In May, I thanked you for making Resurgence Leadership Foundation one of your yeses. Your prayers, words of encouragement, and donations fuel us to move forward. I mentioned how we had finished the year well and were gearing up to take kids to Camp Grace to hear and live the Gospel. We felt empowered and ready to share the good news as we geared up for camp. A passage in the book of Matthew beautifully captures my feelings while writing my thank you message.

“Jesus called together his twelve disciples. He gave them the power to force out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and sickness…As you go, announce that the kingdom of heaven will soon be here.” (Matthew 10:1 & 7, CEV)

So, we took elementary students from July 3-7; the following week, we took middle school and high school students. During both weeks, they played outside, sang songs, went swimming, fished, played basketball, baked cookies, made crafts, ate lots of food, and had the chance to hear the Gospel each day. Three elementary kids made first-time commitments to Jesus as their Lord and Savior, while many others deepened their commitment to grow in their faith and learn more about Jesus. Hallelujah!

We also had some other experiences that Jesus warned about in the same passage a few verses later. “If someone won’t welcome you or listen to your message, leave their home or town. And shake the dust from your feet at them.” (Matthew 10:14a, CEV)

Friends, not everyone was receptive to the good news, which led to some unfortunate situations. We had to take a student home due to poor decision-making, and students had to come to the aid of one of our own because of threats from another group—several other instances required firm yet loving discussions. However, here is the vital part … We ain’t going nowhere. Hallelujah!

We believe—and research supports—that these kids hold great internal strengths, assets, and abilities to overcome these challenges when they receive the appropriate and consistent social support from caring adults. Annual summer camp is just one part of a year-round strategy to honor our promise to caregivers to show up for their children consistently. 

Through Young Commanders and Precious Me Inc., we will build upon our proteges’ internal strengths and assets to help them see themselves as virtuous leaders—capable of healthy personal decision-making, positively influencing their peers, and making a difference in their surrounding community.

We will not be shaking off the dust (as was the case in Matthew), but we will be rolling up our sleeves and walking with families to raise the next generation of leaders. 

So, with the school year quickly approaching, I remind foolishness and unfortunate situations that the Resurgence team and mission are strong and … “We Ain’t Going Nowhere!”