Note: All of the good pictures were taken by an amazing photographer, Mareks Steins, who spent the week at camp with us.
Despite COVID, Luke was able to participate with BPI Draft Camps again this year. Because of the low COVID positive case numbers, Latvia actually allowed camps to take place this summer as long as the camps had not more than thirty participants. The observe these limits, thre were two simultaneous camps which operated independently at the same location.
Luke co-lead a team this year, but because of his co-leader’s other camp responsibilities, Luke was responsible most of the team’s discussion times and activities. Each year, Luke feels like he is able to learn from his previous experiences and minister a little better to these young men. Based on these experiences, Luke used Soularium, a tool from CRU, which helped him to get to know the teenagers and spark spiritual conversations. He also gave them a 21-day Bible reading challenge through the book of Mark so that they could continue reading the Bible after camp. Several of the students have been reading the Bible and one of the students even came and worshiped with our church on a Sunday morning.
We would love if you would join us in praying of these seven young men that Luke was able to invest in during that week.
We are grateful for the opportunities that Luke was given this year despite our still developing language skills. Not only was Luke able to co-lead a small group, but he also was responsible for a number of other leadership roles like leading the campfire talk and leading some devotional talks. Obviously, the leadership could have asked a Latvian to fill these roles, but they continue to give Luke opportunities to serve and grow.
For those who aren’t familiar with the BPI Draft camps (see our previous posts from 2018 and 2019), one of the major focuses of the camp is physically challenging the boys so that they learn to persevere mentally, physically, and spiritually. This year was no different, though the water was a little colder (around 60F) which made it more difficult for the boys:
One of the highlights every year is the 2AM hike to the sea where the boys are awoken with sirens, brought outside, and then given five minutes to get dressed and pack everything they need to spend the night outside. The boys are then blindsided and marched for a couple of miles to the sea:
But the highlight of the hike is not seeing the shocked, confused faces of the boys. The hike’s true purpose is revealed when the boys remove their blindfolds and find themselves at the cemetery by the sea. Each year, the gospel is presented and the boys are encouraged to reflect on the shortness and unpredictability of life. Somethings (like this hike) come completely unexpected and the question is are we prepared to meet them both now and in eternity? Then after spending the night by the sea, we were able to warm up for the day by running the two miles or so back to camp.
Each year continues to get better and we are excited about the leadership and potential impact of this camp. This year, Luke is actually helping with a mentoring program to help these young men continue to grow while they await winter mini-camp and next year’s second level camp. Here are a few more pictures to give you a glimpse of camp life.
