Week of Missions & Youth Camp Wrap Up

Excitement and anticipation filled the air in the moments leading up to the opening session for Week of Missions. It was to be the first gathering in the new building. How fitting it was for that gathering to center on praising God and encouraging His people to reach out to others with the good news, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. About 500 people attended that opening session as the flags of the featured countries were brought in launching a new era of service for the Missions Building. An interesting connection was brought to light. The program director for the 2009 Week of Missions was Steve Isom who currently serves as interim minister at Tigard Christian Church. His father, Bob Isom, was the program director for the first Week of Missions event held in the original building.

Week of MissionsWeek of Missions was a great week marked by beautiful weather, good fellowship, challenging speakers, and inspiring music. 660 people registered and the offering for the missionaries was $22,700.

The youth camps also came to a close last weekend. The final two camps saw a significant increase in campers above last year’s attendance. The close of the Second Junior High Camp led by Ben Peterson of Monmouth Christian Church and Mike Miller of Dallas church was marked by a number of baptisms. Out of 107 campers, 16 were baptized with their parents and friends present. Sometimes Camp is mostly about planting seeds, but this time it was also about seeing the fruit of this ministry. Please continue to pray and support all the young people who made significant decisions in the relationship with Christ through the whole summer camping program. Wi-Ne-Ma is the place, but all the volunteers and program staff are the people through whom God works to draw people to Himself.

With the Missions Building, it is still far from “finished.” The great room is at the point where we can use it. This fall we are working to insulate and install the ventilation and heating systems. Over the winter months we will be continuing to work on the entryways, reception, and office areas. Our goal is to have them ready to use by next spring. We have had a number of volunteers (individuals and groups) who have worked over the summer months and we have greatly appreciated their help.

Looking ahead, we still have a number of events to enjoy – Family Bible Conference, Singles Conference, and Septemberfest.

Friends of Wi-Ne-Ma Day is also coming up on September 19. Come for the day or for the weekend. The cost is $25 per person or $50 for a family. Friends of Wi-Ne-Ma features a concert by Bill Coleman and the Good News Gospel String Band, lunch in the Dining Hall, and the opportunity to support the Camp’s ministry in the silent and oral benefit auction. It is a great day and a lot of fun. Contact the camp office for ticket and lodging information.