Today’s evening program culminated with an interactive experience where students were encouraged to process the realities about Jesus that they have heard so far this week.  Everything up to tonight begged a single question: “why Jesus?” – why did he need to die on the cross, or even come at all for that matter.  From the “I am” statements that Jesus made, this is how the gospel message came together:

• Jesus is the light of the world.  He came to reveal truth about God the Father, us, and the way to both abundant life here eternal life later.
• Jesus is the good shepherd.  He cares for his flock and would lay down his life for his sheep.
• Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life – he is the only way to the God the father and he created a way for us to get to the father.  There are no other true paths to the abundant life we desire.
• Jesus is the resurrection and the life – (tonight’s message) – The path to salvation was explained through scriptures from the book of Romans (all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, the wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus,  if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved).

I am always impressed by how seriously the Czech youth think about scripture that is presented to them.  Tonight was a night of thinking and reflection.  For some it was a time to process the new message that they have heard.  For others – those that are churchgoing but have not yet decided to follow Jesus, it was a call to belief.  Still others, who are already believers, it was a good reminder of God’s heart to reach and save the lost.  We have about 36 hours left at English camp before we transition to follow-up activities.  The entire team is praying for God’s wisdom as we continue to interact and encourage these young people that we have come to care for so much.