This was our 4th Fusion camp in Banska Bystrica, and it was definitely the best one yet! I am so thankful for our team in Banska Bystrica, our Interns, and the American team from Little Rock. We had the camp this year at a location that is owned by Christians who are a part of our church. It was so different for us to be doing this camp at a Christian camp site. They were so incredibly supportive of the camp and the ministry we are doing. It showed us the value of alleviating some stress as leaders by being at a campsite that has a director who is for us.
During the camp we had students from all over Slovakia. We had three different local Fusions present including the one I helped start in the East. We also had a group of students from Žilina who are interested in starting Fusion in their church. With so many students from different places present we were worried about being to separate, but the students really connected together well. The evening small groups helped with this process.
One of my pure joys during this camp was being able to invest in some of the guys in my life. Matej, Natan, and Ado, who are all from our church. We had many good conversations about life, faith, and family. With one of these guys I had the first opportunity in 4 years to see him actually be real with me and tell me he struggles. He was crying, I was trying not to smile. I was so happy the facade had fallen and he was willing to admit his brokenness. This happened the night of the gospel. He will be joining our small group in the fall. I am excited for this new step with him.
Finally, one of my other joys at camp was having the team from Little Rock. Every team Summit Church brings is high quality. I have done a number of camps with them starting in 2008. The leader of the team this year was Danny Jones. He was the man who started what has now become JV Slovakia. He is a wise man and a pleasure to spend time with. I am grateful that I had a number of opportunities during the camp to spend time talking with him and picking his brain in different areas. He has been a man who has had a huge impact on Slovakia. He is an inspiration to me. I always come away from conversations with him greatly challenged and encouraged. I hope that one day I could influence people like he does!
