We’re All in This Together

“We’d rather stay and spend our afternoon here.”  This was the response from a Jonesboro, Arkansas, youth group, assigned to one of our camps this past June.  They were in Lexington for LexReach, which coincides with the Ichthus Music Festival.  Youth groups from all over the country convene on our area, doing service projects Monday through Thursday, then head to Wilmore on Thursday afternoon for a weekend at Ichthus. 

Come Friday afternoon, when most of the youth groups had already set up their campsites and were busy enjoying an afternoon of concerts, the Jonesboro kids decided they’d rather stay and help us at our joint project with Broadway Christian Church, Camp Can-I-Go.  They had enjoyed serving earlier in the week so much, they couldn’t tear themselves away.

What a perfect example of what Urban Impact is all about!  Our goal is to connect different ministries in order to impact the youth of our community and train them up to be the next generation of leaders.  Not only were the kids from Arkansas involved, it was such a joy to see folks from Broadway Christian, other area churches, local restaurants, the Coolavin neighborhood, and Urban Impact staff all working together.  When the Body of Christ works cohesively, awesome things happen.  Stopping by that Friday at lunch time to deliver Chick-fil-A nugget trays was definitely a highpoint of my summer.

The rest of the summer was filled with similar situations.  We partnered with Crossroads Christian Church in taking campers to Be Attitude, in Jackson County.  We experienced a week filled with artistic creativity during our Live It Lex worship arts camp for middle and high schoolers.  Facilitators from around the area poured into kids, we experienced youth led worship, kids created some great pieces, and lives were impacted.  We finished our summer by assisting at the Woodhill Park Back to School Rally.  Again, people from all over the community were present, passing out backpacks, serving lunches, and helping families have a great day.

It’s been a blessing-filled summer working with others who desire to share Jesus with kids, just like we do.  June through August would have looked very different without all of our wonderful partners. We’re definitely in this together!

Debbie Monck, Program Assistant