Nothing beats Iowa in the summer

Pete Smith, our Director of Youth Ministries, wrote the following post to give the BUMC community a window into the summer trip he and a group of youth went on during the last week of July.

***********************************************

To me nothing beats Iowa in the summer. The corn is higher than an elephant’s eye and as green as it can be. And you absolutely can’t beat Iowa sunsets and fireflies (aka lightening bugs). Another thing that lies near to my heart about summer in Iowa is Riverside Bible Camp. For 3+ years I have tried to relay this love to the youth here at BUMC and finally it worked! A group of 14 youth went to High School week at Riverside Bible Camp in Story City, IA!

We left on a Saturday and visited Ames, IA (my old stomping ground) and then camp took over on Sunday. For the entire week the youth were able to praise God, learn and discuss about God and do other fun and exciting activities. To me the best part of the week was the Sunday after we returned. God was truly moving in the lives of most of these youth and it was evident to both myself and their parents. This week of camp got discussions going between parents and kids. This week of camp broke down some walls that these youth so defiantly built. God was moving at Riverside, but He was also moving in the ride across Nebraska and in the houses of the youth here in Colorado.




Praise God for a great week, safe travels and renewed hearts! He is faithful and mighty in how He works, which was so evident to me after a wonderful week of camp. Thank you for all of your support and prayers as well. It was fun to be away and in a supportive community like Riverside, but it is also good to know that we were coming back to another supportive community here at BUMC.

pete