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.
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
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
Our mission as a church is to support the Kingdom of God on Earth. One of the many ways we do that is by providing support to organizations that do the work of God's Kingdom in our local communities and throughout the world. As you are able please consider joining us in our mission work.
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