[Alive Update] 2017 Summer Plans

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I was sitting in a sticky Bob Evans booth eagerly awaiting my Border Scramble Omelet. Across from me sat a youth leader named Craig who was speaking into my life. It was the summer of 2004, I was a bitter and lonely 17-year-old church kid. I was listening to Craig through the clinking of utensils and overly loud chewing of an adjacent booth neighbor and something incredible began to happen. Jesus was becoming beautiful to me.

I will never forget that summer. It was filled with youth nights, stupid games, hilarious skits, deep talks, meals, weekend beach trips and the worship night where Jesus made me his own. It was a time of deepening relationships which allowed guys like Craig to speak truth, correction and ultimately Jesus into my life. I say all of this so you can know my heart as we go into this Summer.

AliveSummerCalendar2017It’s easy to look at the Alive Summer schedule and see dollar signs, time driving and conflicting events. I absolutely understand. That’s why I want you to know that we don’t take your sacrifices lightly. When we created these events, we didn’t set out to create a bunch of fun events for the sake of fun alone. We have our eyes on what good times, laughter and memories create; friendship. God used the friendship of youth leaders in my life to turn me away from longstanding sins and to trust in Christ for forgiveness. That’s the heart our Alive leaders carry with them.

So, I’m asking you to sacrifice and pray. Please, in whatever ways possible, make the Alive events a priority this Summer. I know that there are multiple schedules that are all demanding the same from you. But I pray you hear the heart behind our schedule and begin to hope with us for what our God can do through this Summer in your teens lives. Please pray for us from 2 Thessalonians 1:11 

“To this end we always pray for you that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power…”

We have resolved for this summer to be for the good of your teens. We see every event as a work of faith which we hope will be met with power. I hope you also see your sacrifice as a work of faith. Please partner with us in this work and prayer.

I would like to highlight one event over the others. I know that everyone will not be able to make every event. So please take my humble suggestion to prioritize the Alive Camps. I’m aware that the financial cost is real but we have created multiple ways for your teens to raise the money on their own. Would you consider envisioning your teen for this trip? There is something unique about taking extended time away from their surroundings. It allows the teens to slow down and re-think the priorities in their life.

I love an illustration I heard years ago. Even a penny can block our view of the sun if we hold it close enough to our eye. I truly believe these camps have the potential to move things that seem so important to your teens out of the way so that they might behold the beauty of Christ.

Thank you for the trust and privilege you have given me and the leaders to spend time with your kids. It’s because of this trust and your sacrifices that we get opportunities to speak into their lives. So please pray with us that throughout this Summer, God would meet us in power for the good of your teens.

Your brother,

Shane Kohout

 

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