Have you ever felt like you had a target on your back? No matter what you do, it seems like you're constantly under
attack, facing challenges, temptations, or discouragement.
We often tell our students that when they become followers of Christ, life doesn't suddenly become easier. ln many
ways, the opposite is true. When you give your life to Jesus and begin living for Him, you become a threat to the
enemy. Satan wants nothing more than to stop believers from growing in their faith and helping expand God's
Kingdom.
Recently, Falls Creek has found itself in the spotlight on social media. lt seems that every few years, something
surfaces that brings criticism toward what is known as the largest Christian camp in the world. l'm not here to claim
that Falls Creek is a perfect place, because it isn't. However, I am here to say that Falls Creek services a perfect God.
This year at camp, sponsors were encouraged to share their testimonies with their students. As I shared mine, I
realized how much of my story has been shaped by Falls Creek. For many people, Falls Creek is where they first
surrendered their lives to Christ. For others, it's where they answered God's call to ministry recommitted their lives to
Him, or found freedom from burdens they had been carrying.
Falls Creek has always held a special place in my heart because God has used it during some of the most difficult
seasons of my life. lt has drawn me closer to Him, prepared me for seasons that were ahead, and refreshed my spirit
when I desperately needed it. There were years when I arrived at camp knowing my relationship with Christ wasn't
where it needed to be. Yet every time, God used that week to remind me of His presence, His grace, and His purpose
for my life.
The reality is that when millions of people gather over the course of more than a century, not every story will be
positive. Since Falls Creek opened in '1917, more than 3 million people have passed through its gates. When that
many people come together, mistakes will happen. Sin will be present because people are present. Satan will do
what he has always done---tempt, deceive, and distract.
But for every negative story that makes headlines, there are countless testimonies that never do. For every life the
enemy attempts to influence, there are hundreds more that Jesus transforms. There are stories of salvation, healing,
restoration, surrender, and renewed purpose. There are stories of students discovering God's calling on their lives
and finding hope where they once felt hopeless.
Jesus said in John 1O:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have
it abundantly. "The enemy seeks to steal joy, kill momentum, and destroy the work God is doing, whether at Falls
Creek or in our daily lives. Yet Jesus offers abundant life to everyone who comes to Him. Because of that, we are
faced with a choice each day about what we will pursue and where we will focus our attention.
The same principle applies not only at Falls Creek but in our everyday lives. What we pursue matters. What we
surround ourselves with influences us. lf we seek after Christ, we will find Him and experience the abundant life He
promises. lf we chase after the things of this world, we will find those as well---but they can never satisfy the way
Christ can.
Ultimately, it is not about a location. lt is about a decision. Will my life reflect Jesus, or will it reflect the world?
Falls Creek is not perfect, and neither are we. But the good news is that Jesus is present there just as He is present
in our daily lives. The question is not whether He is there. The question is whether we are looking for Him.
lf you're searching for hope, peace, purpose, or forgiveness, He is waiting for you. Don't wander away and hide
among the distractions of this world.
Run to the Father. 

                                      Bro. Tony