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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
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September 2007 |
'Right here, right now, right future' named theme of North Indiana Outdoor Ministry project
By Jean M. Brindel
"The more things change, the more they stay the same." |
RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW, RIGHT FUTURE is the theme for the Outdoor Ministry project for all four camp sites. This may sound new, but it is the same vision that God has blessed the North Indiana Conference for generations. In fact, the old saying is true, "The more things change, the more they stay the same."
This point is really made by a story sent to the Capital Fund team by the Rev. Donald S. Bowman of Tempe, Ariz.
In 1957, Bowman was appointed as a student pastor at Pine Village, the town near Pine Creek camp. Just a few weeks later, Bowman writes "I read in a Conference newspaper that the (North Indiana) Conference had just voted to buy a big farm between Pine Village and Rainsville to establish a fine new campground! I asked some church members about the place, and we drove out to 'survey' the farm. I found that the Conference had un-loaded a truckload of tents there and were ready to start camping as soon-as-possible. There was no road back into the place, just ruts in a field and no water available.
"Lyle Loomis, the camp director then, wanted to start NOW. Some squad tents were set up, a 'field kitchen' but no safe drinking water. So, we had to haul water from Pine Village or Rainsville in 5-gallon cans. And camping was soon begun. Several farmers and others from the two churches were helpful as could be. That was the beginning of Pine Creek Campground."
We look back on those days now and smile thinking about their faith that caused those folks back in 1957 to lean into God's vision that was RIGHT HERE at Pine Creek. They were to begin RIGHT NOW by putting up tents and getting started. And we celebrate each year, as the campers arrive that it was and is the RIGHT FUTURE.
The more things change, the more they stay the same, because God's vision continues to be RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW, RIGHT FUTURE.
Jean M. Brindel, CFRE, AFP, serves as senior pastor of Saint Matthew United Methodist Church in Frankfort, Ind. Her e-mail address is jbrindel@sbcglobal.net.
Last updated on 25 Apr 2008