Moments on the Mountain 2009

Link:  www.momentisulmonte.it

One day the Apostle Paul wrote: “he was caught up to paradise, and he heard inexpressible things, things that men are not permitted to tell.” (2 Corinthians 12:4)

Until recently, I thought that was a privilege that was only for the Apostle to enjoy, today I understand instead that it is a privilege given to all the Saints that allow themselves to be used in His Holy hands.

The national camp for the Churches of Christ “Momenti sul Monte” (Moments on the Mountain) a Meschia has just finished. The trip back home was difficult, saying goodbye until the next year was truly painful, we shed all of our tears, but we are glad that they were tears of joy.

This year the Lord gave us the possibility to have two weeks of camp, divided in the following way:

1)      kids from 6 to 13 years old

2)      teens from 14 to 17 years old

It was a dream that we have had tucked away for many years, but thanks to God and to all you believed in this camp, it was able to become a reality.

We had around 100 kids and teens attend camp this year for both of the weeks, and 50% of them were not from the Church. It was a great opportunity to plant the word of God in them who have never heard the Good News. On top of this, it was an opportunity to help our young people grow in their faith.

The theme that we had for this year was “LOST” : people who are lost that become found.

“Because the Son of Man has come to seek and save that which was lost.”

Luke 19:10

Together with the campers we examined the following five stories, seeking always to apply it to their lives.

1. David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel chapters 11 and 12)
2. Naaman the Leper (2 Kings 5)
3. Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52
4. The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
5. The thief on the cross (Luke 23:39-43)

Thanks be to God, every year camp always concludes with great news. Two campers, Alfredo and Veronica, both Sicilians from the church in Paterno, while they were returning home, they confessed the desire to accept Christ in their lives as their one and only Savior. As soon as they arrived home, they were immersed for the remission of their sins, and on top of this, there are many other young people who are very close to accepting Jesus in their lives. GLORY TO GOD!

Let us pray for these new creatures in Christ and for all of those who are on the road to salvation.

This year was the first year where I, along with brother Francesco Fergnani, took on the task of camp directors. I can tell you that I feel a this great responsibility on my shoulders, so much that at the end I had lost 3 kilos along with my voice! I am so happy to have lost these things for our Lord Jesus Christ.

I would like to conclude with thanksgiving:

• To all the kitchen staff, for delighting us with exquisite cuisine
• To the staff of counselors that come together as a team
• To all those who weren't there, but did marvelous work behind the scenes
• To Mina and Umberto, who lent their wisdom to make camp a success
• I would like to say a final thanks to all the campers who had respect for all of the staff

Brothers and sisters, continue to pray for me, I know that the more one gets closer to God to serve him better, the more he becomes a target for Satan. However, I am convinced that all your prayers will serve as my strength.

In Christ,

Franco Verardi  

On the first Week, kids from 6 to 13

The second week teenagers

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Baptism of Alfredo

Baptism of Veronica

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