From the Director's Desk
By Sean Barnhart, Director of Ministries
February 18, 2010
I'm sure some of you parents and grandparents can relate: since I became a father 13 months ago, I have become a much more nervous person. Little things that I didn't worry about before have suddenly become life threatening hazards to my son. Everything within reach poses a new threat and carries with it the potential to cause him harm. Sometimes I feel as though letting him out of sight would be considered reckless endangerment.
As if this weren't enough, I can't help but worry about future hazards as well. I get nervous when I think about him being mobile enough to cross the street. Anxiety rushes over me when I imagine him attending school with the other children. The prospect of him facing decisions about drugs and alcohol head-on terrifies me. I often find myself wondering what I will do if he struggles with depression, shyness, or insecurity. There is a legion of potential choices he will be faced with as he grows older, and I worry about every single one of them.
But the real fear comes when I realize that, as a parent, it is my job to do the best I can to lay a firm foundation in his life. Think about it; God has entrusted us with our children and grandchildren. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, it is upon us to lay a foundation of faith in their lives.
At their baptisms we promised to faithfully bring them up in the church, to teach them to pray, and to confess their faith. We promised to place in their hands the Holy Scriptures and to provide instruction in the Christian faith. We have promised to lay a foundation in their lives that the Holy Spirit can build upon.
Part of the purpose of Park River Bible Camp is to serve you, the church, and you, the parents, in laying that foundation. At PRBC the crucified and risen Lord Jesus Christ is proclaimed to the glory of God the Father. Youth are taught the Scriptures and encouraged to worship the Lord with their peers.
Fulfilling the baptismal promises we have made is not accomplished in one day or by completing certain tasks. It takes a lifelong commitment. Sending your children and grandchildren to PRBC is one way, one great way, to make good on those baptismal promises.
