The Final Day In Prison Camp
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Sunday, the last day of camp, is always bittersweet. But even though it was the day of goodbyes, we still had the final service to look forward to. We were greatly encouraged from the blessings of the previous day, and anticipating what the Lord had left in store for us.
The Holy Spirit was near as the music was playing and everyone joined together in song and worship. Brother John Katyale came and recapped the reason we were there: to become prisoners for Christ. "To be a prisoner is not easy," he said. "But you need to follow what the Leader says to do." He emphasized the importance of staying in the Word. Brother John said that many say to him, "You speak many testimonies. What is your secret?" He simply replies, "I listen to the Voice of God every day." His short, ten minute expression was a perfect introduction to the message we were to listen to. It was our theme message - A Prisoner.
Now, God, take us, will You? Take our hearts and our will in Your Own hand, and let us become prisoners, tonight, to the Word, to Christ. May we live godly lives here. May these women, these young women, these young men, boys and girls, surrender their life, Lord. And may their ambition become the ambition to serve Jesus Christ. And let us become a prisoner of His Divine grace and will. Grant it, Lord. It's all I know to do, Lord. These little broke-up words, and I--I trust that You will put them together, rightly. Cause, it's hot in here, and people want to listen, but it's real warm. And many have to go home and go to work early. But may those seeds just lay into their heart, "a prisoner."
As we listened to the Voice of God, the Lord came down once again and swept His sweet Spirit through the audience. It was a time of re-consecration. Brother Branham said in the message, "May young men and young women, everywhere, especially those who has heard the Message, tonight, ask themselves that same question, "Am I willing to become a prisoner, forsaking my own life?" We're thankful to say there were some who made that life-changing decision to forsake their own lives and become prisoners for Christ. But that's not all. There was at least one that wanted to be baptized.
Time was running out before the buses would arrive to take the youth to the airport and train stations, so we marched straight down to the water's edge after the morning service ended. Those who wanted to be baptized quickly changed and met their witnesses on the lake shore. Before walking out on the dock, Brother John asked Brother Paul if he would read some Scripture and speak a few encouraging words on baptism. While Brother John was already churning the waist deep water, he called for those to be baptized. Not just one, but five eager, young hearts stepped out of the crowd without delay, and walked the planks of the dock to where the brothers were waiting. Those left on the shore were singing songs of thanksgiving, and suddenly changed the tune - "On Jordan's Stormy Bank I Stand." One at a time, they lowered themselves into the water and waded over to Brother John. In one motion, he said "Lord, I baptize them in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of their sins," and plunged them into the water. Brother John then made a final call for any others wishing to go into the waters and become prisoners for Christ. One more came rushing down the dock. Then another! A total of seven souls took on the Name of the Lord Jesus in Christian baptism. It was the perfect number of completion for the ending of a wonderful camp. Truly this was a special day.
After a quick lunch, everyone grabbed their luggage and gathered at the exit gate of the campground. The buses were waiting. It was a bittersweet moment of goodbyes. The Lord had drawn many together during the short four days of prison camp, but we knew we would someday meet again. If not in Ukraine, then in a Place where no language or distance barriers will exist. We're all longing for that day.
It was sad to see our new friends pull away, but in a way, we did keep part of them with us. Throughout the length of the camp, we were able to video many of the young people from different parts of Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia. Since they can't be here for themselves, we thought we would bring them to you. Many expressed their love for the Lord, and for their brothers and sisters around the world. Though we're thousands of miles across the sea, we're all bound by this life-giving Message God has revealed to each of our hearts.
