Cayla Ray, a student camper at Falls Creek, painted a portrait of hands in prayer at an art display at Falls Creek. She was among the many who made a decision at Falls Creek.
DAVIS—A mountaintop experience is expected in the valley of Price’s Falls, where thousands of students and adults gather to worship an audience of One. By the end of week four, 3,248 total decisions had been recorded (1,191 of those being professions of faith).
Falls Creek staff rejoice with each decision. Todd Sanders, Falls Creek program associate, recognizes the working power of the Gospel.
“The power of the Gospel to change lives is evident when people ‘humble themselves, pray, & seek (His) face,’ Sanders said. “We have heard stories of students from every imaginable background coming to faith this summer. Even about parents whose lives have been changed for eternity by faith in Christ through a Falls Creek reflection service.
“The need for Christ is real. Those are not things that we can orchestrate. God does that. God just shows up. Amazing how that works. Sounds pretty biblical to me.” Sanders added with a wink.
Campers who are making decisions for Christ express their commitment in different ways. One such expression happened during the second week of camp.
Cayla Ray, a student with Claremore, Memorial Heights during week two, rededicated her life to Christ.
“I knew Falls Creek was going to be great, but I never expected it to be such a life changing experience,” Ray said. “(Before camp) I had been working on having a closer relationship with Christ, and two of my best friends were planning on going to Falls Creek, so I asked to come along.”
During the week, Ray realized that while she trusted in Jesus as her Savior, she had never truly given God her all. On June 11, she rededicated her life to Christ.
Excited to share her new commitment to God, she learned the importance of community. Her small group leader during camp, Laura Early, expressed excitement for Cayla’s decision.
“Cayla was in my family group this year and was a pure joy,” Early said. “During Falls Creek, she rededicated her life to Christ and was excited to share that decision with our group.”
Another camp sponsor shared with Ray about the art project at Falls Creek. As soon as she heard about it, she became interested. Ray began searching for the perfect picture to draw.
“I have always had a strong passion for art since I was very young,” Ray said. “My mom tells me stories of how I used to paint and draw on everything she owned, including myself.”
Her painting took several hours to complete, but she wanted her painting to focus on God.
“I feel so blessed and grateful that (God) gave me such a talent,” Ray said. “I want nothing more than to share His Word through my work. I know art seems simple, but I want to make as much of a difference as possible. I wouldn’t even be able to pick up a paint brush if it weren’t for Him.”
Life after camp for Ray has included continuing growing in the community she found at camp.
“I am getting more involved in church and have gained new friends who support me and join me in my walk with Christ,” Ray said. “I know that God has big plans for my life, and I can’t wait to see where He leads me in the future.”
