Friday night programs are the most important we have at Timber Ridge Camp (TRC). This is the time we invite campers to make a decision for Christ. Last year at TRC 155 campers gave their hearts to Jesus for the first time, 187 campers requested baptism, and 220 campers rededicated their hearts to Jesus.
Last summer we were reminded of God’s awesome ability to take a situation that seemed impossible and turn it around to be one of the most memorable Friday evening campfires we have ever had. The evening started with a 50/50 chance of thunderstorms. Brianna Payne, our program director, was forced to make a tough decision concerning the campfire location. If we met in the cafeteria basement, we would be dry, but the evening’s program would be difficult to pull together in the cramped space. If we had campfire in our regular place, we believed we could have a maximum effect on campers, so they could focus on that most important decision—giving their hearts to Jesus.
Brianna was in such anguish over what to do that she came to me, and we discussed it. We decided to trust that God would hold back the storms and allow us to do our program in the campfire bowl. Surely, He wouldn’t allow a storm during this important night when so much was at stake.
Our staff set up the sound system, spotlight, and props. The campfire was lit. Campers and their counselors filed down to our campfire bowl by the lake. Song leaders gathered together and prayed that God would bless our ministry that night, and then they made their way down to the front and led campers in worship and praise to God.
Part way through song service, we thought we heard thunder but decided to stay the course. At the end of the singing session, I got up to tell a story that set the tone for our short drama. The story Corrie ten Boom told of a time when she was forced to either forgive someone who had wronged her or lose her faith in God.
In the middle of the story, it happened. There was a flash of lightening, the boom of thunder, sudden wind, rain, and the screams of fearful campers. Our campfire was invaded by the forces of evil. Immediately, without any direction, our staff sprang into action. They gathered frightened campers and hustled them through the pouring rain to the cafeteria basement. Other staff quickly tore down the sound equipment.
As I scrambled up the muddy hill, I felt a sudden calm in spite of the chaotic scene around me. I felt God had things well in control in spite of how things seemed.
When all the campers reached the cafeteria basement, I grabbed a guitar and led the campers in a few songs. Then I finished the story as the rest of the staff arrived, and Brianna assembled the cast for our short drama presentation.
At the close of the story, without our carefully prepared sound effects and music, the staff performed the drama. Our campers were riveted! The final scene of the drama depicted Jesus hanging on the cross. As the staff actor portraying Jesus hung silently, the thunder rolled and the lightning lit up the sky outside the cafeteria—just like it did 2,000 years ago when our Savior died that we might live.
When it came time to ask campers to make a decision for Jesus, every camper came forward. The staff and I were in awe as we watched God turn a disaster into a total victory. God still performs miracles just when they are needed the most.
The Lake Union has five summer camps, led by those who love God, love young people, and have a passion to see campers make a decision for Him. The miracle at TRC is repeated at every one of these camps each summer. If you have a young person who needs the miracle of salvation to take place in his or her heart, send them to camp this summer.
Camp brochures may be picked up at local churches, or applications may be requested from www.trcamp.org. Completed forms should be mailed to: Indiana Conference Youth Department, P.O. Box 1950, Carmel, IN 46082-1950. For additional information, call Trish Thompson at 317-844-6201. After June 15, call Trish at the camp at 812-829-2507.
Charlie Thompson is the Indiana Conference youth director.
Timber Ridge Camp Dates
Single Mom's & Kid's Camp: June 21–24 (All Ages)
Blind Camp: June 24–July 1 (All Ages)
Cub Camp: July 1–8 (Ages 7–10)
Junior Camp I: July 8–15 (Ages 10–13)
Junior Camp II: July 15–22 (Ages 10–13)
Teen Camp: July 22–29 (Ages 13–16)
Family Camp: July 29–Aug. 5 (All Ages)
