This summer has been incredible. When one thinks of camp—perhaps if you live in Kentucky—you might think about what happens at Cedarmore and Jonathan Creek. More specifically, you might just think about how lives are changed at camp and how this impacts youth.
While those thoughts are accurate, they are not complete.
First, camp impacts all people who attend or are involved. Camp, specifically God’s activity in our lives that takes place while at a “camp property,” is not just limited to the campers.
Our staff, both full-time and part-time, are impacted. Bus drivers are impacted, contractors and delivery people are impacted, and the list goes on.
Already, this year we have numerous stories of how God has worked in the lives of our staff to change our hearts on His plans for our lives.
The partnership with the IMB this year had missions front and center in every aspect of camp, and seeing that on a weekly basis has caused many to change their path in life.
Even more significant now, the IMB partnership has helped to place and keep missionaries from Latin American to several different countries. In the next few months, missionaries will be sent out to four more countries.
Consider that some 15-20 years ago the very existence of camp was questioned to the point that selling Cedarmore was a real possibility. I have no doubt that if Cedarmore was sold, Jonathan Creek would be sold soon thereafter.
Today God is using these properties to be a place the gospel is proclaimed and global missions is taught and missionaries are mobilized.
In short, this summer 849 salvations took place at Cedarmore and Jonathan Creek. Over $240,000 was given to send Latin American missionaries all over the world, and 743 were called to missions and/or ministry.
God is doing far beyond what I think anyone would have ever dreamed through these places we call camp. I am so thankful for those who stood up and said, “God can still use these places for His Glory”—He certainly deserves all the Glory for what is taking place.
David Melber