my parents - even though I'm sure there were days when they would have liked me to be away for a few weeks!  Thomas' request was from his heart and I knew it - he was truly uncomfortable.

At the time, I realized I had never been faced with such a request at camp.  Yet, I was ready to bring him home, if that is what he really wanted.  But I had an idea - two ideas, actually.  First, I thought he could come with me to the nearby resort where we get our ice for drinking water and he could then call his parents and perhaps that would make him feel a bit better.  But, before we went, the second idea was to pray about this situation.  I asked Thomas if we could do just that and he thought it would be a good idea.  So we did.  In that campy-smelling, green tent, Thomas and I prayed for God's guidance.  We prayed that God would help him in his decision to return home or to stay.  We prayed for God's protection and for His wisdom in this moment.  And we prayed that whatever happened, that we would give thanks and praise to God for His care and His love.

Thomas made his phone call.  He was glad to talk with his parents.  He was still a bit uncertain about remaining at camp.  But he gamely agreed to give it another night at least.  We both agreed that if he still desired to go home the next day, Tuesday, then that would be just fine and that was what God would have led us to.

Thomas stayed the whole week.  When Friday rolled around, he came up to me and told me something which I hope I shall always remember.  "Pastor Daren," he said, "that prayer really worked!  I had a great time this week.  It went by so fast!  I am glad I didn't go home."

You see, when you abide in Christ, you can accomplish anything.  When you don't, you can do nothing apart from him.  These fine young persons are here today to claim discipleship in Jesus Christ.  They are here to share with you how they believe in him and in God.  They understand that they do not know everything they need to know.  They understand that they are on an adventurous journey of faith which may lead them to action.  That is what baptism is all about.  That is what confirmation is all about.  A call to action.  Thomas and I prayed for God's action.  It happened!  We rejoiced!  End of story!  The beginning of a wonderful relationship with God! 

The disciple of Christ abides in him - and that requires action.  Are you ready for action today?