Falls Creek Sees Numerous Decisions

2024 Falls Creek was a massive success, seeing many students make decisions to leave the world behind and follow Jesus. In total, 5543 decisions were made with 2686 professions of faith, 113 assurances of salvation, 1427 recommitments, 560 calls to ministry and 757 baptisms, special prayers or other decisions. The camp featured a notable slate of speakers who challenged studentsthrough their sermons to focus their lives fully on God!

“Numbers certainly aren’t everything and Oklahoma Baptists should commit themselves to praying for students who made a decision to follow through in commitment and be an active part of a local church,” said Todd Sanders, Falls Creek program director. “but these numbers reveal the amazing work of God in the lives of students.”

This year, the theme for Falls Creek was “Totally”. Some may recall the use of the word by stereotypical surfers in the 1980s. In reality, the theme describes the nature and character of God. The theme was selected “to help students take a journey into and respond to the truths of who God is,” said Sanders.

“In a world that is uncertain, that is always changing, that is volatile, our God is totally different,” Sanders said. “We want to help students respond to the truths of who God is and be more anchored (in Him) in a culture that provides few anchors.”

Psalm 139:17 was the theme verse for 2024, “How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” The focus of most sermons were how students can be focused “Totally” on God, serving and growing in Him. In addition to the excellent speakers hosted at Falls Creek, worship leaders from across the state and country were also featured.

Thousands of students attended the various break- out sessions throughout the summer. These sessions covered complex topics and helped students grow spiritually. Breakout sessions are offered in addition to the main camp sessions and they are an incredible way for students to deepen their knowledge of God’s Word and strengthen their walk with our Heavenly Father.

Missions Mobilization returned as an emphasis which connected campers with various sending opportunities. A new feature focused on Disaster Relief (DR) and made students and leaders aware of the importance of this Oklahoma Baptists ministry. Students packed 12,000 first contact bags for Disaster Relief which included supplies for those affected by disasters in Oklahoma as well as inspiring messages of hope.

This year, Falls Creek had a “totally” great summer, and leaders are looking forward to see what God has planned for next year. More information about the Falls Creek youth weeks can be found a oklahomabaptists.org/youthcamp.

CrossTimbers 2024: Lives Made New

2024’s CrossTimbers Children’s Mission Adventure Camp saw numerous students make decisions to follow Christ. This year’s theme for the camp was “Made New”, based on 2 Cor. 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!” Throughout the summer, CrossTimbers had 12 sessions consisting of four days each with their own guest speaker who helped nourish and enrich the students’ understanding of God’s word.

In total, 628 decisions were made including 345 professions of faith, 59 assurances of salvation, 64 rededications, 11 calls to ministry and 149 other decisions, baptisms and prayer requests.

The camp’s theme focused on what it means to be made new in Christ and how our relationship with God can be restored. Students studied God’s Word and talked about how we are all sinners but are Made New when we ask Jesus to be our Boss, our Lord.

“This summer we’ve seen God move in incredible ways,” said Director of CrossTimbers, Sarah Hagar. “We’ve seen kids make Jesus the Boss of their life.”

Each day of each session focused on a different part of 2 Cor. 5:17, showing students how to be Made New through Christ and how He continually makes us new day by day. Outside of the scheduled chapel times, students were also given opportunities to discuss what they learned with other campers and how the Word impacted them personally.

“We’ve had a lot of kids ask some really good questions,” said Hagar. “There are always kids asking their sponsors and tribal leaders spiritual questions.”

At the camp, students learn biblical principles, create and strengthen relationships and experience nature in a fun and safe environment.In addition to helping students strengthen their walk with Christ, CrossTimbers hosts three missions stops each year. These focus on a ministry or missionary family in Oklahoma, North America and around the world. This helps the students better understand the missions field and the countries which host missions.

“If we want to see people serve the nations, we have to teach them about those who have served and are serving now,” said Hagar.

Students participate in fun and engaging activities including crafts, games, activities and food and drink tasting that help to connect them to the mission areas. This year Disaster Relief, Nicaragua and the landlocked South African country of Lesotho (pronounced luh-soo-too) were the subjects of focus.

“I hope to see God continue to move here and for years to come,” said Hagar. “I love that they get to learn about missions as well and I hope they continue to learn.”

Registration for CrossTimbers 2025 opens the first Monday of November. CrossTimbers is supported by the Cooperative Program.