Students challenged to find their calling

HAWKINS—With tears of brokenness streaming down their cheeks and hands reaching toward the heavens, more than 450 youth from around the state joined in worship, filling the campus of Jarvis Christian College as part of Camp Exalted.

The Texas Baptist camp for urban students challenged youth to focus on God, learn about him and break through spiritual barriers in their lives.

“This experience is designed to introduce some to Christ, enrich the walk of those who already have a relationship with Christ and clarify the direction of those youth who have been called to serve,” said Joe Fields, director of Camp Exalted and pastor of New Beginnings Church in Flower Mound.

“The experience allows students to find the boldness to stand up for Christ in places they weren’t able to before,” Fields said. “Our goal is that they will fall more in love with Christ and want to serve him more every day. It isn’t just an overnight process.”

Camp Exalted is made possible through the Baptist General Convention of Texas Co-operative Program and the Mary Hill Davis Offering for Texas Missions.

Speakers and team leaders challenged campers to find their callings and make an impact on others for Christ.

“I’ve realized God is someone I can always run to,” said 12-year-old Zhane Lovelady. “Now I’m not ashamed to tell others about him.”

The camp is meant to equip youth with biblical truths and encourage them to take action, Fields said.

“Young people have so much to offer the Lord,” Fields said. “And he is calling them each into service. Only when they are obedient to Christ will they have fulfillment and joy.”

Fields believes student responses will vary.

“It could mean going overseas as a missionary, ministering to people in their high school, being a chaplain to their football team or being obedient to their parents,” Fields said. “I don’t dare say exactly how the Spirit will work in their lives.”

No matter their calling, Fields believes students left Camp Exalted changed.

“Anytime you can get young people to a place and position where they can hear God without distractions, it will encourage them to embrace and respond to Christ’s message for their life.”

Thirteen-year old Larrita McHenry is one example.

“I had a lot of problems at home before I came to camp,” she said. “But Christ came into my life, and I know it’s going to make me change a lot.”

Camp events included recreational time, team-building activities, Bible studies, prayer and worship. Fields hopes students were affected by the emphasis on working as a community of believers. 

“Christianity is not a solo journey,” Fields said. “When we are acting as a team, it creates a strong and powerful fellowship. God is asking young people to be a model and set biblical standards for this generation.”