Citizens of God’s kingdom understand that the gospel is for everyone — not just adults. We are compelled by God’s love to disciple the young people near us. Neighborhood camps are a wonderful opportunity for building friendships and discipleship. See below for resources for day camps.
Hosting a neighborhood camp is a powerful way for churches to embody and share the love of Christ with their neighbors. These camps create opportunities for children and families to experience the joy of community, engage with the gospel in tangible ways, and build lasting relationships. Whether your church is looking to start a new engagement or enhance an existing program, past camp curricula can serve as valuable resources to guide and inspire your efforts.
Kingdom Living looks like loving your neighborhood by putting down roots. It looks like displaying your commitment to your neighbors’ flourishing, serving their children over the long haul, year after year. Read below the stories of GCI congregations that are building lasting relationships with the young people in their communities.
Jacksonville, Florida, US
The Jacksonville congregation hosted its annual neighborhood youth camp, known as “Grace Camp 2025,” June 11–14.
Camp was attended by 35 youth and 20 adult staff. More than half of the participants were neighbors from the homes near our church building. We held daily chapel with a curriculum entitled “God’s Amazing Grace Changes Everything.” The four chapel lessons were: Grace changes …
Who you are
What you love most
How you live
Your eternal future
We provided three meals a day, outdoor sports, arts and crafts, a dance, skits and talent presentations, water balloon contests, a block party, and an inspirational movie with discussion. We also enjoyed outings to a U.S. Navy destroyer ship and museum and to Jekyll Island, G.A. Activities on Jekyll Island included a dolphin boat tour and visits to a water park, a pier, beach, and picnic areas.
GC Pasadena had a very successful day camp last Sunday. All our members were involved in inviting and praying for campers. Seventeen campers attended with 12 volunteers helping.
Our camp ran from 9 am–5 pm with lots of food for everyone. Our theme was “God Created Science,” and we offered many interesting science activities. We gave the campers gifts and certificates of attendance after our worship service. Our normal Sunday format was adjusted for the campers.
One mother commented, “I like your church, and I haven’t attended any for a long time. I will attend your church.” Another mother, who we met through our food distribution, came with her two children.
Depending on our budget, we are planning to do this twice a year. Please continue to pray that these kids with parents will all come to believe that they are included in the life and love of our triune God. You can see more pictures at our website, although they cannot capture the joy everyone felt during the camp. I wish you all could have witnessed it yourself.
To God be the glory. All praises belong to him.
Angie with her husband, Sadie, pictured in the camp photo booth
By Angie Tabin, Pastor Pasadena, California, US
Richardson, Texas, US
Thirty-one children enjoyed summer fun and learning life skills at Richardson Neighborhood Skills Camp (RNSC), “Wild Skills,” July 7–9. Twenty-six volunteers, including Grace Communion Richardson members and adult leaders from the congregation’s American Heritage Girls Troop, shared practical, artistic, and relational skills with campers. It was a friendly, high-energy atmosphere from 10 am–4 pm each day.
RNSC provides space for adults to share their hearts, skills, abilities, and talents with neighborhood children in a cross-generational, relationship-building environment. We pointed to Jesus within our four basic guidelines:
Love God
Love Others
Have Fun
Be Safe
In this third year of RNSC, skills included: first aid, robotics, soldering, sign language, graphic design, videography, bicycle and auto care, hospitality, and party planning. Using song and dance, our camp also featured the relational skills of teamwork, helpfulness, encouragement, perseverance, accountability, and courage.
Overwhelmingly positive feedback from volunteers, parents, and children has already created excitement for next year when RNSC is expected to increase the number of children served and further our neighborhood focus.
By Christine Ojih, Camp Director Richardson, Texas, US
Did you know that at Filipino gatherings, there’s always that last piece of food on the plate that no one wants to take? We call it the “piece of shame” or hiya. It’s not that no one wants it — everyone just feels it would be selfish to take the last piece of food. So instead, they leave it for someone else.
Could that simple cultural moment reflect the heart of Jesus?
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3–4
That’s exactly what happens when we leave that last piece. It may seem small, but it’s a way of putting others first.
Jesus did that too — but in the most powerful way. He didn’t just give up a bite of food — he gave up his life. Jesus’ love is sacrificial. It gives, even when it costs something. And when we choose to be generous or put others first — yes, even with something as small as food — we’re reflecting a little bit of him.
So, next time you see that last piece of food, think of Jesus. Let it remind you to be someone who lives with humility, generosity, and love — not just at the dinner table, but in everything.
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you that even with this simple Filipino custom of hiya, we are reminded of your sacrificial and unconditional love for us. May we reflect more of your humility and generosity to others in our everyday lives. Amen.
By Jessica Joy Pamor, GC Pili Youth Leader Bicol, Philippines
Matthew chapter 20 provides insight into the deep wells of the human heart.
The mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.
“What is it you want?” he asked.
She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”
“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”
“We can,” they answered.
Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”
When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:20–28
The first lesson is the desire of a mother for recognition and promotion of her two sons. Perhaps she was prompted by her sons to make this bold request. They had seen over and over how Jesus was receptive to women and the special relationship he shared with his own mother. Perhaps James and John thought, “How could he deny her this request?”
These ambitious brothers (the “sons of thunder,” as they were called) wanted to be the right-hand and left-hand men for Jesus, not just now, but for the eternal kingdom. It was a big ask. Jesus’ reply was rather gentle, but straight to the heart of the matter. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” He alluded to the cup of suffering and death. Maybe it’s my sports background, but the phrase, “no pain, no gain” keeps echoing in my head. These young men acknowledged that they could drink the cup.
James became the first disciple martyred in the early years of the Church. John did not die a martyr’s death, however, in his exile to the isle of Patmos, one legend says that he was thrown into a pot of boiling oil and survived. I wonder if this acknowledgement of agreeing to drink the cup frequently ran through their minds.
The over-the-top request of the brothers incited the other ten disciples. How could they make such a request? Who did they think they were? We can only imagine what was going on in the thoughts of the disciple, Simon, especially since Jesus had declared to him that he would now be called Peter (“little rock”) on whom Jesus would build his church. Surely, John and James were witnesses to that event.
So, after this spat of ambition and competition, Jesus gave direct instruction that his followers will not act in the worldly ways that are prevalent around them. Greatness will be found in a life of service, becoming as humble as a slave who washes the feet of others, and laying down one’s life for others — the ultimate sacrifice. Praise God that Jesus (100% God and 100% man) willingly laid down his life for all humanity. He drank the cup of all cups that guarantees our salvation and the covenant of better promises.
Service and sacrifice are markers of Kingdom Culture, not aggressive ambition and cutthroat competition. Jesus declared, “It will not be so among you.” He showed the way for any who follow in his steps — it is from a posture of humility and an outward devotion to serve others. We too must drink the cup as we join Jesus in his economy of service and sacrifice.
On Pentecost Sunday, two young men were baptized: Byanmungu Nene (24) and Baraka Matendo Makoti (15), the son of Pastor Makoti.
It was a beautiful baptism service, and we are grateful to God that he called them and that they said yes to Jesus Christ, their Savior!
Afterwards, Pentecost was celebrated with an estimated 80 people present. There was exuberant singing, including a large children’s choir — the roof almost came off from all the enthusiasm!
Before communion and a tasty meal, Kahindo Kasinde preached about Pentecost and the power of God. And Pastor Frans gave a short sermon on how to love God above all and your neighbor as yourself, led by the Holy Spirit. It was a special and encouraging day!
By Frans Danenberg, Elder Almere, Netherlands
Mexico City, Mexico
Earlier this year, Diana Zarate Contreras and Edgar Morales Calderón chose to be baptized at the conclusion of a conference for various congregations across Mexico. The conference fostered fellowship, unity, and spiritual growth. I officiated the baptisms with Alfredo Oloño, and it was a joyful and meaningful experience that will be cherished forever!
Our first encounter with Diana was during her daughter’s baptism in 2022, which sparked a meaningful connection. She soon became an active member of our church, with her heartfelt desire to follow Jesus growing stronger each day. Currently, Diana serves as an usher and aspires to become a children’s teacher. She remains committed to her spiritual growth through ongoing training and dedication.
Edgar Morales initially approached the church seeking marriage counseling with Alfredo Oloño. Through a period of counseling and discipleship, he made the decision to be baptized, openly confessing his faith in Jesus Christ. Currently, he serves in the Connection Group in La Paz, State of Mexico. He and his wife are students in the Ministerial Development Program (MDP) offered by Communion of Grace International (CGI, as GCI is known in Spanish). Both Edgar and his wife have demonstrated a faith truly worthy of their calling.
We were blessed this year to host forty of our pastors and spouses from across the nation at the Home Office in Charlotte for our two New Wineskins events. Eighteen pastors and spouses attended the first event, held on April 3–May 3, and 22 pastors and spouses attended our second event, held on June 5–7.
Here are a few comments we received during and after the events.
“I appreciated the emphasis on Healthy Pastor from the beginning and a support for our mental, emotional, and spiritual health.”
“I really appreciated this workshop of high support and high challenge! The high support of connecting and praying with other pastors and national leadership team was priceless.”
“I believe these trainings are valuable not only for the conferences but also for the opportunity to hear ideas about the various ways other leaders are moving their churches forward. I think these two factors are extremely important because the lives of pastors are somewhat isolated.”
“I am so thankful for the national team and the prayer and conversations that went into providing this learning space. Your efforts are not in vain and good things are happening by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Hallelujah!”
“I am starting a School of Prayer as part of the new wine for our congregation. We have not been a praying church, and it is time to start. I am excited to lead people into a new level of intimacy with their Savior.”
“Reflecting on our time together, I am filled with hope and excitement about the important lessons we have gathered. One of the most profound insights I have gained is our calling to continue shining brightly within our communities.”
“The need to cast off any lingering vestiges of a culture of pastor centric dependence.”
“This did not feel like another program, it felt more like a road-mapping session to see how we might intelligently navigate where the Father, Son, and Spirit are taking us.”
“The Father, Son, and Spirit have newness to pour into our denomination and our local congregations and we must set about the business of making room for this newness.”
The Denominational Celebration will be held in Dallas, Texas, U.S. on July 23-26, 2026.
Kingdom Living is participatory, relational, and missional.
Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” As citizens of the kingdom and co-laborers with Christ, we are sent into the world to reflect his light. Kingdom Living requires awareness of our calling and our context, seeing our neighborhoods, vocations, and even our sufferings as places where Jesus reigns and sends us.
Kingdom Living is not passive. it is a bold proclamation and a tangible demonstration. We not only speak of the reign of God, we show it. Our words align with our works. As image bearers, our relationships become a visible witness to the reality of the kingdom being ushered in.
During this gathering, we’ll explore what it means to live as kingdom people, active participants in God’s mission, deeply rooted in community, and shaped by the presence and authority of Jesus.
By Al Kurzawa, Pastor Morwell and Seaford, Victoria, Australia
Did God leave us anything to do?
Have you ever volunteered and shown up to the job ready with gloves and tools in hand, only to find out that the work was already completed? You’ve set aside time to help only to be told to relax because everything is already done. The parable of the weeds (Matthew 13:24–30) and Jesus’ explanation of the parable (verses 36–43) can leave us feeling this way after our first read through. A quick recap shows who does all the action in this parable and it’s not us. We find Jesus has already sown the good seeds, the enemy has sown the weeds, the servants ask a couple of questions, and in the end the harvesters (the angels) collect the weeds at harvest and burn them. If we assume we are the good seeds, the people of the kingdom, we are left with only two passive things to do: shine like the sun and whoever has ears, let them hear. I guess we all got dressed up in our overalls for nothing!
In most of Jesus’ parables, there is an “aha!” moment after we have spent some time wrestling with it. Following some rough-and-tumble grappling, we find in this parable both the good news of the kingdom and a formidable and challenging opportunity for us as citizens of that kingdom. The good news is that the Son of Man has sown the good seed, and he has sown that good seed throughout the entire world.
Between the parable of the weeds and its explanation are the parables of the mustard seed and yeast that clue us in that the kingdom can seem small and hidden, but it is always growing and permeating the entire world. This is a good reminder that it is not for us to judge or decide who is or is not a citizen of the kingdom. The wheat and weeds are so similar and intertwined that we can do much damage if we try to make those judgements when God has told us he is the one that will take care of the sifting. We are to serve all our neighbors, all those we encounter, as good seed that has been sown by God. All humans are made in the image of God.
Even though most of the action seems to have been performed by others in this parable, the Son of Man does give us something to do. And this action is a lot tougher than it first appears. The man tells his servants, “Let both grow together until the harvest.” Let’s geek out on the Greek for a minute. The word “let” in this passage in the Greek can mean permit, suffer, let, or forgive.[i] Let them grow together or possibly suffer together. How does it challenge us when we think of it as “suffer together?” Is this the call to action in this parable for us as citizens? If we love our neighbor as our self, if we love one another as Jesus loved us, if we pray for our enemies, if we live as the beloved children of God, then at times we will experience suffering in this lifetime.
We may be experiencing suffering right now. When we open ourselves up to serving others, caring for others’ needs, loving others, then we also allow ourselves to be vulnerable and open to suffering. Here we were thinking all the hard work was done with the seeds already being planted and the angels taking care of the harvest! But we find in this simple term, “let, permit, suffer together,” our calling and challenge as citizens of the kingdom as we participate in Jesus’ mission to the world by serving those around us.
We are comforted knowing the kingdom will reach its fullness and the harvest will come. Jesus assures us that through our suffering and our participation in his plan of “let them grow together,” God is at work in mysterious ways that only he can accomplish. Our acts of service and our shared suffering for the kingdom will be transformed into moments of glory that will shine like the sun in the fullness of the kingdom. He who has ears, let him hear.
[i] William D. Mounce, Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary of the New Testament. Accordance electronic edition, version 4.6. Altamonte Springs: OakTree Software, 2011. See also Robert Farrar Capon, Parables of Kingdom, Grace, and Judgement. (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company), 90ff.
“In our weakness, God brings strength. Whenever we feel like we cannot do something that he puts in our hearts, we are given the opportunity to put more of our faith in him.”
Meet Assistant Youth Pastor Maarten de Moei. From Tiel, Netherlands, Maarten has a heart for youth ministry and passion for making God’s love shine through his service.
By Al Kurzawa, Pastor
