Cross Talk is one of the most special nights out here at LLYC. It’s the one night that we completely dedicate to giving our campers the option of coming to Christ. The kids continually hear about the Love of God and they always have the ability to talk about it with counselors. This night is simply completely set aside for it and distraction free.
Cross Talk is a bit more serious than a normal Round Up. The talk is mainly focused on the price Jesus paid for us on the cross and the free gift of forgiveness that He offers us.
After round up we give the campers time to go reflect on the talk by themselves. The kids find a quiet spot to sit and think about the offer that was presented to them just moments before. Counselors are available and ready to answer any questions that the kids may have or pray with them if they feel ready to make the decision. After a while a bell rings and camp meets down by the waterfront for a bonfire and songs of worship.
We realize that not all kids are going to be ready to make this decision, and while it’s our prayer that they one day will, we see the power in “planting seeds.” It’s not our job to save, for only God can save. We are merely messengers, and as long as we allow Christ to work and speak through us, we have done our job.
During one session at Singing Hills Kyle Blankenship gave the Cross Talk. He told a story of Dick and Rick Hoyt, a father and son team that competed in marathons and triathlons. Rick was disabled but when he was inspired by an article in a running magazine his father began training and went on to push, carry, or pull Rick in 1,032 endurance events including six Ironman triathlons.
Kyle’s purpose in showing this video was to demonstrate John 3:16 which reads, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Just as Dick loved his son Rick enough to put serious strain on his own body, God loved us enough to give His only Son to save us.
Kyle finished his talk by shaving his head. This was to represent the transformation that happens when you give your life to Christ. “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
Someday, one of our campers may be grown and come to a place where he or she realizes that nothing on earth can bring them joy and give them a life worth living. When that happens, we pray they remember their time at Laity Lodge Youth Camp. In a moment such as that, the Lord will be sure that someone is present to water the seed that was planted many years before.
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