What a Difference a Week Makes!
Peter Gabucci / Student Ministries Director
As I write this, I am thinking about summer 2026 both for me and for my students here at church. Summers for me back in the day were a time of going to summer camp for as many weeks as I could, both to help as a counselor and to attend as a camper. Up here in Buffalo, summer is generally a shorter time of rest, relaxation, and vacation for our families.
I am so happy that our people here make a point to have “Never the Same” (NTS) camp on their calendars! Our students attend a week-long summer camp called “Never the Same.” For a few weeks in July, churches from all over our region take over the campus of Houghton University to worship together, compete against each other, and most importantly to grow closer to God and leave that week never the same. My prayer and my burden for each young person and leader that attends are that they will find a place in their personal relationship with God from which to begin moving forward and growing. Whether it’s salvation and starting that relationship or recommitting a life or surrendering to a calling – this is what it’s all about!
In August of 1994, I gave my life to Christ at, wait for it, summer camp! I haven’t looked back since! Sure! I have had times of struggles, fighting, and wondering if God still had the same plans for me that I once knew He did. I have known for over forty years that God wanted me to work with young people in some capacity. I can gratefully write that He has consistently placed me in the places to accomplish those plans … and what a fulfilling and rewarding ministry it has been! My mind goes to Philippians 1:6, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” I am thankful for a God Who finishes what He starts!
As you read this, please pray for our young people and leaders who will attend summer camp this year. Pray that God begins a work in them that He will be faithful to complete!