We all know camp is one of the best places for a young person to make a decision for Christ. It seems the younger the camper, the easier it is to make a positive decision to follow Jesus. Teen campers seem to struggle most with peer pressure and the embarrassment of making a public stand for Jesus.
At Timber Ridge Camp (TRC) this past summer, during the Friday night campfire at Teen Camp, the campers were being true to form. At the close of our special campfire program I asked for teens who had never given their hearts to Jesus to come forward.
At first, not one teen came forward. I began to pray silently that the Holy Spirit would work on those who needed to take a stand. I finally decided to move forward to the second part of the call. I opened my mouth to begin when I saw movement out where a group of teens were sitting. As I paused, a young lady came forward to stand with me. This was the last young person I expected to come forward, yet there she was! She had tears of joy on her face, making her stand for Jesus.
It takes a high level of commitment for anyone to make a public stand for Jesus. However, for a teen to come forward in front of 134 of her peers, especially after such a long battle, seems an impossibility. However, when you factor in the convincing, powerful presence of the Holy Spirit, nothing is impossible!
Again, I paused and prayed, waiting for others to come forward. This time I saw movement from another part of the campfire bowl. Another young lady came forward. It seemed the dam had burst as one by one the teens, with tears in their eyes, came forward to give their heart to Jesus.
The second part of the call was for those to come forward who wanted to become a part of Jesus’ family by being baptized. Even more teens came forward. They boldly proclaimed their desire, in spite of what others may have thought of them.
The third part of the call was for those to come forward who had given their heart to Jesus, and maybe had even been baptized, yet had fallen away from their relationship with Jesus.
Finally, the invitation was given for those who were walking daily with Jesus but who wanted to reaffirm their decision by coming forward. Teens and staff moved forward to take their stand.
At the end, 135 teen campers and all our staff came forward. As I glanced around, the presence of the Holy Spirit was evident on all the faces. I believe God still works miracles in the hearts of all—even the jaded teen campers!
The story doesn’t stop there. The next morning, during the break between Sabbath school and church, a young man approached me, and said, “Pastor Charlie, I want to be baptized today.”
I knew the young man. I knew he had gone through baptismal classes at his church, and I felt a strong impression we should do as he requested. We called his parents; they made the trip to TRC and witnessed their son enter the watery grave of baptism to be born again as a true son of God. Again, I was amazed to see a teen take his stand in front of so many peers.
To some, this story may seem fantastic, even wishful thinking or impossible! I have to tell you that week after week, year after year, God works this miracle at Timber Ridge Camp and other camps around our union and the world. Summer camp is not just fun and games, but child evangelism to the highest degree. I am honored to be a part of this important ministry.
Early registration for camp is advisable since some camps fill to capacity. Camp brochures with applications were sent to all Indiana young people in March. Completed forms should be mailed to:
Indiana Conference Youth Department
P.O. Box 1950
Carmel, IN 46082-1950
Additional brochures may be picked up at local churches or applications may be requested from timberridgecamp.org or youth@indianaadventist.org. For additional information, call Trish Thompson at (317) 844-6201. After June 18, call Trish at (812) 829-2507 at the camp.
Charlie Thompson is the Indiana Conference youth director.
TIMBER RIDGE CAMP DATES
Single Mom’s & Kid's Camp: June 22–25
Blind Camp: June 25–July 2*
Cub Camp: July 2–9 (Ages 7–10)
Junior Camp I: July 9–16 (Ages 10–13)
Junior Camp II: July 16-23 (Ages 10–13)
Teen Camp: July 23–30 (Ages 13–16)
Family Camp: July 30–Aug. 6
*Blind Camp registration is coordinated by Christian Record Services. To request an application for Blind Camp, call (402) 488-0981; or visit www.christianrecord.org.
