August 4-8, 2008

by Neil Jones

Approximately seventy young people from the Apostolic FaithChurches in Grants Pass, Medford, and Roseburg, Oregon, and Eureka, California, attended this year’s Southern Oregon youth camp. Located near Klamath Falls, Oregon, Mountain Lakes Bible Camp has been the site used for this youth camp for many years. Campers and staff arrived on Monday, August 8, and quickly settled into their respective cabins. Activities that day included basketball, softball, swimming, volleyball, and a scavenger hunt. The evening chapel service was filled with energetic singing and encouraging testimonies, followed by an inspirational message by Ted Joli from Medford.

The theme for this year’s youth camp was “Take the Plunge: Make a Splash with Jesus.” The theme verse was taken from Revelation 22:17, “And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” From Tuesday through Thursday, a new sub-theme was introduced to the campers each morning. The theme for Tuesday was “Plunge into Obedience.” Prior to eating breakfast, the verse chosen to go with that day’s theme was recited, “A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God” (Deuteronomy 11:27).

Cabin cleaning followed a hearty breakfast prepared by Becky Hinkle and a devoted kitchen staff. The morning chapel service featured some familiar songs, along with some new numbers. After the individual cabin devotions, humorous skits demonstrating obedience were presented, and then an afternoon of crafts, games, and a marathon volleyball tournament kept everyone occupied. Ben Marincus preached in the evening chapel service, after which a wonderful prayer service resulted in some being saved and others sanctified.

On Wednesday, the daily theme was “Plunge into Courage” with the key verse taken from Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” The Roseburg church organized that morning’s activities, including a demonstration of trust from the Chasteen family. Several “disciples” sailed in an elaborate boat while an interactive storm brewed in the chapel, simulating the scene of Jesus calming the angry sea. The afternoon activities included a free-throw contest, three-point competition, basketball tournament, as well as an impressive assortment of crafts to choose from. Some displayed their courage by scaling the climbing wall. During Wednesday night’s chapel service, several gave victorious testimonies, including some who had received an experience the previous night. Pierre Hancock, the pastor of our church in Eureka, brought the message about Moses following God’s call.

Thursday morning brought the challenge of “Plunge into Faith,” with the theme verse from Hebrews 12:2, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” The counselors from Medford coordinated the morning activities, beginning with an interview of the disciple Peter, portrayed by Pierre Hancock. A game of “Faith Factor” tested participants’ faith with a series of challenging, and at times, revolting trials. Randy Lee concluded the morning service with a PowerPoint presentation on faith. The rest of Thursday was occupied with lunch, crafts, sports, and games such as tag. An enthusiastic bonfire sing-a-long took place Thursday night, and glow sticks illuminated the games on the sports field afterwards. Thursday evening wound down in the cafeteria with pizza and games, helping lull the once-energetic campers to sleep.

The popular cliché, “time flies when you are having fun,” proved true once more as preparations to depart Mountain Lakes Bible Camp arrived much too early Friday morning. Another calendar year brought one more successful Southern Oregon youth camp, and our prayer is that those who received something from the Lord this year will plunge into courage, faith, and obedience as they continue in their walk with God!

More images are available in the Picture This section of out youth site.