Our Messiah is going to return soon in great power. This little flock of the Remnant, who keeps the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, needs an experience like camp meeting to help prepare for His coming. If our heart is right, we will meet the Savior at camp meeting.

Ancient Israel was directed to assemble before the Lord three times a year. The Lord had a purpose for this. Israel was a small nation. They needed the communion and encouragement that came from meeting each other. It was also a time for building unity.

The bonds of love and affection, not only for God, but also for each other, were strengthened and affirmed. It was a time to remember God’s leading in their past. It was a time to be filled with hope for the coming of the Messiah. It was a time for being instructed and built up in the faith. It was a time they could not afford to miss.

Fred and Helen Bank attended camp meeting for the first time last year. Attending camp meeting made a significant impact on their family. I invite you to read their comments.

“We would describe the entire experience as a cleansing of mind, heart, and spirit. The Holy Spirit was definitely there for everyone who attended and spoke through those who gave the messages.

“Even the seminars were extremely valuable to us. We were taking new positions in our local church and needed the information we received from each seminar. … We brought back with us wonderful tools to help us in our ministries.

“We met wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ and had a wonderful time sharing.

“The thing that impressed us the most was the way the pastors of the Michigan Conference served the people of the church. They were so helpful and very concerned about all of us. We have never experienced such an example of serving others as we did at camp meeting.

“What a miracle it was that we got to go to camp meeting! Our family never wants to miss another one. If Christ does not come, we will be at camp meeting.”

This year’s theme is “See His Face—Receive His Name.” Let us come to camp meeting with not only a hunger to receive, but a desire to share His love. Camp meeting is a time to strengthen each other. We can each be channels of sunshine to all around us as we reflect the image of our Savior.

Hispanic Camp Meeting: May 27–29, Camp Au Sable, Grayling, Michigan.

Carlos Turcios, Texas Conference ministerial director, is guest speaker for the Hispanic Camp Meeting. To register, phone Alicia Torres at (269) 660-1167 or send e-mail to torres7272@aol.com.

Cedar Lake Camp Meeting: June 17–25, Great Lakes Adventist Academy, Cedar Lake, Michigan.

Visit http://www.misda.org to download a camp meeting schedule or to register online, or call Ruth Bradfield at (269) 565-0663.

Upper Peninsula Camp Meeting: August 5–7, Camp Sagola, Sagola, Michigan.

Ron du Preez, St. Joseph and Michiana Fil Am pastor, will be the speaker. A few rustic cabins are available for rent, as well as trailer and tent sites. For information, call Duane O’Ffill at (906) 779-5554.

Jay Gallimore is the Michigan Conference president.