Camp offers Asian teenagers chance to make connections_62804

Posted: 6/25/04

Camp offers Asian teenagers chance to make connections

By Mary Crouch

Texas Baptist Communications

WACO–A youth camp at Baylor University offered Asian Baptist young people opportunities to make connections with new Christian friends, according to organizers.

Cathy Dundas, intercultural initiatives consultant for the Baptist General Convention of Texas, organized the event, which was created to give Asian youth the chance to learn more about their Christian faith.

About 200 attended the camp–double the number who attended the first event last year. And many of the youth who attended the camp last year have stayed connected even after camp is over, Dundas noted. As a result, many of their peers wanted to come this year.

“These kids are hungry for God and for spiritual depth,” she said. “They need to be communicated to where they are.”

Filipino, Cambodian, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese youth gathered at the Baylor campus to spend a week away from home and parents, a first for many of the students. Church camp is a new idea for most Asian families, who usually take retreats together, Dundas said.

The teenagers participated in many different workshops and activities, such as backyard Bible club and leadership workshops–many of them named for reality television shows, such as “The Apprentice.”

Many youth responded to the leadership training because they have a deep desire to become leaders in their own churches, Dundas said.

Since the first Asian youth camp in 2003, some churches have established ongoing relationships with other Asian congregations. And lives have been changed, Dundas noted.

She recalled a 16-year-old gang leader who accepted Christ during last year's camp. Since then, he has surrendered to the gospel ministry and become a leader in his church youth group. He also is witnessing to his old gang members.