It was another AMAZING summer of Youth Camp and Kids Camp!
Youth Camp was jam-packed this year with over 300 students from 24 different churches. Wow! Pastor Dylan Mckneely from Huntington, WV gave 5 POWERFUL messages to our students helping them come home to Christ and walk boldly in the freedom that He has given us. During the altar call moments, approximately 25 students raised their hand to receive salvation, 110 to recommit their lives to Christ, and over 250 to receive the gifts of the Spirit. It was a beautiful thing to see counselors praying with student after student – many of whom were not even their own! The Spirit was moving in MIGHTY ways at camp this summer!
Even amidst the mighty moves and great joy that came with camp this summer, our hearts were broken to hear of the tragic accident that took place just 10 days after camp, in which Jannali Bear Don’t Walk, a youth student from First Church in Clear Lake, IA, went to be with Jesus. Jannali was a sweet-spirited young woman of God who very much loved her family, friends, and Savior Jesus Christ.
We are grateful for the public confession of faith that she made at camp this summer by ringing the salvation bell. Though we may never understand the reason why tragedies such as these occur, we find comfort in knowing that God is working all things for good. At Jannali’s funeral service, 30+ people accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior during the salvation call that was given.
At Kids Camp we were blessed to be on a “Journey with Jesus”, led by our camp speaker Trinity Queen! She helped kids learn that Jesus is always there for us when we need Him, and that we don’t have to go through the journey of life all by ourselves. During the altar call moments, approximately 45 of the 140 students raised their hand to receive salvation, and over 100 total students came to the altar to be prayed over. It was INCREDIBLE to see the response of these 3rd to 5th graders as they came QUICKLY to the altar.
God is doing something BIG in our younger generation. The importance and impact of camp goes deeper than we could ever think or imagine in the lives of these students. We can’t wait for Breakaway in December!
Skyler Sanford
Next Generation Director
Youth Camp Worship
Youth Camp photo 2024
Kids Camp Activities
Kids Camp Photo 2024
CONGRATULATIONS
Daniel and Hannah Russo welcomed a first-born son, Maverick Russo, on July 11, 2024. Hannah is our Administrative Dean for Open Bible College. Congratulations Hannah and Daniel!
Richard Wilson, was approved for a Certified Ministerial License, Monday, August 12, 2024. Richard and his wife, Becky, attend the Open Bible Church in Iowa Falls, IA.
COMFORT
Sharon Ann (Kothe) Love, mother of Pastor Linda Smith in Sedalia, MO, passed away July 4, 2024. Here is her obituary.
The Gathering registration deadline is September 6. However, our deadline for group seating at the Sight & Sound Theatre for the Esther production is next week Thurs, Aug 22. Registrations after Thurs, Aug 22 will NOT be guaranteed seating with the Central Region Group. Get your registration in today!
