Impact Mission Camps

  • Home
  • Why Impact?
  • Locations
    • Bridges for Hope/Bluefield
    • Roanoke
    • Danville/Impact KIDS!
    • Chesterfield
    • Eastern Shore
  • Virtual Camp
    • Worship
    • Impact Kids
    • Leader Resources
    • Student Resources
    • Mission Projects
    • Fun Activities
    • International
  • Leaders
    • Leader Manual [PDF]
    • Impact KIDS Packet
    • Background Check Form [PDF]
    • Release Form [PDF]
    • Crew Chief Registration [Link]
  • Stories
  • Staff
You are here: Home / stories / Returning Better Together

Returning Better Together

August 4, 2020 by Mikayla Barnes Leave a Comment

Posted: 8/4/20 at 10:30am. Article by Alexis Epperly.

You know those times in your life that can only be explained by saying it was a “God thing.” It baffles me that the theme “Better Together” was chosen last summer but it is so fitting for what is going on today in the world. This had to be a “God thing.”

Alexis Epperly

Looking back to early January, the news would talk about this virus however, it seemed like a distant disease that would soon fizzle out of the news. This was far from the truth; in a few short months, the virus started to become real when I was bombarded with information about the virus in the US during my spring break trip. Like many of you, my world turned upside down in a matter of a few days. I wasn’t going back to school and lingering in the back of my mind I was questioning if Impact would still happen. A few weeks after arriving home, I talked to someone who was going to be a construction coordinator for the 2020 summer. He said that there was no way that Impact would be able to do camp this summer because projects hadn’t been solidified and materials ordered. Hearing this I was devastated! Last year I was nervously awaiting camp and somewhat dreading having to come out of my comfort zone however, this year the anticipation of another remarkable summer was eating me alive. I wanted everyone to stay safe yet, selfishly, I was refusing to believe that Impact would cancel all because I wanted camp and was eager for what God had in store for the summer.  

Still in denial, I waited for the official word about camp. Thankfully, it wasn’t too long until I received news that camp would be virtual for the summer. I was instantly relieved that camp was not canceled but hesitant about what “virtual camp” would look like and this would work.  Don’t get me wrong; it was devastating not being able to have normal, face to face, interactions with campers. Nevertheless, we were able to come up with ways where we could interact and connect with campers’ hours or even time zones away. There was a ton of uncertainty of how camp would work since this was unlike anything Impact had done before, yet God provided us with an opportunity to join together in a safe way and still dive deeper into his word.

Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” God equipped this summer’s Impact staff with all of the talents and abilities we needed to construct this virtual camp. Without each staff member’s unique talents, I don’t believe we would have been able to produce such a great way to serve and worship alongside campers. It was inspiring seeing how campers were not letting the virus stop them from sharing Christ with others but how they were staying safe while doing so. There is no doubt in my mind that God called each one of us to be on staff this summer and that he was using us to complete his purpose of sharing Jesus safely to those around us.  

Even though this summer was nothing like I expected. It was incredible to see how we could come together as the body of Christ even while we had to keep our distance. With this year being full of many disappointments and cancelations it was amazing to see how nothing could stop the word of God from being shared this summer.

Filed Under: stories

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Register Now!

Update Registration

2021 Dates

  • Bridges for Hope/Bluefield
  • Roanoke
  • Danville/Impact KIDS!
  • Chesterfield
  • Eastern Shore

Impact Stories

  • Advent Devotional 2020

    Advent Devotional 2020

    December 2, 2020
  • Impact Kids

    Impact Kids

    October 5, 2020
  • Eastern Shore – July 25-31

    Eastern Shore – July 25-31

    October 5, 2020
  • Chesterfield – July 11-17

    Chesterfield – July 11-17

    October 5, 2020
  • Bridges For Hope – June 20-26

    Bridges For Hope – June 20-26

    October 5, 2020
Join us this summer for Impact RE:Created as we na Join us this summer for Impact RE:Created as we navigate 2021 and we start to reimagine our new normal. We will be creating new ways for participants to be part of Impact – in person at camp, virtually, or as individual groups. We missed everyone in person for Impact 2020 but God has plans for us to be Better Together as Impact is RE:Created for each of you!
Register at impactmissioncamps.org

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
2 Corinthians 4:16-17

#Impact2021 #ImpactReCreated #ImpactMissionCamps #impactvirginia #youthcamp #missioncamp #missiontrip #jointhemission  #2corinthians #scripture
We are so stoked for next summer! Are you? Today We are so stoked for next summer! Are you? 
Today is the last day to register and lock in the early-bird rate! Register today, pay in March! Don't worry, registration is still open after today! 
Visit us at https://impactmissioncamps.org/register/

#Impact #impactvirginia #impactmissioncamps #impact2021 #summercamp #summermissions #youthcamp #missioncamp #servingGod #youthgroup
We cannot wait to see you all this summer! Registe We cannot wait to see you all this summer! Register by December 31 to lock in our early-bird rate! Register today and pay later! Visit impactmissioncamps.org 

#Impact2021 #impactmissioncamps #serve #mission #youth
Merry Christmas! Isaiah 9:2-7 The people who walke Merry Christmas!
Isaiah 9:2-7
The people who walked in darkness
  have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
 on them has light shone.
You have multiplied the nation;
 you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
  as with joy at the harvest,
 as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
For the yoke of his burden,
 and the staff for his shoulder,
 the rod of his oppressor,
 you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
  and every garment rolled in blood
  will be burned as fuel for the fire.
For to us a child is born,
 to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
 and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
 Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
  there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
 to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
  from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

#Advent #Advent2020 #LOVE #Love2020 #MerryChristmas #truemeaningofchristmas #JesusChrist #scripture
Take time to pray together this Christmas Eve. I Take time to pray together this Christmas Eve.

 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.  This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria.  And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,  to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.  And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.  And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.  And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest,
 and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Luke 2:1-14

#Advent #Advent2020 #love #Love2020 #feelloved #peace #hope #joy #scripture #truemeaningofchristmas #christmaseve
How will you show love in the coming year? Romans How will you show love in the coming year?
Romans 16:25-27
Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

#Advent #Advent2020 #love #Love2020 #feelloved #peace #hope #joy #scripture #truemeaningofchristmas
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Get Impact Updates

  • Students
  • Church Leaders
  • Parents
  • Staff

Impact Missions Camps are a ministry of the Baptist General Association of Virginia

© Copyright 2015 - 2021 Baptist General Association of Virginia · All Rights Reserved