Midwest Camp 2009

By Rosemary Worthington

It was a spectacular display of light. Thunder rolled across the sky, and rain descended in torrents. Midwest camp began with a roaring Midwest storm! Meanwhile, we settled into our comfortable, air-conditioned quarters in preparation for a time of spiritual seeking and showers of blessing.

Wednesday morning’s Bible teaching, given by Reverend John Jordan from Richland Center, Wisconsin, was on the experience of salvation. He took us back to the Garden of Eden where sin first entered the world, then on to the Redeemer who came to pardon us from our sins. During the afternoon young people’s meeting, in the sermon by Reverend Ritchie Ho from St. Louis, Missouri, we heard about the potential all young people have. He warned that it is possible to lose that potential by making bad choices. Instead, this potential should be valued as something precious, and used for the glory of God.

Reverend Mark Worthington from St. Louis brought the message on Wednesday evening. Following a moving rendition of “The Great Judgment Morning,” sung by Jon Wolf, also from St. Louis, the sermon warned us not to be “too late.” Those who aren’t saved are in danger of being too late for Heaven. Those seeking experiences could be too late to fulfill the call God has for them to offer hope to a dying world.

There was much beautiful and inspiring music at Midwest camp this year. We were blessed by the orchestra and choir numbers, as well as solos and ensembles from the various branch churches. Looking and sounding cute, the Downey children sang a number, and a children’s choir blessed us with a song. We also enjoyed a pastors’ vocal quartet with a fifth pastor on the bass.

Thursday morning’s Bible teaching was on sanctification, given by Reverend Charles Schleicher from Madison, Wisconsin. He taught that salvation delivers us from committing sin, whereas sanctification takes away the nature within man that is prone to fall back into sin. That is why it is important to become sanctified quickly after being saved. Reverend Wayne Butler from Van Buren, Arkansas, preached in the afternoon, encouraging the congregation to hold on to what works. He talked about a new, very expensive computer program at his place of employment that replaced a system which had worked fine. The problem was that the new system did not work. After months of struggling, the company went back to the old method. We have proven that the Gospel works! Let’s not try to change it in any way!

Thursday evening we were encouraged by Reverend Earl Phillips from Portland, Oregon, to keep our faith simple, just like the faith of a little child. As usual, he had an interesting story, this time about cows and the “green spot” outside the fence.

The congregational singing was a special blessing at Midwest camp. One evening we had a duet and solos on various verses of the songs. Then the congregation would join in. Two times we had “Newfie” song services led by Reverend Marjorie Reid from New Brunswick, Canada. What fun those were! We sang with all our hearts and were not afraid to use hand motions! The praises rolled from our hearts as we raised our voices in song.

On Friday morning, the Bible study was on the baptism of the Holy Ghost, given by Reverend Tom Pricskett from Chehalis, Washington. He talked about the Great Commission and Christ’s last words that the disciples were to go to Jerusalem and wait for the power of the Holy Ghost. Jeff Downey from St. Louis preached for the young people about the defining moments in our lives that will take us through the tough times. God has done wonderful things for us. We can look back on those experiences to encourage us in the days ahead.

For the Friday evening service, Reverend Marjorie Reid preached from Ecclesiastes about there being times and seasons, or windows of opportunity in our lives. Our life is like a journal and we are writing in it every day in all that we do.

There were many great testimonies of God’s miracle-working power. Several told how they were saved. Others reiterated how they received their sanctification, or told of receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Ron Jennings from Chehalis, Washington, shared how he had sought for many years and wondered if the baptism was only for young people. Now in his sixties, he received that glorious experience at home two years ago. Still others told of experiences of healing. Don Paulsen testified that he had been seriously ill with lung problems during the spring and found it very difficult to breathe. This lasted for many weeks. At Portland camp meeting he was prayed for and God healed him. His breathing is fine now. It was good to hear praise given to the Lord for His mighty works.

Saturday morning we gathered by the swimming pool for a water baptismal service. We joined together in singing, accompanied by serenading instruments. Reverend Byron Parker from Los Angeles brought the message, after which thirteen were baptized. It was a sweet service.

Each afternoon there was time for leisure activities including swimming, playing on the aqua launcher, fishing, hiking, boating, and relaxation. Saturday afternoon gave us extra time for these fun activities. The weather was wonderful, with the high temperatures being in the eighties most days.

On Saturday evening, Reverend Kent Thompson from Minneapolis, Minnesota, preached an encouraging message that we should keep on keeping on. We will face trials, but we can go through, overcome, and be victorious.

The food at the camp was very good. A highlight of Midwest camp is the “self-serve” ice cream and sundae bar. Root-beer floats were very popular using pop from the “self-serve” pop machine! There was much good fellowship around the tables in the dining room.

Sunday was a beautiful day and Reverend Bob Downey from Portland preached a stirring sermon on answering the call of God on our lives. In the afternoon, Donald Fittin from Van Buren preached on the prodigal son, relating how he did not know how good he had it at home. He learned the hard way where the good life was to be found. Donald shared some amusing stories from his youth when he learned a similar lesson.

On Sunday evening Reverend Karen Storey from Chicago, Illinois, preached that serving the Lord and being active in His work is not a duty, but a privilege. She shared some personal incidents in her life to illustrate this point.

One special thing about Midwest camp was the sweet Spirit around the altars. There were many experiences and blessings received. There was a feeling of refreshing and sweet peace as we tarried before the Lord in prayer.

Several people were asked, “What is special about Midwest camp to you?” Here are some of the thoughts and responses: “Fellowship,” “Closeness,” “Good family spirit and feeling,” “Ice cream!” “Re-establishing friendships,” “Sweet spirit feeling,” “Closeness of people – like family,” ”Closeness to God at the altar,” “Keeping the world out – being with people who believe alike.”

These sentiments pretty much sum up Midwest camp. It is a special, close-family feeling, blessed by the Spirit of the Lord!