North conference camp campaign fund director asks for prayers

By Jean M. Brindel

North Indiana Conference is in the very early stages of a capital fund drive for the camping ministry. The camp ground at Epworth Forest in North Webster is the primary focus, but the hope is to do some work at the other three sites too: Pine Creek, Lakewood and Camp Adventure. Sixteen-million dollars is the goal for the projects.

The other day, a friends of mine ask me what this capital drive would mean.

Since all good campaign chairs have an elevator answer to such questions (one that can be given between the first and third floors - or in about 30 seconds), I decided this was a good place to practice. The only problem was that I hadn't developed the "elevator answer" yet.

So, I took a deep breath and said, "normal kids need a place where they can go to explore their faith. They need to be in the company of adults and kids who are trying to deal with the same issues of life." Her eyes started to glaze over, and my 30 seconds were up. I tried again, "the camping ministry of North Indiana has a historical base that has lead about 80 percent of our current clergy as they accepted the call." Thirty second later she was yawning.

I was getting desperate, so I just blurted out, "Kids need to know salvation in Jesus Christ, and camp is a perfect place for them to go and find Jesus." She smiled at me and said, "I know, that's where my kids gave their lives to Christ, too." She then asked how she could help.

This is what is needed right now - today - this minute:

Pray for the architects as they are doing their work;
Pray for the leadership as they are organizing the campaign;
Pray for the Camping Ministries as people continue to hear the Good News and lives are changed; and
Pray for your congregation, family, friends and for yourself that all will be faithful to God's call as we share in the future of camping ministries.

And, next time your in an elevator pray for the camping ministry, it's a good way to spend thirty second.

Jean M. Brindel, serves as pastor of the Saint Matthew United Methodist Church in Frankfort and heads the North Indiana Conference Capital Funds for Camping Ministry.

Last updated on 25 Apr 2008

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