“Like a Fire”
Brigade Camp 2022
Jeremiah 20:9
9 If I say, “I will
not mention him,
or speak any more in his name,”
there is in my heart
as it were a burning fire
shut up in my bones,
and I am weary with
holding it in,
and I cannot.
For so many of us many of the strongest memories
of our time at camp echo one event.
The campfire. At Brigade camp we
make sure that these campfires are memorable.
Most of them would fall under the category of epic. We build some rather large fires. I can’t tell you how many times, after
speaking at a campfire, I checked the back of my calves for blisters. But more important than the fire itself is
the fiery passion for Christ that is passed on to our campers.
Some of you who have been around Christian Summer Camps for
a while will remember the old song “Pass It On.” Many will only remember this song once you
hear the first line:
“It only takes a spark
To get a fire going
And soon all those around
Can warm up in its glowing
That's how it is with God's love
Once you've experienced it
You spread His love to everyone”
The message of this song is clear, the gospel that has taken
hold of a man’s heart mustn’t be hidden it must be shared. It is when we share the spark of God’s love
for us that was exemplified in the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, on the
cross that the small fire within our hearts begins to turn into a roaring
blaze.
This was our theme for our 2022 camp season, passing on the
flame of God’s love for us: Evangelism.
Teaching this young generation of believers the importance of sharing
the gospel with everyone in our lives.
Evangelist, Preacher, and Author, Charles Wesley said these words,
“Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you
burn.”
As always, our team of volunteer Senior Counselors did an
amazing job teaching our campers the importance of sharing the good news. For these men the days at camp are long and arduous. Most of them are up late ministering to their
campers, with cabin devotions after campfire, and
continue on with more direct one on one conversations, as the boys begin
settling into their bunks for the night. We
begin their day with Leaders’ Huddle at 7am, which means these men don’t get
much sleep during their week of service.
However, I never hear a complaint… okay, maybe there is some complaining
but mostly because we are all getting older 😊! Our Counselors take a week away from their
wives, children, jobs, and lives to serve God and share their faith to our
campers. I have deep respect for each
one of them. Thank you, men, for your
sacrifice and service to our Savior!
We began our season with Father/Daughter and Father/Son
camps. This demographic seems to be the
fastest growing part of our camp program.
Both groups near breaking record numbers. There is something special about being able
to provide these dads the opportunity to steal away three days of focused one
on one time with their child. I love to
see them walking through camp, participating in activities, eating meals, and
studying the Bible and praying… together!
I’ve heard this many times form dads in the program over the years and
heard it again a number of times: one
dad pulled me aside, with tears in his eyes, and said, “Dave, thank you and
your team for Father Daughter Camp. This
is the only time in the year that I can get my teenagers undivided
attention. We love coming here
together!”
There was something different in our campers this year. There was a true sense of unity and belonging
in our campers. One thing we often see is campers helping their peers, but in my eyes this year was off the charts. It brings me such joy to see our campers
cheering one another on and encouraging one another in their craft and skill
areas, through game time, and as they celebrated the steps their cabinmates
made spiritually.
One afternoon I had a Battalion camper approach me with some
questions. He wanted advice on how to
encourage another young man in his cabin to make a decision for Christ. The success of this ministry does not just
come from the commitment of our leaders but also in the campers ministering to
one another! Celebrating together when a
friend chooses to follow Christ as their Lord and Savior.
We had another phenomenal year of training in our Junior
Counselor program. This year we had 7
young men walk through our leadership training program. I want to especially thank, Mike Sams,
Jonathan DiLellio, and Garek Deere for the excellent job they did in training,
equipping, and preparing these guys to serve.
Many of our Junior Counselors came from legacies where their fathers and
grandfathers had been campers, JC’s, and served as counselors for decades,
which is truly a testament of how this ministry has impacted not just individuals
but also families. And, I can’t go on
without saying that these 7 men served with distinction, integrity, and
passion. Great job men!
It is difficult to clearly communicate how God worked in the
lives of our campers this summer we can celebrate what we know. Based upon our decision cards we celebrate 9
first time decisions for salvation and 12 campers who rededicated their lives
to Jesus Christ! There is much more to
that story but only God knows the true impact that was made this summer.
There is much to celebrate, and much work to be done. Please pray for our leadership team as we begin
planning for next season. Consider how
you might get involved. We are always on
the lookout for medical staff, and help in the kitchen and sanitation services. And, we are always looking for men to step up
as Senior counselors to do what we do best:
Using our passion for life, to share our passion for Christ!
