It's Not Easy Being Green

Especially if you're a politically incorrect, culture-bashing Jesus freak. Or Saint Patrick (who was one in the same). We're not sure where the green comes from unless it's a result of the three-leafed shamrock Patrick used to represent how the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit could exist as separate elements in the same entity. He was a smart guy and some might say crazy. The truth is that he was "no holds barred" when it came to following God. We tell you all about his incredible life and all about your incredible summer in this issue of The Well. Wow, you're lucky!

News @ SpringHill Camp 44°

What are you doing this summer? Racing on foot, bike, raft and more in the great Northern Michigan Adventure Race? Climbing in the Rocky Mountains...caving in Craylick Rock, Pennsylvania...whitewater rafting in Maine...paddling through the Canadian wilderness? Going deeper with God and others through Rivendell in Michigan or in Greece? Sharing your heart and soul on a missions team in Trinidad? Serving (and playing) on a Team Service Team at SpringHill? This could be the greatest summer of your life. Have you registered for it? Get all the details on our website.

Experience loads of wild-and-crazy SpringHill fun...with one of your parents! That's right, you can get mom or dad down the zipline or running for cover in the paintball field at one of our Parent/Child Retreats this spring. Plus, you'll have some solid one-on-one time together. You can't beat it!

Thank Your Lucky Stars

...if you're coming to SpringHill or taking a SpringHill trip this summer, that is. Do we ever have an awesome time planned for you! Here's a little rundown of the big stuff you'll experience:

The Big Serve: Better known as TST (as in Teen Service Teams). In a two- or three-week stint you'll become super intimate with some key aspect of how camp operates. (Think food service, landscaping or accommodations.) This means you'll be key to carrying forth the mission and ministry of SpringHill. You'll be a servant - in the very best sense of the word - and you'll be a carefree crazy kid, getting to do every take-your-breath-away activity known to camp. It's the best of every world and it's all right here.

The Big Adventure: If you think you've "been there, done that" and you're looking for a whole new summer experience that's full of heart-altering, SpringHill fun, with stuck-for-life friends and counselors, try Alpha Expeditions. Each trip is a totally unique, outdoor, small-group bonding, leadership building, "I didn't know I could do this" experience that you just can't reproduce anywhere else.

The Big Mission: Sure, you live in a melting pot, but how about serving smack-dab in the middle of a country that's only a little bigger than Rhode Island and has seven religions competing for the title of one and only true God! That's Trinidad, and we're going there with students just like you. This TST trip will take you to work at a Christian camp in Trinidad that's changing the kids' lives. It's big work in a little place. Consider it!

The Big Step: Get in with a family of friends and fellow believers. Get deep into God's world and your own heart. Get to Rivendell. Spend two weeks in the Michigan wilderness bonding, growing and even preparing to come back to SpringHill in a whole new capacity - on summer staff. If you're thinking of taking that big step someday, this is the place to discover what it takes. Or, travel with a Rivendell group to Greece. Work at a camp in Athens. Then, visit Thessolonika, Corinth, Delphi and more of the Apostle Paul's stomping grounds. It's the opportunity of a lifetime!

Luck of the Irish

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. -Matthew 28:19-20

Can you imagine if someone took this directive to heart? Well, there was a guy who set out on a mission to turn a society upside down, even if it cost him his very life. Some probably would have called him a politically incorrect, culture-bashing Jesus freak. Who was he really? None other than the guy we use as an excuse to wear green and party on: Patricus (otherwise known as Saint Patrick).

Here's how the story goes: Some 1500 years ago, Patricus was a rich, spoiled British teenager who was probably out partying one night when a band of Irish pirates kidnapped him from his beloved home and sold him into slavery. He eventually escaped and was able to return home. End of story? Not a chance. Patricus became convinced that he was handpicked by God to bring the entire country of Ireland (the home of his abductors) to a saving knowledge of Christ.

Patrick returned to Ireland and accomplished one of the greatest missionary feats of all time with some of the most godless people who have ever lived. Consider these facts:

» He was the first missionary to take the gospel literally "to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). No one previous to Patrick had gone so far with the message of Christ.

» He faced a culture where human sacrifice, slavery and barbaric warfare were everyday practices. Yet by the end of his life, nearly all of these nasty habits were gone from Ireland.

» He essentially brought about the conversion of a nation, who then in turn helped to save Western civilization during the dark ages.

Patrick was a person just like you and me in every respect except for one: obedience. Oh, we would like to believe we are completely sold out to Jesus. But let's be honest, Patrick puts us to shame. Isn't it about time we started taking this whole Christianity thing as serious as he did? Is God calling you to do something? Are you listening?

Plus, Patrick saw every human being as equally valuable and precious to God. The Christian missionaries before him most likely didn't get the gospel to Ireland because they viewed the people there as 'sub-human,' and possibly not deserving of the message of the cross. Satan gains a great victory when Christians let their pride get in the way of God's compassion.

Think about this: March 17th is St. Patrick's day, which recognizes the anniversary of his death and celebrates the unbelievable legacy he left. Wear your green but go a step further and honor Patrick's memory. For instance, think about specific things in your life that need to change so that you can be more radical and passionate about your Christianity. What would the world be like if Patrick had said 'no' to God? What will the world be like tomorrow if you say 'yes' to God today?

(An abridged version of an eTeam Revolution devotion by Lane Palmer. Click here to read the original.)

Websites Well Worth It

For The Ladies: www.radiantmag.com
From the makers of Relevant Magazine, this generation's hottest Christian mag, Radiant Magazine is "...a new lifestyle magazine for today's generation of modern women... that covers faith, trends and everyday life, but with a young, original voice." For those of you who know or receive Relevant, the new women's mag will be a fresh, exciting addition.

For The Gents: www.christiancollegementor.com
Here's a great site for all of you college-bound brothers. The site includes helpful links, tons of interactive material and info on schools, financial aid, and even college mentoring! A must-see for the Christian college bound. (Ladies, too.)

Depend on the rabbit's foot if you will, but remember it didn't work for the rabbit. 
-R.E. Shav

The only sure thing about luck is that it will change. 
-Wilson Mizner

In The Real World

On Dating: Is it okay to go out with a non-Christian?

No doubt as you get through high school and on into college, your guy- or girl-radar becomes a vibrant source of activity. So what are some of the dating-related questions facing Christian teens today? One of the biggest questions concerns non-believers. Should we date (and possibly marry) people who don't believe in Jesus? Why or why not? What does God think of it all?

This month we'd like you to take a look at a couple of articles and respond with your thoughts. Check out the two provided links and think about what your convictions are.

Paul wasn't a Christian. I was. So why was I dating him?

Unequally yoked?

Your feelings and opinions are important to us and we want to hear your voice. Email us with your thoughts!