Michigan—On Fri., Feb. 3, 2006, three Great Lakes Adventist Academy (GLAA) buses headed for Camp Au Sable (Au Sable) for the school's annual Bible Camp. Packed tightly into these large buses were excited teenagers ready for a fun-filled, spiritual weekend. Just prior to the weekend was GLAA’s Student Week of Prayer, which blessed the entire campus. Bible Camp was to end the week, which focused on the characteristics of Christ, with a powerful finish.

The buses arrived at Au Sable around 4:30 p.m. Once the students got their luggage and settled in their cabins, they headed to the auditorium for their first meeting. Originally, Steve Vail, an evangelist, was to speak, but he canceled because of medical reasons. Thankfully, God provided another speaker, Scott Moore, from ARISE Institute.

Fri. night, Moore led us into the Sabbath, emphasizing the importance of studying God’s Word, talking with God, and sharing the truth with others. Janelle Bedford, a senior, said, “I really liked Pastor Moore because he kept my attention and brought out excellent points that I can apply to my personal walk with God.”

At the end of vespers, students and faculty made their way to the cafeteria for a communion service. Moore, Jeremy Hall, GLAA chaplain, and Tedd Webster, GLAA coach, led out in the service. While everyone washed the feet of friends and loved ones, hymns and praise songs were sung. Afterward, everyone left, taking the special atmosphere back to the cabins.

Sabbath was also filled with exciting events. For Sabbath school Teresa Brundage, GLAA Bible and English teacher, talked about using our talents for God. Students were then split into eleven different discussion groups with student moderators. Moore spoke again for church service and gave us seven different things God’s Word does: creates, saves, sanctifies, cleanses, gives us discernment, discerns us, and gives us eternal life.

After church the students were divided into three groups that rotated to different stations. Some of the activities included playing Bible Outburst, walking around Lake Shellenbarger, and spiritual comparisons to nature. Amber Widing, a senior, said, “The activities were really exciting. I got the opportunity to hang out with people I normally wouldn’t be around; it was nice to make new friends!” Sabbath ended with a wonderful vespers, followed by hayrides, snowmobile rides, sledding, a movie, and various table games.

Sun. morning ended with one last talk from Moore. He encouraged us to really experience what God’s Word will do for our lives. He also challenged us to go back to school different than when we left.

“I was really blessed by what Pastor Moore said. He was very personable, and his talks inspired me,” said Brock Willey, a junior.

Everyone was sad to say good-bye to such a great weekend, but the memories and blessings experienced were things students could take back to school with them.

Samantha Sawyer, Great Lakes Adventist Academy student correspondent