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You are here: Home / stories / Alexis Epperly’s Summer Reflection

Alexis Epperly’s Summer Reflection

January 30, 2020 by Paula Washburn Leave a Comment

Posted: 1/30/20 at 11:00am. Article by Alexis Epperly.

Explaining Impact! Mission Camps to someone who is unfamiliar with its mission is rarely anything but entertaining.

Alexis Epperly

First you say how Impact is a week-long Christian camp, and upon further discussion you begin describing how you wake up early, worship together, complete major construction projects (amid the relentless heat with a bunch of people you hardly even know) in hopes of completing the job in just one short week.
But Impact campers usually explain how all of this adds up to an epic, memorable, summer project that they look forward to throughout the year. Upon hearing this, people’s facial expressions are often priceless! Some people will offer their blessings, while others are confused why anyone would want to spend a week like this.
When we go on mission trips such as Impact, we go to serve others, but we easily forget how much we can be filled on these journeys with God.
I enjoyed attending Impact for three years as a camper, but each year I always left wanting more. The fellowship among campers and staff, the ability to help others, and learning new skills has always drawn me back.
I joined Impact staff this past year, and frankly I was terrified. However, looking back, I see that God was pulling me toward Impact staff more for my own growth. I worked to share God’s word with the community and campers however God was working in me this summer to open my eyes and heart just a little bit more. It seemed as though each sermon spoke my struggles within my faith.
I was reminded that I need to be asking the hard questions, searching for God in everything, laying my struggles before God, and being willing to follow God’s plan and share his amazing love with others. Impact leaves you on a “spiritual high,” but it is hard to maintain that feeling.
One pastor explained this while telling the story of Zacchaeus: how right now it is easy for us to see past the crowd because this amazing spiritual refresher has just taken place, but as the weeks pass since our Impact experience it gets harder and harder to see Jesus through the crowds of life that begin to block our view.
Summer 2019 came to an end, and we said our goodbyes. I truly felt the reality of the “Impact Family” that I’d heard many others describe in the past. It was an absolute pleasure worshiping, laughing, sharing, playing games, and working alongside everyone last summer.
The experience helped me grow so much as a person, especially in my faith, and I became ready to take that feeling and share it with my little part of the world. Impact is something that I will always look forward to.
I will always hope for a good crew that is able to work together to get the job completed in such a short time frame. I will pray that everyone stays safe and look forward to the new friendships that make up this Impact family.
The connections we were able to build in such a short period of time are like none other. It’s not uncommon to see tears as campers say goodbye to their newfound friends and return home, and I relate as I say goodbye to my Impact family.
We may be separated geographically now by many hours; however, we are all called to do the same thing, which is to share the love of Christ to those around us.

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  • Bridges for Hope/Bluefield
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Join us for camp this summer and serve a local com Join us for camp this summer and serve a local community! Registration closes May 1! We cannot wait to serve others through God's love!

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If you know college age students who want to deepe If you know college age students who want to deepen their faith and spend the summer helping younger students deepen their faith too, encourage them to apply for Impact staff. Staff will serve for 8 weeks, leading worship, managing social media, capturing weekly photos and video, and hosting camp activities. All summer expenses are covered, and first year staff are paid $2,500. High school students graduating in 2022 are welcome to apply as well. Click below for more information or to apply. 
impactmissioncamps.org/staff/
As COVID numbers continue to decline, and we move As COVID numbers continue to decline, and we move steadily toward summer, many of you have your first opportunity in two years to really get your students out making a difference in lives and sharing Christ’s love. Impact Mission Camps is moving forward and wants to make it as easy as possible for you to get your students out on mission. We’re keeping registration open until May 1, so groups have plenty of time to register and prepare. 
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We are looking for college-age, young adults to jo We are looking for college-age, young adults to join us for summer staff! Connect with us so we can serve and thrive together! 

Apply online today at impactmissioncamps.org/staff
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