Illinois has two camp meetings this year:

Northern Illinois Camp Meeting was especially tough last year. It was held for only one day, and the very next day the constituency met to decide the future of Broadview Academy. Members were especially thankful the camp meeting speaker held a prayer service in the afternoon to ask for guidance for the next day's challenging meeting to discuss the academy's future.

Last year, camp meeting attendees were not only blessed by the speaker, but by the music as well. Music plays an important role in setting the spiritual tone of any meeting, especially camp meeting. One member wrote, "The choirs, with all their own cultural backgrounds, were terrific. It was an inspired idea to gather them together for camp meeting." Another wrote, "I just love the gospel choirs."

Camp meeting is enriching. Attendees hear messages that encourage spiritual growth at camp meeting. "I appreciated the open mindedness of our guest speaker to discuss mental health care, as well as thinking out of the box with Bible truths [versus] human traditions," stated one attendee. God has blessings in store for each person who makes time to meet Him at camp meeting.

"This year's theme, 'Service—The Rest of the Story,' was selected to emphasize that we, as followers of Christ, are in this world to serve," stated Ken Denslow, Illinois Conference president. "This fits perfectly with the Illinois Conference mission statement: 'Sharing God's grace with our world through preaching, teaching, and healing.'"

Join us at Broadview Academy for a full day of meetings, starting with song service at 9:00 a.m. Our guest speaker is Dwight Nelson, Pioneer Memorial Church senior pastor. There is no Friday evening meeting, unlike previous years, so you’ll want to stay by for the full day on Sabbath. Potluck with friends and family for lunch, then join the afternoon meetings, beginning right at 2:00 p.m. After a short break for supper, our evening meeting will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. Meal tickets may be purchased online at www.illinoisadventist.org, or by calling (630) 734-0920 ext. 215.

One day of camp meeting may not be enough to fully charge your spiritual batteries. If you can, join us for our second annual full week of camp meeting at Camp Akita. Beginning with the evening meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, the rest of the week is jam-packed with special events for the whole family, from infants to the young at heart. Enjoy vespers in front of a glowing fire, horseback riding, swimming, boating on the lake, walks in the woods, and the many inspirational seminars. There is something for everyone at Akita Camp Meeting!

Gordon Bietz, Southern Adventist University president, is the guest speaker on Sabbath. Bietz received a bachelor's degree in theology in 1966 from La Sierra University and later received a master of divinity degree from Andrews University in Michigan. In 1976, Bietz also received a doctorate of divinity degree from Andrews University.

Before becoming Southern's president, Bietz was the Georgia-Cumberland Conference president, and also served in pastoral positions for the church.

Space is limited in our cabins, lodge rooms, and bunk house. However, if you are roughing it in a tent or camper, there will be more than enough room for you and your family on the 600-acre campground. Hotel rooms are available nearby, too. A list with contact information is available online at www.campakita.com. There are also 38 full-service recreational vehicle hookups to accommodate just about any size mobile unit.

Reservations are required for all who plan to attend Akita Camp Meeting. Forms are available through the contact information below.

Illinois Conference

619 Plainfield Rd

Willowbrook, IL 60527

(630) 734-0920

info@campakita.com

Rachel Terwillegar is the Illinois Conference development director.