True Friends

The Vietnamese youth groups from various churches recently held a camping trip on Aug. 29-31, 2003 at Lake Isabella, California. It was an uplifting, fun, and memorable experience for all. Many commented that this was the best camp that they had ever attended. For the first time in Vietnamese camping history, there was a baptism in which seven people committed their lives to Christ as a result of the camp. There were wonderful testimonials of God’s power in different people’s lives, great discussions, an inspiring praise band, talented special music numbers, swimming in the lake and streams, Bible trivia, games, talent show, and a perfect place to meet new friends.
Speaking of friends, “The Importance of Friends,” was the theme of this year’s camp. During the camp meeting, several texts regarding friends were discussed in a group setting. Proverbs 18:24 states, “A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” If we want to have true friends, we must be that genuine friend to others first. True friends are even closer in spirit than family. John 15:13 describes the ultimate love of a friend saying, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” It would be a great sacrificial love to give our own life for a friend in need, but that is what Jesus did for everyone. In the Saturday worship hour, many stressed that Jesus Christ Himself is our true best friend. He is the one who gave His life for us and continually offers to be a friend to help us in our deepest needs.
At the end of the worship time, Pastor Vinh made an appeal to all the campers to invite Jesus into their life. As a result, seven people decided to be baptized that day. The week after, two more young people, were baptized at the El Monte Church. Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Rev. 3:20). Jesus is still calling every person to open their heart’s door to Him. I hope that making a decision to follow Christ will become a tradition at every Vietnamese camp, and we all looking forward to a spiritual blessing once again at the Vietnamese camp next summer.
Ly Lan Nguyen