Building Planes in the Air - EDS

COCUSA Staff Training Devotion I used with this video in May 2008.

Who do you feel like in this commercial? After 3 days of training? The OJ guy?
You guys might feel a little like this. And we’re okay with that. We realize that we have been throwing things at you left and right. It might not be until halfway through the summer that you feel like it has all come together. But I really believe that each and every one of you will totally pick it up once we get going. Once you get 1 day of camp under your belt, you will be flying high.
We did the absolutely best we could with 3 days of training. Question: How long did Jesus get to train his disciples? Over 3 years! And that wasn’t just for a few hours everyday. He spent nearly every waking moment with them. They were learning from his life. (You may notice we pair up new staff with returning staff the first few weeks of camp. It’s for the same reason. Watching someone and learning from their actions is one of the best ways to train.)

So we obviously haven’t trained you as long as or as well as Jesus trained his disciples. But there is one thing that Jesus did do that we can do for you. And you can do for each other. Right before the whole ‘garden-of-gesthemane’ thing… when things started moving quickly to the crucifixion; what is the last thing Jesus did for his disciples?

His final action after more than three years of training is in John 17. He prays. There is a lot in that prayer, it is 26 verses. But three things Jesus prayed for:
Glory of God: Read John 17:1b
Word to work: Read John 17:17 (Sanctify = make them more like Christ)
Unity: Read John 17:20-21 (the world may believe)

I hold these three up to you. Pray for these throughout the summer. The glory of God, the Word to work (in our lives and camper’s lives) and unity (as a staff).
Glory: The first president of Moody Bible Institute said that “a selfish purpose in prayer robs prayer of power.” (Torrey) Are you only praying for a camper in your group because you want an easier day? Or are you praying that whatever happens with that camper, God will be glorified. Maybe in their life, or maybe in your life because you are learning patience.
Word: If Jesus prayed that his disciples (who spent 3 years with him) would have Scripture work in their lives, how much more do we need Scripture to work in our lives? If you can’t think of anything to pray, something like: “Dear Lord please help your truth get communicated clearly to the campers” is a very noble prayer. Or "Please help me find truth in your word."
Unity: Even if you’re getting along with everyone, there is huge importance in praying for unity. I have heard numerous other directors from other camps talk about a good summer gone bad because the staff did not have unity. Remember, our unity will help ‘the world believe’ in Christ. (Campers and their families in this case). This isn't Kum-By-Yah stuff, it's just plain getting along. ('Miracle' movie analogy).

So we’re going to break up for prayer in just a minute. We want 8 or 9 staff with each Site Director. If you feel comfortable, pray out loud in those groups. As we do, keep in mind three great things to pray for: Glory of God, Word to work, and Unity among Us.

As a final side note: Don’t feel the need to be elegant. God is much more pleased if you are really praying what’s on your heart, rather than a prayer that sounds good to those around you. That’s one of the lessons from Luke 18 when the Pharisee and tax collector pray. If you’re prayer consists of “God help me because I have no idea what I’m doing” I believe he will honor that.

A SD will lead you in prayer as a group, Pray for one of those 3 (Glory, Word, Unity), Obviously with 8+ in a group multiple people will pray for the same thing, that is ok. Go for it.