Every year, I have the incredible privilege of being the High School Camp Pastor at Camp WYOBA in the breathtaking wilderness of Wyoming. I've been leading sessions for almost 15 years, except for this year due to my wife's health. These sessions last a week, and we delve into the captivating theme of 'Worldview.' During the sessions, we explore the contrasting perspectives of theism (God) and atheism (No God) and ask the fundamental question, 'Does God exist or not?' My aim is not to dictate beliefs but to empower campers to shape their worldviews, make informed decisions, and take ownership of their beliefs (Gen 1:26).

At camp, we have open, respectful discussions about the existence of God. We encourage young people to appreciate diverse viewpoints and share their thoughts on life experiences (Mark 9:30-37). Sometimes, I encounter students who respond with skepticism or sarcasm about God's existence. In those instances, I encourage them to at least consider the concept of God, emphasizing that having something to start with is better than believing in nothing. I often use a simple mathematical analogy to illustrate the point: if we consider 'nothing' as '0' and 'anything' as 'x, 'then '0' times 'x' equals '0 '. In other words, if we start with nothing, we end up with nothing. We certainly don't want anyone to end up as nothing, so imagining and contemplating something more significant is essential (Ephesians 4:17-32).

As a camp mentor and to those I pastor at Elevating Life Church, I'm committed to fostering a spirit of investigation, which is a deep curiosity and a willingness to ask questions, and inspiring the campers and people to take action once they discover their truth (Proverbs 27:17). I want to empower them to embrace a fulfilling life rooted in a God-view. For those who adopt a theistic worldview, I'm dedicated to helping them build a solid foundation based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and understand how big it is through the love of God the Father, keeping it alive through God's breath or His Spirit, be it at Camp WYOBA or otherwise (Phil 4:4-9). From there, I introduce a challenge. 

One of the significant challenges I've observed is that many campers and other Christians I pastor believe in God's existence but struggle to trust in it genuinely. It's no problem at camp or church, but outside, "awful!" The distinction between belief and trust in God is profound. Belief acknowledges God's existence and love, while trust involves having faith in that love and relying on it in all aspects of life. It's essential to develop this trust as part of our relationship with God and our understanding of the theistic worldview. Trust in God is not just a belief; it's a guiding light in our lives (Proverbs 3).

As we leave the mountain of this conversation on worldview, like the campers at camp WYOBA, I encourage you to reflect on the impact of your worldview on your life and those around you. Let's seize the opportunity to ask questions, seek understanding, and discover the truth. Together, we can embark on a journey of spiritual growth, shaping our lives with compassion, purpose, and unwavering faith. Let's live out our beliefs with trust and conviction, not just at a camp or church but in every aspect of reality (Matthew 22:37-40).

With belief and trust in God,

Pastor Drake