I first came to Ceta Canyon in July of 1979. I was there to prepare for my first storytelling assignment. That year I went to Camp Butman, near Abilene, and told the C.S. Lewis story of “The Last Battle”. Since that year, there have been over 10,000 boys and girls who have heard the stories of the Bible and over 3,000 of them have made a first-time commitment to follow Jesus Christ. Hundreds more have been called into full-time Christian ministry and many of them are scattered across the nation and world as pastors and missionaries. This ministry is, without question, one of the most important things we are involved in.
One of the great evangelists of all time, Dwight L. Moody, said, “If I could relive my life, I would devote my entire ministry to reaching children for God!”
The old tabernacle we started in is now gone, and the new one is air conditioned! It is a great venue for the stories. There are nearly 300 kids here this year plus the volunteers who have come to help.
The kids are riveted to every word as the stories from the Bible come to life.
The worship team did and amazing job. The Spirit of God was very evident in each service.
There are so many who are involved each year who help make this a successful camp. The directors are Steve Gaines, Lloyd Stice, Les Hall (who was missed this year), and Jerri Ann Booe. In addition to these leaders, Bible Quest was led by Jennifer Pohlmeier, children’s director from St. Stephens UMC Amarillo. There were also many who volunteered to invest their time to work with the kids in crafts, recreation, and small groups. Truly a team effort.
One of the highlights of the camp is always the time when we invite the children to respond to the Good News they’ve heard throughout the week. It never ceases to amaze me how they move like a wave to the altar and make life altering decisions. I firmly believe that children respond more easily to the voice of God. They have not yet built the walls that time can construct between us and our Lord. I still remember responding to the call to ministry as a 12 year old at a church camp. Just look at the pictures below of kids doing business with God at the communion rail.
On the last day, we met to celebrate the great week we had enjoyed together and we paused to remember the One who made it all possible.
I’m already looking forward to returning next year as storyteller for Ceta Canyon Elementary One-Way camp. What amazing life-changing adventures await us!
