Bagdad—Like many other teens throughout the years, Aaron Prather came to the Crossings camp at Cedarmore because it sounded like a blast, with the zip lines, messy games, bazooka ball and swimming.
“I had a bunch of friends going, and I thought maybe this would be a fun experience,” he said.
With no spiritual expectations in mind, Prather attended a worship service at Crossings that changed his whole world, he said. The camp pastor talked about how the prophet Hosea was prompted by God to marry a prostitute, and Hosea continued to pursue her even in her unfaithfulness.
“That really struck home, because I realized that I was always falling away from the lessons I was taught. I would never really obey Christ,” Prather said. “I realized that I was ready to give my life over to Christ and that night, I was saved by the glory of God.”
Prather’s story is not unique.
Through their two locations at Cedarmore in central Kentucky and Jonathan Creek near Land Between the Lakes, Crossings summer camps attract record-breaking numbers of young people every year.
So far this summer, Crossings has recorded 440 first-time decisions to accept Christ as Savior.
In addition to the hundreds of salvations, the camp also provides an environment that helps young Christians grow closer in their walk with God.
“I’ve seen God use Crossings to work in my life by showing me ways I’m not being obedient and not following him like I should be,” said camper Gabby Wasson.
Youth Pastor John Hedberg said the camps are always “a very fruitful time” in youth evangelism.
“Each year we have students surrender to Christ, grow deeper in their walk with Christ, and make life altering decisions,” said Hedberg, who serves at Kings Baptist Church in Taylorsville.
Changed lives don’t happen at just any summer camp. Dedication to the gospel and all-around excellence at Crossings set the camp apart from others like it, he said.
“Crossings has a unique way of training their camp staffers to be very intentional with both students and adult leaders,” Hedberg said. “I have not been a part of another camp in which the camp pastor and worship leaders interact with the students like at Crossings.”
With 13 more sessions left this summer, camp staffers will continue to minister to a record 13,000-plus total registered attendees, through which the number of salvations could easily reach or exceed last year’s 800 teens saved. (KBC)
Alison Pulliam