Dear Praying Friends,
We had a wonderful time with all of those who attended the Good News Week at Camp Fairview. It was exciting to see many of the young people return again this year (as well as many new faces)!
Young people from four different Churches participated this week:
·Way of the Cross Baptist Church, in McDonough, GA,
·Shenandoah Baptist Church, in Cleveland, TN,
·Fair Havens Independent Baptist Church, in Murfreesboro, TN,
·Fairview Baptist Church, in Athens, TN.
It was a very busy week, with swimming and Carpet Ball as a couple of the favorite activities. The field games, archery and crafts were also favorites, along with the new playground and obstacle course. After lunch each day we taught a class on Juggling – – it was both fun and aerobic! We really had a “Ball!”
At lunch time (on a rainy afternoon), Pastor Alex asked the kids if they wanted lunch, or if they wanted mud. Most of them yelled, “Mud” – so – lunch was interrupted with a Tug of War over a mud puddle in the field. It was quite a sight! We heard several of the young people comment, “This is the best Camp I have ever been to!”
Chapel
During the morning Chapel time we learned about the life of Elijah. James 5 tells us that Elijah was an ordinary person like us, yet God used him in such an amazing way. God LOVES using ordinary people to do extraordinary things (if they are willing to be faithful and obedient to Him). During each of the evening services, Mrs. Susan brought “Dusty” (or one of his “friends”), and Bro. Tim did an illusion or two before the message. By the end of the week we had the privilege of seeing 7 young people accept Jesus as their Savior!
Decisions for Christ
On Thursday evening, ten year old, Maddison, came during the invitation time to accept Christ. As soon as she made that decision, tears started flowing down her cheeks as she thought about those in her family who would not be in Heaven with her. It was touching to see her heart so burdened for her loved ones. Mrs. Lynne encouraged her to be a witness to her family and to pray for their Salvation. It was definitely a sweet time. Maddison commented that this was the happiest day of her life and the most important decision she had ever made.
Twelve year old, Hunter, came to Camp with quite an attitude, and was very disrespectful to the staff, counselors, and the campers. But after the Thursday evening service, Hunter gave his heart to Jesus. His entire countenance changed, and he went back to those he had been disrespectful to – and apologized. During the game time that evening, he had such a joyful, peaceful spirit about him – it was amazing! The Lord really changed his heart!
On Tuesday evening, 12 year old, Ethan, came to accept Jesus as his Savior. He shared with us that since his Grandmother had passed away, his life has been “all messed-up”. She used to live with his family, and Ethan received a lot of encouragement from her (he really misses that support in his life). We shared with Ethan, that with the Lord in his life, he can rely on God and His Word to encourage him. How refreshing God’s Word is to a thirsty soul! It’s wonderful to know that we can talk with Jesus at any time, and that He is always there with a listening ear.
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We are looking forward to our time NEXT year at Camp Fairview.
Many renovations have been made over the past couple of years, and there are many more to come. Some of the future plans include:
· A large boy’s cabin with bathrooms and showers (like the new girl’s cabin).
· A new Worship Tabernacle
· Enlarging the Dining Hall
· A Paint Ball Town
· And the list continues to grow!
There are a lot of exciting things happening at Camp Fairview, and we would love for you to make plans to join us next year (June 30 – July 4, 2014) for the Good News Week with The Vermaas Family.
For more information, click on Camp Fairview and browse the different links or call Alex Newton – the Camp Director – at: (423) 368-6170 to reserve your spot for next year. There are also several weeks still available for Churches who prefer to rent the entire camp for themselves.
First Baptist Church
We begin a Family Crusade tomorrow at First Baptist Church, in Bremen, IN, and we are excited to see how God is going to work in hearts! Please pray with us that many decisions will be made for Christ this week!
May God BLESS you for investing in our ministry through your faithful prayers and support for us!
Reaching Families for Him,
Tim, Susan, and Rachel Vermaas
