Rattle Snake and Salvation

I have just got back from my most memorable trip to date. It was a 3 day trip of rafting then rock climbing then rafting again. There was 17 kids on the this trip ranging from 12 to 16 years old.

Two things have made this trip locked in my mind for awhile to come. First on the rock day. I was carrying ropes up over a path to our climb site. As i scrambled over a pile of rocks and started to descend I heard a loud hissing sound. I froze and looked down. About 2 feet away and one rock below as a 5' rattle snake. I had never seen a rattle snake in nature before and this one was right at my feet. Praise God that is just decided to slither away and hide in a rock instead of strike me. Once the snake was a little away i continue past carefully. The rest of the day had me thinking about rattle snakes though, that's for sure.

I said two things make this trip stand out to me. The second is a boy name Roberto. On the last evening of the trip we took all the campers on a walk to a grave yard and had them look around for a little while. Then one of our staff shared some of her testimony and then challenged the campers with a question; "What is standing between you and God?" We then had all the campers do a solo walk back to camp and then find a place in the field to write in their journals and read there bibles on their own. After a little time we as staff went around and talked with the camper to see where they were at. When i came to Roberto I noticed he had written and entire page in his notebook. I asked him what he was thinking about. He told me how when he came to camp he felt alone but now he doesn't feel alone because we've been talking to him about who God is. I talked with Roberto for about 15 minutes on salvation and sin and God. He even asked me how to pray for salvation so i gave him some examples and left him to think some more. About 10 minutes later i came to bring him back to camp. On the way he asked me how to start that pray. I respond "Dear Jesus..." He started repeating me and at that point and i knew he really wanted to pray for Jesus to come into his life. So as we walked back to camp i got to lead him in a pray for salvation and faith in Jesus Christ. Afterward he said he felt a lot happier. I know I sure did.

I don't think i have ever prayed with someone in that manner before. It is so incredible to see how God wants to use us in our lives if we make ourselves available. Please pray for Roberto and His new faith in Christ. I believe his family sometimes goes to Catholic Church. Where ever he goes he needs godly influence to surround and encourage him.