When Christian brothers and sisters come together as happens at camp meeting, God pours out His blessings on that convocation in a beautiful and powerful way. Last summer, our week of camp meeting was going beautifully. Our speakers and presenters were touching hearts, and a warm, gracious spirit permeated the campgrounds. It was Thursday afternoon, and It Is Written's speaker/producer Shawn Boonstra was on his way to the Los Angeles airport to begin his trip to our camp meeting to be our weekend keynote speaker. Unfortunately, as he was driving to the airport, an intense abdominal pain overcame him. It was so excruciating that he drove directly to Loma Linda Medical Center where he was admitted for testing and treatment. He immediately asked his team at It Is Written to contact us to let us know he would not be able to keep his commitment to speak at the Indiana Conference Camp Meeting.

On that Thursday, we had much to pray about. First, that the Lord would take care of Shawn, and secondly, that God would provide a weekend speaker for our camp meeting. As you know, speakers are normally asked months, and at times years, in advance because of their very full schedules. As we thought about our theme for camp meeting and who could step in to help us, Ron Halversen Sr. came to our minds. We knew, however, that we had little chance to secure him the day before he was needed. Thankfully, Ruthie Jacobsen, prayer ministries coordinator for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America, was on the campground with us that week. She had been working with Ron closely during the past months. She had his cell phone number and agreed to call him on our behalf. Ruthie reached Ron just as he was getting on a boat for a weekend retreat. She shared with him the predicament and decided that God must have wanted him to respond to this because of the incredible timing.

To make a long story short, within just a few minutes we not only had a speaker, but all his transportation and logistical needs were arranged. It was a miracle, and what a blessing he was to our camp meeting attendees last year! We are also grateful God took care of Shawn and brought him healing and relief as well. We look forward to having him come back another year to be our speaker.

Camp meeting is a place where miracles happen. We have seen God heal people as we have come together and prayed. We have seen marriages that were strengthened and even saved through enrichment seminars during camp meeting. We have seen young people take a stand for Jesus for the first time during camp meeting, and many who made a commitment to serve their Savior. Good stuff happens at camp meeting.

This summer, in addition to Christ-centered general sessions, there will be seminars on family ministries, women's ministries, healthy living, discipleship, prayer, and the study of God's Word. Music will be provided by Jennifer LaMountain and the Down Home Boys, with our own Charlie Thompson. Plan now to be a part of this life-changing gathering this summer where our theme is "A Closer Walk" with Jesus.

The Indiana Conference Camp Meeting will be held on the Indiana Academy campus, June 10–16. For registration information, contact Julie Loucks at 317-844-6201.

Gary Thurber is the Indiana Conference president.