21/1/12 Ignite Prayer and Praise Points

Praise

• That the girls opened up and are very welcoming and sow love towards each other.
• Hearts opening that have been closed for many years! Let his kingdom come!
• The fact that a number of campers were just in awe of what Christ has done for them last night and were eager to keep praising him througouht the evening.
• Year 9 worship sesh on the hill.
• For the new Christians coming out of last night, and those who recommitted.
• For growing unity and community in year groups.

Prayer

• For perseverance and energy for leaders.
• That those challenged by Ron’s talk will continue to maintain that conviction when they leave.
• That Christ’s endurance and passion would be sown in the hearts of those whe the Spirit touched this week – the seeds of that encounter wouldn’t just be among thorns and rocks.
• For continued safety.
• For continue safety for campers.
• For campers who are recommitting having had a tough year – pray for their journey after camp.
• For Safety in packup and travel back to church tomorrow.
• For reflection on what has been experienced and understood.
• For the continued questions after the night session last night.

Prayer Points – Thursday

Praise

• For great teamwork from Year 13 in getting the creative night together.
• For the enthusiasm of Year 7 and 8 as they served weeding yesterday.
• For the youth accepting leaders (even new ones) into their groups and slowly opening up.
• For the enthusiasm that the kids have been showing for the activities and Ron’s talks.
• For the Year 8 girls and their ability to be open, honest and real with each other
• For Jesus – he is with us!
• For kids who aren’t regulars at church/youth group being welcomed and included.

Prayer

• For continued openness and learning as Year 13 explore their faith and thoughts on life.
• For energy for leaders!
• For canamping – safety and enthusiasm and good bonding between year groups (Years 9 and 10)
• For meaningful discussions in the evening at canamping
• That youth will remember to show love to each other and listen to each other.
• For safety for the Year 12 offsite afternoon/night.
• That leaders would get deeper and deeper with our Jesus, and it would empower us to love/love with the youth.
• For Wongo’s injured ankle.

The TAWG Police’s final stand

Some years ago a group of Yr 12 boys made a movie at Ignite called ‘The TAWG Police’ – brandishing law and order during the part of the day when campers spent ‘Time Alone With God.’

Looking at the program, rookie houseparents Al and Vikki McEwan, suspected that the boys in blue might again be required to enforce the half hour to forty-five minute period in which campers are encouraged to spend time on their own – reflecting on the Bible, using material written by some of the senior campers, or just thinking about life.

However, this was not the case. On their first full day as house parents, they confessed shock at the fact that when they went on a patrol of the campsite during the first TAWG, they found most campers sitting quietly by themselves. This certainly wasn’t always the case on Ignite. But, with the majority of campers being serial-Igniters, some of whom do TAWGs regularly at home, the routine of a number of years has bred a culture in which doing a TAWG each morning at Ignite is just what happens.

As much as this may have been surprising for Al and Vikki, it was refreshing and encouraging for those of us who have been around Ignite for some time and to whom the gradual change is less obvious.

Isn’t it great that spending personal time with the God of the universe has become the norm for 130 campers, at least for this week of the year?

So for now, at least, the TAWG Police (some of whom are now leaders) can hand in their badges. And tazers, if this was Victoria.

Prayer Points – Ignite Tuesday

Praise

• That although we can’t live an unshakeable life, we can have an unshakeable hope.
• That we have time to worship together
• For the large group of Year 9 girls on camp, particularly the girls who don’t normally go to youth group or church
• The servant hearts of leaders and youth involved in the worship sessions – doing music, dance, prayer, bible reading.
• Lots of new campers of all ages.
• This amazing opportunity to share with kids who haven’t met Jesus
• An excellent bus trip
• A great first session (Monday evening)

Prayer

• That our youth will understand and embrace our unshakeable hope.
• Restful sleep for all, for health and energy.
• That God will reveal himself and be revealed by our community
• Humility for those serving up the front
• First time campers – pray that they would feel welcomed and excited about the Ignite experience, and of course God
• Group cohesion, stronger community, sense of inclusion for all
• That campers would be enthused and get involved in activities and seminars