Oneblaze

By Sean Stewart

Franklin, Tennesssee

USA

This Oneblaze event will be a time to encounter God and be changed forever,’ read the brochure for the Newfrontiers-USA Youth Camp 2006. For those who came, from nine different churches, this statement would become more than an inspiring advert. God was about to work in ways that would literally change them forever!

A new direction

The week marked the last ever Oneblaze youth camp at Lake of the Ozarks. Under the direction and leadership of Matt Sweetman (Lees Summit, USA), who had been inspired by the effect that Newday had on cities in the UK, in 2007 we’ll be invading the streets of St Louis, making way for the rule and reign of God through social action projects, outreaches and media events.

We were greatly blessed to have Joel Virgo, his wife Kate and their two children Hudson and Talitha there to enjoy the week with us and stir us on in the mission of Jesus. Joel served us amazingly well, envisioning us to take risks and sell out for the sake of the kingdom of God.

The week consisted of great food, extreme games, musicals, finger paintings, nights of intense worship and teaching on Joshua and Nehemiah.

The night

On Wednesday, Matt informed us that several young men had spent their early morning in prayer for the night. Joel came into the counselor meeting with shoes off and ready for battle. ‘I removed my shoes,’ he explained, ‘because we are standing on holy ground tonight.’ You could feel the weight of the Spirit as the kids started to pack the hall. Joel’s call for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, after a message encouraging us to have our own encounter with God, emptied the seats. Not one person could escape the power of God that night, nor the long deafening war cry that left our ears ringing and throats sore. I have never seen the power of God displayed like this before. Everyone encountered God.

That night three guys gave their lives to Jesus and were filled with the Holy Spirit for the first time! Their lives were truly changed forever! It was a fitting end to Oneblaze youth camp. We now turn our attention, hearts and prayers to the summer of 2007. St Louis here we come!