As kids are exposed to the Holy Spirit, and as they ask questions and hear the answers, they will begin to want to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

When kids have an encounter with the Holy Spirit, it’s where they can feel God— not just hear about Him. Once they are filled with the Holy Spirit, they need to be activated and challenged to grow in the Spirit. It’s the beginning of their spiritual employment.

There is something special to be said about going on a trip with the kids in your ministry to a place designed just for them where they can encounter God with no distractions. Summer camp is a valuable tool for leaders and should be utilized as much as possible in guiding kids to a Christ-centered life. Here are three reasons why.

Don and Terri Triplett are Assemblies of God missionaries to Latin America Caribbean. Their efforts are focused on reaching children for Christ through their King’s Castle Ministries. Recently, Don Triplett shared a story about a young El Salvadorian girl, “Ana,” who only spoke Spanish. She was praying in their ministry’s Prayer Fortress and began speaking in tongues ... in English.

It seems that fear is a normal response to anything new, and that includes first-time God encounters. Zacharias, Mary, and the shepherds had to be frightened for the angel to say, “Fear not.” In each of these instances, the first thing the angel addressed was fear. Pastoring revival demands that we observe the students and listen to God. As God’s Spirit moves, move close to children when they are praying or worshiping. Be sensitive. Ask God for wisdom and discernment as you pray with them.

Teach your kids about the gifts of the Spirit. Teach them to learn to hear God’s voice. Teach them to go to a parent or a leader for guidance if need be. The Holy Spirit is a gentleman. He will guide your kids into an amazing spirit-filled walk.