is soon drawing to a close. There are things to be thankful for, Hopefully cooler weather (sooner rather than later) for one, kids heading back to school being another, and of course things that we hate to see go, like… vacation, camp, and a great year at VBS.

I thought it was important to inform everyone as much as possible about the upcoming changes occurring on Wednesday evenings this fall. We have had a wonderful experience with AWANA over the past several years, it is an amazing program that served us well for a time and I can assure you the decision to make this change was not taken lightly. I am confident that your kids will have a life changing experience with our new program called, “Ignite Camp” starting August 27th. Before I explain how Ignite Camps will work I’d like to give you a little background as to why I feel children’s ministry is so vital.

Our culture is changing, almost every day I am blindsided by news stories involving children that I can hardly believe are true. It seems society is drifting farther from the light and we must be vigilant as leaders and parents in teaching our kids The Word of God and the importance of finding God’s purpose in their life. Without a higher calling to something other than sporting events, fashion, scholastics, power or financial success we will leave them exposed to the enemy and they will easily be led astray. Children are at an age where they are the more receptive to the gospel than at any other age of their life. That is an opportunity that we cannot let pass. Statistics tell us that 1 out of every 2 people who will ever accept Jesus as Lord and Savior will do so by the time they reach age 12. By the age of 21, 3 out of every 4 people who are going to Heaven have already made that choice. By the age of 9 years old a persons basic moral foundation has been formed, and by the age of 13 they have “IRREVOCABLY FORMED” the majority of their beliefs about the nature of God, the existence of Satan, The reliability and value of the Bible, the afterlife, the holiness of Jesus, being saved by grace, and the importance of the Spirit in our lives. In essence, statistics say that what kids believe by age 13 is what they will die believing. 4 out of 5 church leaders today grew up in church. Our time with them is so very important and influential. We must reach out. It is often said that kids are the future of the church, I couldn't disagree more, CHILDREN ARE THE PRIME RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CHURCH RIGHT NOW! I urge each of you to seriously consider spending some time as volunteers in one of our 4 eight week ignite camps this year. We will never fulfill God’s dream for our children without you. Now is the time to get involved.

The vision of Ignite Camp is to capture a child’s attention by creating an interactive, unpredictable, fun environment of learning and exploration of God’s Word, to give them experiences they cannot get anywhere else! At Ignite camp kids will be confronted with the Gospel message, inspired to develop a Christ-like character as they are challenged by relevant Biblical application and Godly mentors, and blessed to experience God’s presence through passionate worship, Bible knowledge and prayer. The environment we will create will be one of humor and energy, full of surprises with powerful worship, in time will partly be led by the kids themselves.

The first camp experience is called “SPY CAMP.” The opening night we are calling a “main event”, which will offer many of the kids a chance to ride in a helicopter. (again, experiences they will not get anywhere else). A typical night at Ignite Spy Camp will consist of our large group time, where kids will enjoy high octane worship and teaching of the word, small group time where they will study and discuss what they have learned, and two different rotation activities called recreation and mess hall. No two nights of Ignite Camp will ever be the same.

Whether you have kids or not we invite you to get involved. We have made serving in Genesiskidz ministry as easy as possible. We have split the Ignite sessions into 4 quarters of 8 weeks each. What I encourage you to do is serve 8 weeks and then attend 8 weeks of the men’s or women’s Bible Study. This ensures that you will reap the benefits and the fulfillment of making a difference in the lives of our kids as well as being fed and rejuvenated by the Word of God and the fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ. I ask that you direct as many people as you can to this website to spread the word, or send out a mass email inviting all the parents and kids in your neighborhood or community to attend the exciting new "ignite Camps" The best advertisement is word of mouth, so please do what you can to make sure this first IGNITE CAMP is a success. Remember kids must register to have a chance to ride the helicopter, This can be done by printing one of the attached forms and dropping it by the church office. Forms can also be downloaded from the website.

To sign up as a volunteer or to register your child please contact one of the ignite camp directors listed below or print one of the attached forms and turn it in. I look forward to serving each of you and your children over the next several months. My desire is that we will be a support to you as you raise your children to love and serve the Lord with their whole heart and serve His kingdom as long as they live.

His Kid,
Michael Branch, Kidz Pastor
Tammy Green, Ignite Director
Sherry Lenhart, Ignite Director