On April 21 the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma (BGCO) Women’s Retreat will meet at Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center. The following weekend Falls Creek will host the BGCO Men’s Retreat. Both of these retreats have become tremendous opportunities for thousands of men and women to be called to faith in Christ and to be encouraged and challenged to walk in their faith.
Within just a few short weeks we will begin the 100th anniversary summer of God’s mighty work at Falls Creek. Children’s camp, youth camps, and Indian Falls Creek will anchor a summer of celebrating the past and rejoicing in the spiritual victories of the present.
Rarely a week goes by without me hearing a story of a significant time when God touched someone’s life at the Creek. There, for a hundred years, God has chosen to reveal Himself in direct and powerful ways to people. Some people came to Falls Creek seeking Him; others came for myriads of reasons, and many who came without spiritual design were surprised by the joy!
There will be many times of rejoicing during this summer, and the high point will come on Labor Day weekend. On Saturday night, Sept. 2, there will be an incredible concert and time of worship featuring many of the worship leaders who have led during youth weeks in past summers. Tickets for Saturday evening are now on sale at www.fallscreek.org/100 for $5 each. On Sunday evening, Sept. 3, a grand event will occur, featuring a reunion choir, historical video and preaching of the Word of God. The Sunday evening homecoming celebration is a free admission event.
I would be bold enough to suggest that no single place on earth has been used by God in the lives of people the way God has used Falls Creek. Tens of thousands point to Falls Creek as the place where God brought the power of the Gospel to reality in their lives. Individuals were changed not for a moment, but for eternity. Thousands of others harken back to a moment when God spoke directly to them, calling them to give their lives to ministry and missions.
Labor Day weekend will be a time to return to the place where God has done so much for His glory. Our appropriate response is that we overflow with praise and thanksgiving to God as Oklahoma Baptists. God could have given Falls Creek to some other people or place—He did not. He gave Falls Creek not to the biggest and strongest, but to Oklahoma. As Andre Crouch sang years ago, “How can I say thanks for all the things you have done for me (us).”
God’s love language is thanksgiving and praise. He is worthy, and it is becoming of us to rejoice and give thanks. How awesome it will be for us to gather as the people of God to fill the air with glad rejoicing. I predict the roof of the tabernacle will be raised as the youth sing His praises on Saturday night. And Sunday the roof will rise again as adults stand to sing “SAVED, SAVED!” I cannot even imagine the amazing spiritual moments we will enjoy together!
So plan now to be a part of the grand celebration of the blessings of God on Oklahoma Baptists at Falls Creek on Labor Day weekend.
