Family Camp 2018: Another Great Experience!
Wednesday Evening at Family Camp
The evening always starts with time on vesper hill. I sat down in the back; this place always brings a flood of memories for me. I started coming to Seneca Lake 50 years ago; a lot has changed, but the view from vesper hill is the same. Tonight families begin to gather on the hill. It’s so fun to watch the children gather after a busy day of camp activities. The group quiets when Bill Perry, Family Camp Director, stands by the cross and shares a brief devotional, reminding us the Father takes great joy in keeping us from stumbling. (Jude 24) He then gives us a few minutes to quiet our hearts before going to the chapel. A few of the teenagers begin to sing some familiar hymns, and the group joins… precious moments of worship.
We make our way down the hill for the evening service. James Risner, Family Camp Pastor, shares a message that captures the heart of Family Camp from Proverbs 13:22 “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children.” James (pastor Brantwood, Dayton) shared illustrations from church history and personal experience (James is the son of Keith and Debby Risner, Edgewood, Trenton) about entrusting a love for Jesus to our children. Referencing his message from Tuesday night from Deuteronomy 6:7, he reminded parents and grandparents of the importance of leaving a legacy of loving Jesus.
James invited his wife Jenny to share how they work as a team to worship, serve and witness together as a family. The Risners are a powerful illustration of what family camp is all about: families encouraged and equipped to leave a spiritual inheritance to the next generation.
After chapel, it’s back to the dining hall for ice cream sundaes and sharing the day’s adventures. I get to hear a grandfather share about watching his granddaughter catch her first fish down at Stowe Lake. There are stories of putt-putt and horseshoes, hikes and basketball. The evening gatherings include watermelon night and s’mores night – and always tales from the family activities. Even after 50 years, coming to Seneca Lake never gets old.
Make plans now to attend Family Camp 2019, June 3-7, at Seneca Lake Baptist Assembly. Watch scbo.org for registration information, visit www.arrowbrookbaptistchurch.org/familycamp for details or call Debbie Williams, Arrowbrook Baptist Church at 937-760-2931 or email familycampabc@gmail.com. You can follow the camp on Facebook @senecalakefamilycamp
Vesper Hill
Bill Perry, Camp Director
James Risner, Camp Pastor
