PRAY FOR YOUTH PARTICIPATING IN THE ALPINIS CAMPS
Scripture: Romans 12:1-2

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Story
We at MLI, come along side churches in difficult, isolated areas of Romania, who have a vision to reach out with the gospel in their communities. We assist them through leadership development, sharing of resources, partnerships and youth ministry. To this end we have developed an all-year-around camp and conference center in the Carpathian mountains, central Romania, outside the Paltinis ski resort. We named this place Alpinis, it expresses our vision and calling to reach and equip the young generation in Romania with the gospel through camps, outdoor activities and retreats. We describe our camps as an adventure with a purpose.
Hundreds of youth come to Alpinis every year since 2006. For some this is their first camp and outdoor experience. For others Alpinis has become a landmark in their lives, a special place where they return to realign their lives to God’s purpose. A key word for us is transformation. There is something special about time in nature, in the mountains! Our prayer is that everyone coming to Alpinis will encounter God’s love in a fresh, transformative way. The mountain is not meant to teach us anything, it is meant to make us something. (O. Chambers)
“Usually, summer camps are not about God, they’re about having fun. But this camp was different. I just loved being here. I loved the people, the games and activities and the different kind of fun. And most of all I loved that this summer camp was all about God.” (Madalina, 17, high school student)
“The Alpiniș camp has become a landmark for me. For many the New Year or birthdays represent an occasion to reflect and evaluate where they are at in their lives, and to commit to new resolutions. For me this happens at Alpiniș. Here I stop to think of how much of the Bible I read over the past year, how much have I grown personally or where should I go to college.” (Iulia, 20, colege student)

Pray for staff and volunteers who serve in Alpinis summer camps. Pray for safety and an impact of the gospel in the lives of the youth.

Questions & Reflection:
1. Name some of the most transformational experiences in your life?
2. Where do you invest most of your efforts? What are the goals for which you sacrifice the most?
3. What aspects of life do you associate with “your body” when you read Romans 12? In what ways can these be an act of worship to God?
4. Sacrifices are normally dead… what is a “living sacrifice”?