ANNUAL BIBLE CAMP

VOLUNTEERS’ MANUAL

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 OUR MISSION
WHY WE DO CAMP
Camp exists so kids can experience God in a life-changing way.

CAMP VALUES AND STRATEGIES

Our camp values determine our camp strategies. They help us understand why
we do what we do.

CORE CAMP
VALUES
CULTURE STRATEGIES
CREATE A POSITIVE CULTURE WITH YOUR
TRIBE THROUGH AFFIRMATION.
PERSPECTIVE A NEW PLACE GIVES OPPORTUNITY FOR NEW
PERSPECTIVE. WE CAN LEVERAGE THAT NEW
PERSPECTIVE FOR THEIR PERSONAL GROWTH.
SAFTE FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES.
Y
FUN SPEND TIME LAUGHING & HAVING FUN. KIDS
CONNECT THROUGH FUN. AM I FUN TO BE
RELATIONSHIPS CREATE
AROUND? MOMENTS & LEVERAGE
OPPORTUNITIES TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS.
LIFE CHANGE LEVERAGE MOMENTS FOR KIDS TO
EXPERIENCE GOD’S TRUTH & GRACE.

COUNSELOR BASICS

By being intentional and present this week, you could change the life of a kid
forever. We want you to be intentional in investing in these six areas this week:
time, love, words, fun, team & insight.

TIME: KIDS NEED YOU TO SPEND TIME WITH THEM.

If you spend time with kids, you are building positive relationships. These
relationships are the foundation for trust and will allow you to speak into the
lives of your campers.
REMEMBER: Time builds value & trust.

LOVE: KIDS NEED TO KNOW THAT YOU LOVE THEM UNCONDITIONALLY.

Kids desperately need adults to show them love. This is critical for the
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development of self-esteem and self-worth. REMEMBER: A kind gesture for one
is a kind gesture for all.

WORDS: KIDS ALSO NEED TO HEAR WORDS…LOTS OF WORDS.

Words have the power to speak love or hate, to build up or tear down, to
encourage or discourage. Over time, as you speak to a child, you are giving them
the vocabulary that shapes how they view themselves.
REMEMBER: Speak life into your campers so that they can understand that God
uniquely designed them and that He loves them.
FUN: KIDS NEED YOU TO PRIORITIZE HAVING FUN WITH THEM.
Having fun is the quickest way to develop a relationship with them. Counselors
get to become kids again at camp. REMEMBER: Ask yourself this question.
Am I fun to be around?
TEAM: KIDS NEED TO FEEL LIKE THEY BELONG.
Kids are looking for a place to belong, a place where they are accepted for who
they are. This helps shape their identity. Create a tribe where kids can identify
with each other and with you. REMEMBER: You may be the first Christian role-
model they’ve ever experienced.
INSIGHT: KIDS NEED HELP SEEING JESUS TO EXPERIENCE LIFE CHANGE.
Counselors have the most contact with kids at camp. God wants to use you to
help your campers experience Him in a life-changing way. Take every opportunity
that presents itself to help kids connect with God. REMEMBER: God chose you.
CAMP BASICS
Our session of camp is built around three key environments. Each of these is
designed to help kids experience God in a life-changing way.
1. Worship Service
2. Small Group Times
3. Recreation Periods

1. WORSHIP SERVICES MORNING SERVICE

These will be there every morning and some nights. These services will consist of
worship, theme emphasis and prayer. It may also include a practical message
from the Bible about how to live for God. It’s all about application.

2. SMALL GROUP TIME

Small groups time is an excellent opportunity to connect with your kids, help them
process the main content of camp services and make some fun memories
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together. Please review your “Camp Handbook” and familiarize yourself with the
content. We have designed it to be simple and easy to use but you will get the
most out of it with a little bit of preparation.
Activities done in small groups shall include (but not limited to):
a) Devotion time is good time to begin the day with sharing the word
of God. This will be done within our cabins/rooms and the teachers
(Counselors) shall guide the children in this. Daily devotion s are
attached within the Kids camp manuals
b) Bible lesson time is time where children shall be taught the word of
God. Thereafter, you are expected do have discussions with your
kids regarding the Bible lesson taught and crown the discussion
with Activities to concretize the Camp theme.
c) Meals’ time are very good times for teachers to bond with the children and teach
them values basing on observations. it is time to make family worth belonging
to.
d) Cabin/room Time is a time for you to reflect on the events of the day. It is a time
to help kids wind down from the day’s exciting events. Discuss the day’s
events. Please refer to your Camp Handbook. This is a great opportunity to
end well every day.
PRAYING WITH KIDS
Go to the altar and pray with your kids. It’s a good idea to ask, “What can I pray
for you specifically tonight?” Kids respond to what the Holy Spirit is speaking to
them individually, it’s not always about the message topic.
• Don’t hesitate to pray with a child.
• Men pray with boys & women pray with girls
• Ask kids how you can pray for them.
• Encourage kids to continue to pray after you leave.

3. RECREATIONAL TIMES (Rec.)

“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.” Brenda
Recreation is an important part of what we do at Kids Camp. Every day your kids
will have 4 separate opportunities to practice what they’ve learned through
playing. (Aerobics time, Activity time, indoor games and outdoor games) Rec.
periods should be FUN! Kids will connect relationally to their counselors through
play. Understand that what happens in the physical affects the spiritual and what
happens in the spiritual affects the physical. Don’t miss this opportunity. Get out
there and play!

CAMP GUIDELINES
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TEAM COMMUNICATION
You have full access to camp heads. They are here to support you and have
worked hard to create a great camp experience for you and your kids. Be sure
to approach them with any questions or challenges that you may have.

CLOSED CAMPUS
Please remember that Kids Camp is a closed campus. This means that you are
not allowed to leave campus or invite guests onto campus without prior
permission from the camp coordinator or assistant coordinator. Please let the
Camp coordinator or assistant coordinator know if you need something off
campus. We can get it for you.

ATTENDANCE
You and your campers are expected to be at every scheduled event. Make
sure your campers are accounted for at all events. If you are missing a camper,
please notify the Camp coordinator or assistant coordinator.

COUNSELING GROUP
Your counseling group is all of the campers you’re responsible for during camp
period. This might be more than one physical room or age group. Each of your
campers will have a group name and cabin/room name in there manual
and if possible (on their wristband, if we make them).
• Never be alone with a child in a room. (rule of 3)
• Remain with your campers at all times.
• Feel free to buddy up with other counseling groups in your color group
and “trade” campers during Rec. periods.
• Do not counsel on a subject matter that should be brought to your Team
Pastor’s attention first. Eg. sexual abuse allegations
• Do not send a camper out of the room alone; everyone should have a buddy.
• Sit with your campers during mealtimes and services.
• Encourage your group to keep rooms and areas around cabins clean.
• Do not allow pillow, shaving cream, towel or water fights in the rooms.
• Do not allow campers to use your cell phone for calls or games.
• Be aware of any of your campers who take daily medications.

DISCIPLINE
It is important to understand that discipline is an important and positive part of
our Annual Bible Camp. At some point, you will be responsible to help kids follow
the guidelines and expectations of camp. This discipline establishes boundaries,
sets clear expectations, and enforces those expectations consistently. Kids may
resist discipline but it causes them to thrive as campers!

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Discipline is not punishment. Discipline is the act of encouraging kids to behave
in a way that aligns with the values and expectations of camp. Discipline is a
Godly characteristic. When disciplining a child, remember the following:
o Discipline is positive reinforcement
o Recruit help from camp staff if you encounter a difficult child.
o Be consistent in your enforcement of your behavioral expectations.
o Focus on the encouragement of RIGHT behavior.
o Help kids understand that there are consequences for the choices they make.
o Do not discipline with physical contact.

CABIN/ROOM RULES
Here is a list of some cabin rules
1. Respect your cabin mates, their property, & their privacy.
2. Boy & girls stay away from each other’s cabins.
3. Don’t enter other groups cabins unless you are invited.
4. Respect lights out schedule.
5. Change in a private area. i.e. bathroom, sleeping bag, etc.

MONEY
No Camper is allowed to have money on them. Any cases of lost money shall not
be attended to.

VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT

We ask that you abide by this simple code of conduct while at camp.
1. Speak positively to everyone.
2. Follow leader/camper boundaries. Rule of 3. Never be alone with any camper.
3. Show appropriate boundaries with other cabin staff.
4. Please remain on the camp ground at all times.
5. Do not use illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco at camp.
6. Reduce focus on your phone and maximize focus on the Campers and Camp
activities

EVENING HANGOUTS
Lights out is at 9:45 p.m. each night. Light out might run right into your Cabin
Time. This small group time can take place after lights out…just turn out the
lights. Please do not leave your cabin area until all your campers are sleeping.
Cabin Time is designed to help you end your day well.

Once your campers are resting peacefully then you may connect with fellow
counselors and enjoy some down time before counselor lights out at 12:30 a.m.
RULE OF THREE
It is important to never be alone with a camper. Always be in groups of 3. We call
this the “rule of 3”. This protects our adults & campers while at camp.
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CHILD ABUSE

MAIN CONCEPTS
1. You are required to report an incident of child abuse to the Camp
Coordinator (this is mandatory)
a) This is for any abuse that has taken place at camp.
b) This is also for any abuse shared with you that has taken place before
camp.
2. Do not ask the child leading questions.

TYPES OF ABUSE
Emotional abuse is any attitude, behavior, or failure to act that interferes with a
child’s mental health or social development. It can range from a simple verbal
insult to an extreme form of punishment.

Physical abuse is defined as any injury to a child that is a result of physical

aggression. This aggression may include slapping, beating, or hitting a child,
as well as shaking, biting, or kicking.

Sexual abuse is any form of sexual contact between an adult and a child. Adults
who sexually abuse children may do so by fondling or touching private body
parts.

MANDATORY REPORTING
We encourage and require mandatory reporting of child abuse. By agreeing to
serve at St. Francis Chapel Kids Bible Camp, you also agree to report any
incidents of child abuse shared with you at camp. This is for the protection of
the children and the protection of our Kids Bible Camp.
MEDICAL

NURSES
Camp nurses are here to help you take care of any medical needs your camper
might have. We ensure a 100:1 camper to nurse ratio. Please do your best to
help your camper before heading to the nurse’s office.
MEDICATION
All child medications need to be managed by the camp nurse. You will have an
opportunity to check-in all camper medications at the beginning of camp. All
medication must be in the original containers, placed in a plastic bag with the
completed Medication Form detailing instructions for the use of each medication.
Please make sure the medication forms are completed according to the
instructions listed by parents PRIOR to arrival at camp.

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Counselors are responsible to help kids remember to take their meds in a timely
manner. Don’t worry, the nurse will help you do this. Most medications are
taken in the morning, at breakfast, lunch dinner & bedtime. The nurse will have
a medication station for your camper in the cafeteria during each meal time for
your convenience.

Diabetes:
The nurse will have glucose in the carry-along box at the worship services and
activity spots. There is also a supply of these in the Nurse’s Office.

Asthma:
If an asthmatic says to you: “I need to get my inhaler…I can’t catch my
breath…I’m feeling tired from all the exercise at camp today,” help them calm
down and get their inhaler. Some campers will have their inhalers with them at all
times – others will be held in the Nurse’s Office.

Allergies:
Your camper may have allergies. If a medication is necessary then your camper’s
allergies will be listed on your medical forms in your welcome packet when you
arrive.

Physical Limitations:
Know your camper’s limits. We don’t want any cardiac, respiratory, bone, muscle,
etc. injuries to the campers when their parents have specifically forewarned
us about these things on their health records.

SICK & HURT KIDS

• Take the sick or injured camper to the nurse if possible.
• Dehydration & exhaustion are the most common causes of sickness at
camp. Help your camper get as much sleep and water as possible.
• Remain calm if camper is injured. Stay with injured camper and send
somebody else to call for camp nurse. If bleeding, take action to stop the
bleeding (apply pressure immediately).
• Never move the camper if you suspect a broken bone, back, or neck injury.
• Never ignore an injury or a complaint of pain.

HOMESICK KIDS
• Remember that this is a genuine feeling felt by kids.
• Assure the camper that it happens to others as well.
• Do not allow kids to use your phone to call home.
• If you can’t comfort the child, contact the team pastor.

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BED WETTING
This is an extremely embarrassing situation for the camper.
• Please do not act surprised or disappointed.
• In private, place the wet bedding o u t s i d e t h e r o o m a n d g u i d e t h e
child to clean them
• If needed replacement bedding will be provided to the camper until wet
bedding is cleaned.

WHILE AT CAMP

TEAM SPIRIT
Kids Camp is broken down into six (6) Teams. Everything happens as a team.
Recreation periods, services, meals…etc., so team spirit is encouraged! Things
like face paint, colored hair spray, clothes that match the team color are all
encouraged. Maybe your campers would like to decorate their cabins. Come
prepared to help kids get the most out of camp by encouraging team spirit.

SCHDEDULE
See attached schedule.

DINING
Every meal will be served in the Dining Hall. Meals are a great opportunity for
you to connect with your campers. Meal time is necessary to physically fuel kids
up for the coming activities. Make sure everyone drinks plenty of water
throughout the day. Sharing a meal is also a spiritual activity. It’s a great
opportunity for the Holy Spirit to use you to build a sense of family & fun with your
campers.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

The most important rule in every emergency is to remain calm. How you handle
an emergency situation will have a significant impact on how your campers
respond.

MEDICAL
a) Go to the Nurse’s Office
b) Make injured person as comfortable as possible without moving them.
c) Contact the Nurse immediately. Do not administer any medication
without the Nurse except inhalers.
d) The phone number for the Nurse’s phone will be availed

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LIGHTNING
Go Indoors
1. Campers should not be outside when you see lightning.
2. Stay away from water areas, windows, plumbing and metal doors.
3. If you cannot get inside, crouch in low open areas away from trees, buildings
and metal.

FIRE
a) Meet at Sports field with color group
b) Stay away from any door that feels hot. Climb out a window if on first floor
or wait for emergency help.
c) Stay near floor if in smoke.
d) Know where the nearest stairs are.

THREAT OF VIOLENCE
Run - Hide - Fight
1. Run – If you can get out.
• Evacuate whether others agree to or not and help others escape if possible.
• Leave your belongings behind.
• Prevent others from entering the area.
• Call 911 when you are safe.
2. Hide – If you can’t get out safely, find a place to hide.
• Act quickly and quietly.
• Lock and/or blockade the door.
• Silence your cell phone.
• Hide behind large objects.
• Remain very quiet.
3. Fight – This is a last resort and only if your life is in danger
• Attempt to incapacitate the aggressor / shooter.
• Act with physical aggression and throw items at the active shooter.

LAST DAY AT CAMP

PACKING UP:
1. Large garbage bags are available at the office if your camper needs them to
help pack up.
2. Gather any unclaimed items and take them with you. Please do not leave
them in the cabin.
3. Return any cabin/room keys checked out from the office.
4. Camp T-shirts will be given out at 9:30 a.m. on the final day of camp.

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BIBLE LESSONS

DAY ONE
AIM: Children will learn that God intended for us to be in his likeness but sin
brought darkness in us (and the world) and separated us from Him so we
need to turn from sin and accept Jesus.

Genesis 1:26-28 tells us that God created people in His image. This means you
and I are like God in certain ways. Doesn’t that sound good to you? Yes, it is,
people are the only creatures made in God’s image. That makes people different
from all other aspects of creation

In what ways do you think you are like God?

When God made man in his image, he gave him the job of
……………………………. and ………………………………. for the world and
everything in it. God made a beautiful garden and placed man in it. In this garden
God and man would meet and fellowship because man was so special to God.

Suddenly and sadly, man broke his relationship with God!

He disobeyed God by eating of the fruit that God had told him not to. God was not
happy with man and so He chased him from the garden of Eden. This is found in
the book of Genesis 3.

Romans 5:12 tells us that “…just as sin entered the world through one man, and
death through sin, and in this way, death came to all people, because all sinned”

The sin that Adam committed brought sin and therefore death (total separation
from God) to all Humans including you and I. Romans 3:23 also tells us that all
have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

The sin of Adam was the origin of darkness in this world! Darkness simply means
all the acts of the devil and our sinful desires.

Galatians 5: 19-21 mentions over 14 works of darkness. List some of them down.

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When we live in darkness, we are separated from God and we shall not inherit the
kingdom of God. This is called death.

What acts of darkness have you been involved in?

Will you share with your teacher the acts of darkness you keep doing yet you know
its not right and you would want to avoid them.

What do you think we need to do to survive this death (separation from God)?

Conclusion
God created man is his own image and put him in charge of all his
creation. This shows how much God loves us. Unfortunately, man
disobeyed God and this is how “darkness” (sin/evil works) came into
the world. This “darkness” has been in the world from the time of Adam
to date and that is why every child born has the desire to commit sin
(sinful desires) instead of pleasing God.
This did not stop God from loving man. He sent Jesus Christ to take the
punishment of our sin. When you believe in Jesus Christ, your sin
(darkness) is washed away and you can have a good relationship with
God once again. It is free of charge!

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Day 2
AIM: Children will learn that when we repent and accept Jesus, we receive
his light (John 8:12) and can shine this light through our works to the dark
world.
In this life, we have two choices. We can either be part of darkness and be part of
this world OR shine as lights and be different. This world is dying for a light.
People are desperately seeking for hope.
What choice have you made in life?
We are called to be Christians not just to attend church services once a week. We
are to do a work and that is to become a light to those around us.
It is too easy to just conform to this world. Just go with the flow and simply live a
life with less resistance and stay within our comfort zone. But we are Christians.
We are supposed to be different. We are to be a light.

Which leads us to the question, how can we produce light?

John 8:12: Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. HE
WHO FOLLOWS ME shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

This verse tells us that in order for us to produce the light, we must follow the Light
of the world! We need to follow Jesus Christ, His teachings, and examples. WE
LITERALLY MUST BE LIKE GOD IN OUR THINKING, WORDS, AND ACTIONS.
Yesterday we learnt that each one of has sinned and this sin stops us from being
the Light. The good news is that we have a way out. Take a look at the prodigal
son in Luke 15:11-32.
The story tells us of a boy who was given all freedom and his inheritance and went
to a far land away from his father and wasted his life. When all was over, he even
desired to eat the food of the pigs. He finally made a decision to return to his father
and ask for forgiveness. He indeed returned to his father and asked for
forgiveness. The father was actually happy to receive him back and made a special
feast for him.
Like this child, we have run away from God and wasted our lives in acts of
darkness. We have become children of the dark. But there is hope. We can turn
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back to God in repentance and accept Jesus Christ the Light of the World just as
the prodigal son did.
When Jesus comes into our hearts, he transforms us into children of the Light.
Would you want to be a Child of the Light?
When you are a child of the Light, there are some things that you are expected of.
Read Matthew 5:14-16.
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“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Neither
do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and
it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before
others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
1. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden
We are like a city on a hill. Since we shine as lights, people will take notice.
They will see that we are different. They will see that we are not like the other
people. They will see that we are truly who we claim to be, Christians.
We need to shine our lights in such a way that people SEE God and
Jesus Christ in us. That’s our ultimate goal as we shine as lights.

When we follow God, people will eventually notice through our WORKS.
They will say, “You know there’s something different about this child. This
child does not abuse, steal, disobey parents, smoke, speak vulgar, watch
filthy movies, tell lies, among other works of darkness.
People will say that you are kind, patient, loving, gentle, obedient, faithful,
encouraging, hospitable, honest, among other works of the Light.

These good works come as a result of the Holy Spirit living in you. The Holy
Spirit will bear fruit in you slowly by slowly. Galatians 5:22-23 tells us this.
Outline the fruit mentioned:

2. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand
Now, if you are a light of the world, you have to do a work. When you light a
lamp, you don’t hide it under a basket. You don’t hide it inside your closet.
You don’t hide it inside your bag. No, YOU PUT IT ON A
LAMPSTAND where it can serve its purpose. You put it in a place where it
can provide the best POSSIBLE LIGHT, where it can impart brightness and
radiance to other people.
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 Imagine, what if we just hide the light within us. What will happen? No one
will know about the light that we have.
If you have the light, you need to show it. Like when we have the truth given
to us, we need to share it. We need to give it to other people, not in a rude
or authoritative way, BUT WE NEED TO SPEAK THE TRUTH IN LOVE.

A good light is just there, shining and illuminating. It does not have to make
a noise to do its work. Eventually, people will notice our light and ask about
who we are, what church we attend, and what we believe. That’s how you
initiate a conversation, and that’s a perfect opportunity for you to be a witness
to Christ.

3. Glorify your Father in heaven

What is the purpose of being a light of the world? What should be our motive?
What should be the driving force behind our every action? Jesus was telling
us to shine our lights so that it will glorify our Father in heaven! Our light and
good works should not focus on ourselves. THEY SHOULD POINT PEOPLE
TO GOD!
Our light should convince the people around us that the way of God truly
works. Our life should be an example to others. It should tell other people
what will happen if we follow God. Our example should show them that what
we believe is true and it leads to life. It must tell them that if we follow God,
we will be blessed not just in this life but also in the life to come.

Conclusion
Take time to think about this! When people see you, do they see God’s way of life?
Or are you just no different to those who are outside the faith?

God desires you to be a shining example to other people. Wherever you are, be it
at school, at work, home, or within our community, you must reflect God’s light.
The light can only be shown through the words you speak, the way you treat others,
your dress code, the movies you watch, the songs you sing, e.t.c.
It is important to note that Our light and good works should not focus on
ourselves. THEY SHOULD POINT PEOPLE TO GOD!

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Day 3
AIM: Children will learn that they need to fully and daily depend on the power
of the Spirit to be able to shine in this world.
It is not easy for us to shine for long. Many times, we lose our brightness after a
few days and find ourselves back in life of darkness! It is easy for us to shine when
we are among fellow Christians but hard when we mingle with our friends at school,
in the neighborhood who are not Christians. Has this happened to you before? I
guess so.
What do we have to do to keep shining?
Think of a light bulb.
A light bulb needs to be connected to an electricity source to give light. When the
electricity source is cut/put off, it will not give light anymore.
In the same way, you need to stay connected to the source of light so that you
keep shinning no matter where you are. That source is JESUS CHRIST. (John
8:12)

Jesus tells us in John 15:4-5 that, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a
branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful
unless you remain in me. 5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who
remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do
nothing.”
Yes, you need to stay connected to Jesus so that you can shine out to the world.
There are some things that can help us stay connected. Can you mention them?
1. Prayer
Prayer is communication with God. We need to pray for ourselves daily that
we shall not give in to temptations. Jesus taught us in Matthew 6:13 to pray
that we shall not fall into temptation. In prayer, we need to ask God to forgive
us of our sins too so that we can be clean.
2. Study the word
The Bible is God’s love message for you and me. We need to study the word
of God because it directs our path just as Psalm 119:105 tells us. When we
read the Word of God, meditate on it day and night and obey what it says,
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 we shall defeat the devil and all his plans of darkness. Psalm 119:11 tells us
this.
3. Depend on the Holy Spirit
If you need to stay in tune, you need to depend on the Holy Spirit every day
because the Holy Spirit teaches the truth, reminds us of how we are
supposed to live and convicts us the wrong things we do. (John 16:8-14).
We can depend
4. Keep telling your friends about Jesus.
The more we tell others about Jesus, the more we are encouraged to keep
shining for Jesus in this world.

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