It was a Friday afternoon when I became a Christian. My prayer was clumsy and ignorant, but it was also earnest and truthful. When I opened my eyes everything was the same. The world was just as it had always been, but I was new. I saw everything from the earth to the sky and all the people around me now within the context of God’s glory. It was surprising, amazing, overwhelming.

I was 14 years old and all this occurred after spending the week at Pathfinder Lodge, one of the two camps in the New York State American Baptist camping program (now Vick Pathfinder Camp and Conference Ministries). I had been interested in Christianity for a few years by this time. I noticed that Christians has a certain something about them that I couldn’t put my finger on, but I really wanted to experience myself. Since I was a bookworm I read everything I could, but I was no closer to understanding God. My church encouraged me to attend camp. I was nervous about it, but their support helped me decide to go. The camp program, staff and volunteers helped me realize I needed to get out of my own way and take a leap of faith into God’s hands.

​The camping program provides children, teens, and adults a safe place to explore their connection to God away from the distractions and pressures of home, school, and community. Getting out into God’s creation with a fun and inspirational program can make a direct and positive effect on their lives. I left my first week of camp forever changed. I later returned as a staff member eager to bring the word of God to others. 
​
Last summer I dropped my son off for camp. I was greeted by the current program director who said “ I don’t know if you remember me, but I was one of your campers. You were a big inspiration for me to go into ministry.”  In the five years I worked there I saw so many young people discover God, grow in faith, and make lifelong commitments. It was such a blessing to be a small part of this ministry. 

You can be part of it too in a number of ways. The 2019 schedule is now available. Volunteers are needed for nurses, counselors (training included), life guards (training included), kitchen staff, and maintenance. You can volunteer at anytime throughout the summer. Financial support is always appreciated, you can help cover costs so a child or teen in need can attend this incredible program. But most of all you can encourage the young people in your life to go. If it hadn’t been for my church family pushing and supporting me I might not have ever gone, and I’m so glad I did.

By Calin Lawrence

By Pauline Novick

As a church we have dedicated some of our resources to supporting the mission of the Fairport Baptist Homes Foundation. This program provides seniors with a number of services and living facilities that include Senior Apartments, Deland Acres, Roselawn, and Woodland Apartments. Services include assisted living, rehab, and skilled nursing in the Main Building. 

The Fairport Baptist Homes was founded in 1904 by local American Baptist Churches lead by Dr. Marcena Ricker (who happened to be Susan B. Anthony's physician). It was originally run by the Women's Board of Managers which evolved into the Women's Service Board.  A few years ago the Service Board was open to men as well. 

Two members of Webster Baptist Church currently sit on the board. Nancy Johnson is one of the co-chairs, and I have served on the board for over 20 years. I joined when my mother was a resident. We meet monthly except for July and August and provide services to enhance the lives of the residents. We lead special activities such as a Centenarian Tea, events for Assisted Living residents and holidays. We sing for World Day of Prayer, Good Friday, and Christmas Eve services. Several of us have been working with retired Administrator, Reverend Garth Brokow on archives.  We staff the gift shop, provide newspapers, offer visitations to residents, and transport them to events. We also give gifts to the home such as furnishings for the Hospice Room, televisions, and medical equipment as requested. 

For many years some of our funding came from our Annual Plain and Fancy Sale. Now we put on smaller events such as the upcoming Treasure and Trinket and Baked Food Sale (with raffle baskets). Donations to the Service Board Family Fund are a big help too. We also support Foundation events such as the Step Up for Seniors Walk and the Golf Tournament. 

We are always looking for volunteers to join us in our mission work. 

If your heart is leading you to this kind of service work please contact myself, Nancy Johnson, the Service Board or the Foundation. We would love to share our mission with you. 
​