UM ARMY (United in Mission, Action Reach-out Ministry by Youth) is an organization which provides Christ-centered missions that serve people in need. The organization promotes spiritual growth and leadership in youth and young adults. Each summer, students from across Texas and other regions of the U.S. gather at churches to serve the community through volunteer work by repairing homes, building wheelchair ramps, and serving nonprofit organizations.

UM ARMY Rio Texas has made it a priority to offer at least one camp in the Rio Grande Valley each year. This summer, FUMC Weslaco hosted 30 participants from Gruene UMC and Medina Valley UMC for a week of hard work, meaningful worship, and lots of fun.

The campers were divided into three work teams and were able to repair and replace a fence, paint, insulate, and drywall a house, build two ramps, and help with other projects at the host church. Near the end of the week, most of the homeowners attended the community celebration, joining the campers for an evening of dinner and worship. It was a powerful experience of shared connection and gratitude across cultures and generations. Additionally, the campers were able to complete their projects early on the last workday, allowing for an afternoon of beach fun on South Padre Island.

Along with the Weslaco camp, UM ARMY Rio Texas hosted a young adult camp in Corpus Christi as well as middle and high school camps in San Marcos, Fredericksburg, and San Antonio. Approximately 350 students from across the Rio Texas Conference and surrounding areas participated in these awesome service weeks.

The Bible offers plenty of incredible visions given to different people across history. One of those is the one described by Prophet Ezequiel, in his book, in chapter 37:1-14. In my opinion, it is a dramatic scene that goes beyond any movie in theaters. For those who don’t know the passage, The Prophet describes himself in a valley full of dry bones and is asked by God a controversial question - Do you think these dry bones have life? The prophet gives a wise response: Instead of affirming or denying, he placed the question back to God - “you know better than I do.” Then God guided The Prophet step-by-step.

The Rio Texas Conference Summer Youth camps used the verse of Ezequiel 37:4 as the main theme. Like the passage, I was not sure how things would develop, and same as the prophet, I just responded, “You know better than I do.” I just trusted God and leaders who offered themselves. This year we hosted two camps: one from July 2-7 in Palacios, TX; and July 9-14 in Buda, TX.

We counted on the support from district and conference resources to secure a location. Rev. Phillip Higginbotham and Isabella Lopez met several times to brainstorm ideas for camp and make it affordable to all youth and campers. One of the recurring questions along the process was if our churches would come. We wondered if we would have enough campers. We moved ahead in faith. We counted on many leaders who secured music, pastors who offered their leadership skills, and youth coordinators who came together to support.

The first camp in Palacios, TX was coordinated by Rev. Higginbotham. It was the first time the conference hosted camp at this location. While the proximity to the sea was inviting, it did not take away the summer heat concern. Rev. Marcus Johns from UT-Arlington Campus Ministry was the main speaker. He took the youth from prevenient grace, justifying grace, into sanctifying grace, and he did it in a way that was relatable to campers and easy to grasp. He affirmed the youth that they are loved by God. Rev. Johns highlighted all the gifts and people who supported and guided them throughout their journey—reminding them that they are an important part in their family, church, and community (especially among their peers). Like Ezequiel, they too could prophesize and speak the truth to friends and the people they encounter. He closed by reminding the campers, “this isn’t over;” encouraging them to share what they learned and experienced during camp with their peers and to not be ashamed of being different because they can inspire a new generation of believers. It was an invitation to not wait until next the camp or mission trip. They can share what they lived and experienced to everyone. The youth are the disciples who will proclaim the good news to others and bring life to many people.

A significant moment happened on the last full day at camp. It rained all morning. The adults were concerned because after lunch, the youth planned to have recreation time in the bay. As we got together to come up with solutions, a few students came and mentioned that they could sing and dance together instead of going outside in the rain. This time, the youth not only danced and sang together, but they bonded in a way I could not foresee. It was as if I was witnessing people coming to life—and having fun in a clean and respectful way!

At Buda Camp, the Coordinator was Isabella Lopez and the Main speaker was Rev. Elizabeth “Lizzie” Wright, the CEO of Justice For Our Neighbors-Austin. This camp started with a real challenge that gave an opportunity to see fellowship among pastors and diversity in the youth. Rev. Lizzie was ill for few weeks. Five days before camp started, she was diagnosed with pneumonia and a possible rib fracture. She was looking forward to her time with the youth. Medicine and rest would put her close to recovery, but she was not able to participate the first two days of camp. Rev. Dr. Todd Salmi kicked-off the start of camp, and the next day Rev. Wes Cain blessed the youth on their first day of camp.

Rev. Wright later recovered and arrived. It was such a blessing. When she talked about the breath that God infused in the bones, she explained how youth can connect with God anytime if they paused to breathe and pray a short prayer. She also offered the Lectio Divina exercise to approach scripture in a prayerful way. She shared about a few of the sojourners that her ministry served, learned from, and loved. She reminded us that we show love to God every time we serve the least and the lost.

During the last night at camp, Isabella Lopez shared her testimony of how she received her call to be youth coordinator at a similar camp when she was only 12 years old. Now she was in Buda leading others to Christ. She encouraged youth to listen for God and walk with them:

I was truly blessed with the incredible opportunity to help plan and direct one of the conference summer camps that took place at Buda TX. As camp began, I had little to no expectation, knowing that many of the students we were serving had never attended a church summer camp before. In the days leading up to camp, I devoted myself to daily prayers for each and every registered participant. The most impactful aspect of the camp experience for me was witnessing the remarkable transformation of the students. Initially, these students barely sang along during worship, but by the end, they were joyfully screaming the lyrics, raising their hands, and dancing with abandon. I was humbled as students approached me, sharing their initial fear of singing and expressing how the spirit moved them to pour out their hearts in song. Even the quieter students returned home and couldn't stop talking about their camp experience. The evidence of their transformation was clear in their words and actions. It feels like just yesterday that I was a sixth grader attending a conference camp, being prayed over by the camp director. Now, almost 13 years later, I find myself in the privileged position of praying over students. This illustrates the beauty and power of camp ministry, emphasizing its significance for our students. These young individuals are not just the church in the present; they are our future pastors, youth leaders, children's leaders, lay leaders, and so much more.

Like Prophet Ezequiel, I was not sure what God could do, but step-by-step I saw His transforming power in leaders, pastors, youth and their communities. I give thanks to the prayers of those who kept and keep praying for the youth leadership. I give thanks to those who invested—financially and spiritually—in our youth disciples.

I hopeful that God will continue giving visions of our church through our youth members.