There is a sense of excitement and expectation in Wisconsin as members prepare for camp meeting 2004. While camp meetings here are always keenly anticipated, this year marks the 25th anniversary at the Wakonda site. There will be a celebration of this milestone with stories, pictures, and people who have had a significant part in the transition from Portage to Wakonda.

Added to the 25th celebration will be the opening of the Fireside Lodge. This is a new cafeteria and multi-purpose facility that will be a center of ministry on the camp ground for years to come. Civic leaders, denominational representatives, and members of the churches in Wisconsin will gather on Sunday afternoon, June 20, for this special event.

The heart of the camp meeting, of course, will be the inspiration, fellowship, worship, and instruction that comes from each day’s meetings. The theme this year is “Return unto Me.” God often encourages His people to return to the places, people, and situations where they have been blessed previously. Attendees will be encouraged to review God’s leading by returning in thought and testimony to these special times of inspiration.

Each day is filled with inspirational meetings and seminars. Mark Finley, It is Written speaker/director, will be the featured speaker for the opening weekend. James Gilley, North American Division vice president for ministry and evangelism, will be the featured evening speaker throughout the week. Des Cummings Jr., executive vice president of business development for Florida Hospital, will be the featured speaker for the closing weekend. Ron Flowers, co-director of the General Conference department of family ministries, will teach a family-life seminar. DeWitt Williams, General Conference health ministries director, will present health seminars. Ric Swaningson, pastor/evangelist in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will teach a seminar focused on winning souls in harvest evangelism, and Steve Wohlberg, the popular author of AntiChrist Chronicles, Israel in Prophecy, and The Left Behind Deception, will present a seminar on prophecy.

Added this year will be a series of worship opportunities for experiencing the presence of God through music, testimony, and reflection. Jennifer LaMountain, a gifted vocalist, will be our featured musician for the opening weekend and will present a sacred concert Sabbath at 4:00 p.m.

Wakonda means “set apart.” Truly God has set apart this special place on His earth to experience His presence and power. Its natural beauty and developed facilities make it a place where people return to renew their walk with God. Come and experience God at this year's camp meeting experience at Wakonda.

Don Corkum is the Wisconsin Conference president.