I had the opportunity in July to minister to a great group of third to fifth graders at Glad Tidings Bible Camp (located in northeastern Nebraska). The week was mostly hot and humid, but it was sprinkled with a few more manageable days. This Coloradoan is not accustomed to the humidly. But as the days passed, I became much more acclimated.
I began the week by asking the following question – “How many of you are not sure, if you were to die today, you would go to heaven?” About one-half to two-thirds of the campers raised their hands. One even said, “You cannot know for sure if you will go to heaven.” I assured the camper the Bible says that you can know for certain. On Thursday, I proclaimed the Gospel according to Genesis. I believe that in the book of Genesis we have one of the clearest presentations of the Gospel. Many campers, that same evening, trusted Jesus Christ as their Savior.
On Saturday morning, the last day of camp, I repeated the same question – “How many of you are not sure, if you were to die today, you would go to heaven?” This time only one person raised their hand (they were able to visit with a counselor after the session). I quizzed the other campers to see if they really were sure they were saved, and would go to heaven. They reassured me they were.
There was an interesting effect on the kids after the Gospel was presented on Thursday evening. Some of the campers were concerned, and many heartbroken, over loved ones who may have passed away without knowing Jesus Christ as their Savior. They were consoled by Glad Tidings’ counselors and staff… because only God knows for sure if they were saved or not. The main concern is loved ones who are still alive. They need to hear the Good News and believe!
How sure are you of your eternal destination?
Rich Stepanek
