FANNING THE GOSPEL FLAME

Summer camps like Camp Siloam stoke the passion of students for a life on mission for God

BY MADELYN

Madelyn, a third-year Camp Siloam summer staffer, said she first felt a call to missions when she attended a breakout class led by an IMB Journeyman missionary at Camp Siloam in 2017. She described her call to missions over the next five years like an ember in a campfire that would flare up when she would hear a missionary talk. (Madelyn’s last name, other details about her, and photo are withheld because she may soon serve in a sensitive area.) Here is her story in her own words.

My first time as a camper at Siloam was an adventure that would change my life in a way that can only be accredited to the awesomeness of God.

Looking at the activity options, my friends wanted to go to Q & A with the band. I didn’t have any questions for the band, so I signed up for “Missions with Rebekah,” expecting her to give a slideshow, read the Great Commission, and peace out.

I have never underestimated something so much in my life! She started telling us about what she does and how all these cities and people groups need Jesus. I wrote in my journal, “I do not know specifically what I want to do with my life, but I KNOW I want to help people.”

That was the first time I felt a call to missions. As a 16-year-old, being a missionary seemed out of reach. The blazing fire I had for missions died to a glowing ember; dimmed but not gone. The next four and half years consisted of hearing missionary after missionary speak, bringing small bursts of oxygen to that ember, causing it to flare up only to be quenched by worldly priorities.

Fast forward to July 2022, and I am a staffer at Camp Siloam. The idea of missions is still in my mind, but what if God called me somewhere far away? I love my family too much to leave them.

Standing at the sink in the Camp Siloam kitchen scrubbing potatoes thinking about my future, that stubborn little thought of missions came through my mind and all those excuses came back. I looked at the potato in my left hand and scrub pad in my right and thought, “This is not fun, but I find joy scrubbing these potatoes because of why I’m scrubbing them.”

I realized only God could bring joy in scrubbing potatoes. If He can do that, then He can bring me joy in so much more. I prayed and surrendered everything to God and asked Him to send me wherever He plans. I do not know what the future holds, but I do know that the best is yet to come.

Connect

APRIL 14–16

Looking for a student missions experience? CONNECT is a weeklong missions trip experience packaged into a single weekend, helping engage students with missions. They will be equipped for future missions, as well as learn how to better connect with Christ, other students, local churches, and ministries.

 absc.org/connect

IMB Eight Steps Missions Workshop

APRIL 17–28, 20–21

This International Mission Boardled workshop is designed to help empower pastors and leaders with strategies to mobilize the church and raise up missionaries. The April 17–18 workshop will be in Little Rock, and the April 20–21 workshop will be in Rogers. Seating is limited, so register today. Get complete information online, including a separate registration page for each workshop.

 absc.org/churchplanting

DR Regional Trainings

MARCH 11, APRIL 15

When disaster strikes, Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief is not far behind. You can become a trained, credentialed Disaster Relief volunteer by attending a regional training. Join us at Walnut Street Baptist Church in Jonesboro on March 11 or at Central Baptist Church in North Little Rock on April 15. Training is from 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Register today!

 abscdisasterrelief.org/ volunteer

First Responder/ Peer Support Training

APRIL 28–29

Join us April 28 and 29 from 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. as we partner with Barry Young of Serving Heroes to provide his Level 1 and Level 2 Chaplain/Peer Support Training. The training is for anyone desiring to minister to and support first responders. Advance registration is required. Register today!

 absc.org/peersupport

Man UP!

MAY 6

To “man up” often refers to being brave and providing for one’s family. As Christians, “man up” means being the man God has designed you to be, and the true model of a man is Jesus. Man Up! offers experiences designed to provide mentoring relationships, biblical teaching, plus practical ideas and resources to help men become passionate Christ followers and disciple makers. For groups and individuals. Don’t miss this day of fun, food, fellowship, and disciple making for men of all ages!

 absc.org/manup

Prayer Gathering

AUGUST 28–29

Save the date for the tenth annual Statewide Prayer Gathering to be held August 28–29. This time of prayer for revival and spiritual awakening has become one of the most anticipated dates on the calendar for pastors, church staff, associational missionaries, and ABSC staff. Times of prayer are interspersed with times of worship on Monday evening and Tuesday morning. Location to be announced.

 absc.org/prayergathering