When this edition of the Baptist Messenger is released, we will be nearing the conclusion of the first week of Youth Camp at Falls Creek and Children’s Missions Adventure Camp at CrossTimbers. These two camps are deeply ingrained into Oklahoma Baptist life and have impacted the lives of so many over the years.
Each summer, the programming for the camps is provided by our Student and Children’s Ministry leaders who join together with our Conference Centers staff that operate the facilities year round to provide a camp experience that we believe is second to none. Pray for these men and women who put their lives on hold for the summer to ensure the students and children from our churches can participate in camp and more importantly encounter Christ. These men and women are great servants of our Lord and serve tirelessly for the sake of the kingdom of God.
Along with our full-time BGCO staff there will be more than 200 collegiate-aged men and women who will make up the summer staff at both camps. These summer staffers represent our churches, campus ministries, and families in a wonderful way. One of the great joys of serving as the Conference Centers director was the opportunity to develop relationships with our summer staff over a summer of serving together. They are some of the finest young adults that can be found, and our summer camps would not be possible without them. Join us in praying for our summer staff at Falls Creek and CrossTimbers this year. Pray that God will strengthen and sustain them throughout the summer and pray that God would use this summer to transform their lives for Him.
Finally, no camp would be possible without the sponsors and cooks who invest their lives in the students and children who will attend. These adults take time away from their jobs and families to go to camp. They do not simply attend camp with their group. They work hard to ensure they arrive and return from camp as well as pour their lives into the students and children while they are there.
The BGCO hosts summer camps at Falls Creek and CrossTimbers to provide churches with an opportunity to impact and influence the lives of students and children from their church and community. The sponsors who so readily give of themselves and their time are essential in this taking place. Join us in praying for the cooks and the sponsors of our churches that will attend camp this summer. Pray that God will give them strength and encouragement as they serve and make them sensitive for opportunities to minister.
Our summer camps have long been a highlight of Oklahoma Baptist life, and this summer promises to be another great year in a long legacy. Join us in praying for all those who play key roles at camp and in anticipating how God will use the summer of 2016 for His glory.
