I spent a couple of hours praying with a group of Pastors and others after lunch today at White Oak Conference Center, located between Rock Hill and Columbia. Let me explain why?

This summer about 3,000 teenagers from churches across SC will spend a week at White Oak for SummerSalt. About 30 of those will be from First Baptist. These students will be challenged to walk with Jesus and many will give their heart and life to Jesus for the first time. Last year more than 200 students were saved at SummerSalt.

So today a group of us met with the SummerSalt staff, a team of about 30 college students and adults. We prayed for them and for the students who will gather here starting next week. Then we walked around the campus praying. We literally prayer walked the campus, asking God to do a great work this summer. I prayed for our youth to encounter God when they’re here and I encourage you to take a moment right now and pray for them.

While I’m at it, allow me to share one more thing with you about White Oak Conference Center. It is operated by the SC Baptist Convention, which provides a significant amount of funding. Without those funds, White Oak would not exist. Each Southern Baptist church in SC gives money to support our Baptist ministries in SC and around the world through what we call the Cooperative Program. FBC gives about $200,000.00 a year. Part of those funds helps support White Oak and the ministries that take place here. So when you give this Sunday, some of your donation will be joined with the gifts of others to make it possible for a place like White Oak to exist. Part of your donation will help our 30 students, as well as another 3,000 students, have a powerful encounter with Jesus Christ this summer.

This is another example of what we are calling a Summer of Sharing. When you give, you are helping us share the gospel with people in so many ways.

Now you know why I spent today praying at White Oak. You also know another good reason for giving your tithe at FBC.

Pastor Steve Hogg