June Special Offering: Camp Christian Operating Expenses

Camp Christian holds a special place in my heart and my spiritual life. Many of you have had the blessing of a Camp Christian experience. As much as I connect to the place, the people and the presence of God make it special. I have been very blessed with many opportunities at Camp Christian. As a youth, I attended three years of Chi Rho Camp (Grades 6-8) and four years of CYF Conference (Grades 9-12). I have also been fortunate to be a counselor for many summers and mid-year retreats. One particular fond memory was in 1979 when, as a camper, I was with my sister (Jolynne) as Girl Co-President, Mom (Margi) as counselor, and Dad (Ken) as Assistant Director.

Through all of these experiences, I grew as a human being and a child of God. I can honestly say the first time I actually felt the presence of God was at Camp Christian. The essence of the camp experience is creating the “Beloved Community.” This was the vision of Herald Monroe when the Region purchased the camp in the 1950s and developed its programs. What exactly is “Beloved Community?” It is created when everyone is accepted and loved unconditionally; it fosters an authentic belonging. Don’t we all, no matter our age, seek belonging? We are isolated in our world today. The pandemic has put a spotlight on that isolation. If we are honest with ourselves, we were isolated prior to the pandemic. We have created isolation by factors that divide: race, religion, sexuality, poverty, and politics. Beloved Community is the antidote for isolation.

We participate in creating the Beloved Community by supporting the June special offering for the Camp Christian Operating Fund. Without this fund, there would be no Camp Christian experience year after year for returning campers and counselors and, maybe more important, first-timers. We would not be able to create opportunities where people feel like they belong and are loved. Isn’t this what God wants from us? To be with each other where everyone feels welcome, wanted, and that they belong to something bigger than themselves? Camp Christian provides the chance to escape the pressures of our world, experience the love of God, and create Beloved Community.

Jeff Evans