CBM Channel Magazine 2024

1935

L e g a c y E d i t i o n

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTORS

As we put together this edition of The Channel, the words of the song “Find Us Faithful” ring in our ears. Walter and Marie Jensen founded CBM in 1935, and every day since then, CBM Missionaries have faithfully carried on the work to “Win a child...Win a life.”

Since its inception, God has used CBM to bring generations of children to faith in Christ and service for Him. It is our prayer that each child will become part of their local church and serve the Lord wholeheartedly with their lives.

As you flip through the pages of this magazine, we ask you to consider your own faithfulness. Have you received God’s free gift of salvation through Jesus? Are you an effective and faithful tool for His glory? What is He asking you to do to be part of His Kingdom work?

In our generation, we are seeing Bible prophecy fulfilled, and it is exciting! Jesus is coming soon. Are you ready? We are! But until that glorious day, we press on toward the prize and pray that we will be counted as faithful for His glory.

Stay In Touch

The Channel is printed and mailed on an annual basis

If you wish to hear from us more often about how God is working in CBM, please contact us to be added to our list to receive our e-mail updates

MAIL:

CBM

P O Box 278 Townsend, TN 37882

PHONE:

CBM OFFICE: 865-448-1200

TRC OFFICE: 800-487-6659

EMAIL:

CBM: cbmglobalhq@gmail com

TRC: inn@tuckaleecheeretreatcenter com

CBM National Directors since 2014

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CBM:

Website: childrensbibleministries net

Facebook: Children’s Bible Ministries - CBM

YouTube: Children's Bible Ministries, Inc

CBM INTERNSHIP:

Website: childrensbibleministries net/internships

Facebook: CBM Internship Program

Instagram: @cbminternlife

TRC:

Website: tuckaleecheeretreatcenter com

Facebook: Tuckaleechee Retreat Center and Cabins

ONLINE GIVING:

Website: childrensbibleministries net/donate

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter from the Directors

Purpose of CBM

Year-Round Ministries

Latest Ministry Report

How to GO, SEND, & GIVE

Summer Camp Job Opportunities

CBM’s Smoky Mountain Retreat Center & Cabins

Find us Faithful: Testimonies

The Johnson Family Legacy

CBM’s Newest Missionaries

Mission Trips Inspire New Full-Time Missionaries

Celebrating Ten Years of the CBM Internship

First-Ever Enrichment Program Graduates

Current Enrichment Team

Our Areas, Affiliates, & Projects

CBM AREAS (established by CBM, locally incorporated)

East Tennessee | Camp Ta-Pa-Win-Go

Florida | Camp Gilead

Global Headquarters (Tennessee) | Tuckaleechee Retreat Center

Honduras | The Filling Station

Maryland | Camp Harambee

Mid-Atlantic (North Carolina) | Camp Grace

North Alabama | Ponderosa Student Ministries

North Carolina | New Life Camp

South Alabama | Camp Victory

Southwest Pennsylvania | Camp Cornerstone

United Kingdom (London)

Upper Cumberlands (Tennessee) | Camp Ozone

Virginia | Camp Red Arrow

CBM PROJECTS (new ministry plants)

Georgia | Guatemala | Knoxville | Michigan | Texas | Utah

CBM AFFILIATES (partner ministries)

Camp Amplify (Georgia) | Faith Xtreme (Florida)

Gitche Gumee Bible Camp (Upper Peninsula of Michigan)

Interlocking Ministries (Kenya) Moldova Mission

Why "The Channel"?

Named after the song “Channels of Blessing,” the Channel’s goal is to be a conduit, conveying information about the work the Lord is doing through CBM, as well as sharing our blessings and needs with supporters and prayer warriors

CBM Global Board of Directors

Greg Kain - Chairman

Scott Simpson - Vice-Chairman

Don Garrett - Treasurer

Marilyn Lyle - Secretary

Richard Chambers

Bob Johnson

Kathy Patton - Prayer Coordinator

Bethany Thomas

Lincoln Simmons (ex-officio)

Jamie Simmons (ex-officio)

CBM Global Staff & Missionaries

FULL-TIME

Lincoln Simmons - Director

Jamie Simmons - Director for Ministry Development

Chip Hungerford - Financial Manager

Sandy Hungerford - TRC Guest Services Manager

Zach Jones - Intern Leadership

Jaelynn Woullard - Intern Leadership, TRC Excellence Manager

PART-TIME

Luke & Tawny Austin - Mission Trip Leaders, Event Registrars

Sue Duchow - Webmaster

Daryl Shriner - Special Projects

Bernie Smith - Operations/Maintenance

Nancy Smith - Receptionist, Administrative Assistant

Peggy Steele - Bible Lessons Coordinator

Leslie Wall - Women's Missionary Care, PR/Events

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONARIES

Greg & Brittany Burton - CBM of the UK

Brenda Johns; Timothy Martens - CBM of Honduras

Kristi Martinez - Moldova Mission (pre-field)

Ryanne Stout - Project Guatemala at Little Lambs

STATESIDE MISSIONARIES

Angela Achenbach - Knoxville, Tennessee

Kevin & Christine Bryant - Texas

Luke & Naomi Milam - Georgia

Todd & Carla Witters - Michigan

THE PURPOSE OF CBM:

TeachingtheBible Evangelizingtheunreached Disciplingbelieversofallages

Encouragingandequippingthemforactiveservicefor JesusChristintheircommunity,localchurch,andonto theworld

FindourcompleteStatementofFaithonlineat wwwchildrensbibleministriesnet

The Need

CBM believes that salvation is every person's primary need Our ministry is focused on sharing the Good News with children and youth and teaching them God's Word A study by Lifeway indicates that the biggest factor contributing to young adults having a strong spiritual walk is whether they read the Bible regularly as children

There is a biblical illiteracy that is prevalent in our culture today, and this stems from the fact that the Bible is not read or taught as it should be Even in America, many children do not have a Bible in their home, and often the ones who do are not reading or studying it

With Christianity being expelled from public schools, and the authority of God’s Word being continually challenged, teaching children the Bible is growing increasingly more important

The primary need is for salvation, and then discipleship and growth through reading and being taught the Word of God and becoming part of a local church.

The Solution

Since 1935, the Lord has allowed CBM to be part of His plan to redeem mankind from the curse of sin and set them free to live for Him.

CBM is a parachurch ministry, receiving and training missionaries sent by the church, who desire to share the Good News of salvation and provide discipleship through: CLASSES, CORRESPONDENCE LESSONS, and CAMP, which we refer to as the 3 C’s of ministry Read more about this on the next two pages!

Every aspect of the 3 C’s is focused on evangelism and immersing children in the Bible, knowing that this will have a profound impact on their hearts, souls, minds, and lives.

The Support

CBM accomplishes its work through the faithful giving of churches and individuals, both to our missionaries (who raise their own financial support) and to each location of our ministry We invite you to join many others who participate in our work through their giving

We are a conservative Christian 501(c)(3) nonprofit You can support CBM and/or our missionaries at: childrensbibleministriesnet/donate

CLASSES | CORRESPONDENCE | CAMPS

TEACH BIBLE RELEASED TIME CLASSES Our largest ministry, in which we teach the Bible to public school children “

TEACH BIBLE CLUBS

MOTEL MINISTRY

COMMUNITY EVENTS

RETREATS & EVENTS AT CAMP

SPORTS MINISTRY

GRADE 1,000'S OF BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE LESSONS

HOMESCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS

PRESENT CBM AT MISSIONS CONFERENCES & CHURCHES CAMP IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

HOST GUEST GROUPS AT CAMP

If you are located near one of our CBM Areas, Affiliates, or Projects, please pray about getting involved!

CLASSES

9,949BibleReleasedTimestudents

19,257OtherBibleClassstudents

29,086 students reached 5,336 new believers!

CORRESPONDENCE

2,971 students reached 10 new believers!

CAMPS

16,871 summer campers

25,700othercampeventattendees

42,571 campers reached

3,098 new believers!

TOTALS 74,748 people reached!

8,444 new believers!

The CBM missionary families at our 2023 Global Conference

ALABAMA

Ponderosa Bible Camp

Hiring Counselors & SALT members

Dates: May 25-July 20

Contact: jeffnelson07@gmail com or jondavid@pbcpsm com

Camp Victory

Hiring Counselors & Lifeguards

Dates: May 24-July 27

Apply: campvictoryal org

FLORIDA

Camp Gilead

Hiring Jr (ages 16+) & Sr Cabin Leaders (ages 18+)

$75 per week & $175 per week respectively

Dates: June 3rd-August 2nd

Apply: campgilead com/cabinleaders

GEORGIA

Camp Amplify

Hiring Counselors (ages 18+) ($300)

Dates: June 3-7

Apply: campamplify org

MICHIGAN

Gitche Gumee Bible Camp

Hiring Counselors: $400 per week

Dates: June 16-July 6

Hiring Support Staff & Cooks: $150-$400 per week

Dates: June 16-August 17

Hiring Lifeguards: $200 per week

Dates: June 22-July 6

Apply: gitche net/join-our-team

Call 906-337-0527 for more information

Lakeshore Student Ministries

Day Camp - June 17-21

Adventure Camp - July 15-17

Contact: office@cbmwmi.org for more information.

MARYLAND

Camp Harambee

Seeking Volunteer Teachers

Summer Missionary Interns

(High School age through adult)

Dates: June 15-July 27

Contact cbmofmd@gmail com or call 443-763-1835

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

NORTH CAROLINA

Camp Grace

Hiring Counselors & Program Staff

Dates: June 9-August 2

Contact mark@cbmcampgrace.com

Apply: cbmcampgrace com/apply

New Life Camp

Hiring Counselors, Lifeguards, Program Staff

Dates: June 3-August 16

Contact kjones@newlifecamp.com

Apply: newlifecamp com/getinvolved/employment/#summer

CAMP GRACE

PENNSYLVANIA

Camp Cornerstone

Hiring: Male Counselors

Dates: June 27-July 26

Apply: campcornerstone org/get-involved-2

VIRGINIA

Camp Red Arrow

Hiring: Senior Counselors (ages 18+)

Dates: May 27-July 19

$300 per week for 8 weeks

Contact marknbert@gmail com

CAMP GILEAD

TENNESSEE

Camp Amplify

Hiring Counselors (ages 18+) ($300)

Dates: July 1-5

Apply: campamplify org

Camp Ozone

Hiring: Jr & Sr Cabin Leaders

Jr: Rising 11th grade or higher

Sr: One year out of High School

Dates: May 27 - July 12

Training week plus 6 weeks of camp

Hiring: Head Counselor - late college age or older with experience as Cabin Leader, and other camp experience

Contact berdeaus@campozone.org

Seeking medical volunteers for our first-aid station. Should have experience in the medical field. Can be coordinated to be serve one week at a time. Contact brent@campozone.org

Seeking volunteer Servant Leaders (high-school age)

Earn service hours

Contact bruce cook ministry@gmail com

Camp Ta-Pa-Win-Go

Hiring: College-aged Counselors ($200 per week)

Dates: May 24-June 30

Also seeking volunteer Jr. Staff (rising 10th graders & up)

Earn service hours and scholarships for school

Apply: cbmcamp com

TUCKALEECHEE RETREAT CENTER

YOUR RETREAT DESTINATION IN THE SMOKIES

We invite couples, families, & church groups to come and spend time with the Lord in the Great Smoky Mountains, while supporting CBM, a global children's ministry.

PASTORS & MISSIONARIES

Are you a worn & weary pastor in need of rejuvenation and solitude? Are you seeking a location for part of your missionary furlough? Book your stay at Tuckaleechee Retreat Center and enjoy the following benefits:

Spend precious time alone with the Lord

Reconnect with your spouse

Experience personal rest and renewal

Study the Scriptures

Bask in God’s beautiful creation

Explore the Great Smoky Mountains

First to book get the steepest discounts!

Katlyn (Carney) Jones

I was first introduced to CBM by my dad, who was a counselor at Camp Gilead when he was in college He sent me to camp in 2007 I was in 4th grade and honestly, I didn’t like it very much While at camp that first time, I felt alone and like I didn’t belong Even though that was my first experience with camp, this place was going to impact my life more than I could ever imagine In 2012, my dad encouraged me to go back to camp as a High School Volunteer That summer I had people pour into my life and I was able to see what CBM was all about and I wanted to be a part of it From 2012-2018, I served as a High School Volunteer, Junior Counselor, and Senior Counselor at Camp Gilead. In 2018 I joined the CBM National Internship program, and then joined CBM full-time when I graduated Since then, I have served as an Intern Mentor, the Registrar at Camp Gilead, a Project Leader in Utah, and I’m currently serving at New Life Camp as their Registrar and Seasonal Staff Hiring Manager

“I often celebrate the impact of those who have served in CBM.”

Every summer at Camp Gilead, I would make it my goal to make sure the 4th graders had a different experience than I did. These young campers are the future of CBM, and if they don’t feel loved and accepted, they won’t come back

In 2016 a shy, timid 4th grade camper named Lilly walked into my cabin She was coming to camp for the very first time I saw much of myself in Lilly and was quickly taken back to my first time being a camper If nothing else happened that week, I wanted her to know that she was loved, and God cared for her She came back to camp summer after summer, and I would disciple her a little during the school year.

When Lilly was old enough, she started serving as a high school volunteer and has served on summer staff at Camp Gilead and New Life Camp It is because of the people who have bought into the mission of CBM that Lilly is on fire for the Lord as she goes to college this year!

Imagine the impact we can have if we truly follow the mission of CBM by encouraging and equipping people to serve Jesus Christ in their community, local church, and the world Because I had people train and guide me, I can lead others like Lilly in the same way Now, she is serving the Lord by sharing the gospel and discipling others I often celebrate the past impact of those who served in CBM

CBM is unique in that their campers become high school volunteers who become summer staff members who go on to be full-time CBM missionaries, board members, volunteers, and champions Making campers feel loved and accepted, giving them a sense of belonging, and pouring into them spiritually will give them a desire to keep coming back I believe that our best staff are the ones we have “raised ” Join me as I eagerly anticipate our influence on future generations

Katlyn

ROBBY FISCHER

I have always loved camp ministry. I grew up in a family that traveled around the country with my parents speaking at various events and providing a music ministry to churches and camps I loved the opportunity to be at camp and be settled in one place for a week or more, and the incredible community found at many of those These opportunities allowed me to know pretty early on that I wanted to serve in camp ministry in any capacity that I could

I was able to cut my teeth in ministry at Camp Gilead, a CBM camp, in central Florida It was there as a junior counselor that I saw the greatest spiritual needs of campers being met It was amazing to see lives transformed by the teaching of God’s Word, fellowship at meals, and the camaraderie provided through programs and late-night cabin antics

I was a freshman in college when my calling became even more clear At a campfire service, the speaker asked how many kids came from a broken home When over 50% of the campers raised their hands, I realized the impact camp ministry can have on a life We were able to provide a fun and safe environment where some of the campers experienced love for the first time Many were exposed to the gospel for the first time, and some even heard about God for the first time What an amazing opportunity! In a setting like camp, where kids are taught the Word of God multiple times throughout the day, and the staff live it out, how could you ever leave the same?

“It was as a junior counselor that I saw the greatest spiritual needs of campers being met.”

That freshman in college never would have guessed that my love for camp ministry would have brought me to where I am today

My great grandfather founded Gitche Gumee Bible Camp in 1930 with the desire to bring the camp experience to what he called “his people of the north ” I now serve as the Executive Director of Gitche Gumee, a CBM Affiliate, where we have seen the Lord’s faithfulness for almost TEN decades!

We are able to provide that same experience of sharing lifechanging truths to our local youth, many of whom come from broken and impoverished homes, but also to families from all across the country through our Family Camps There have been thousands of lives changed throughout the course of our ministry, and certainly through Christian camps all over the world

One thing that stands out as to why camp is such an important and effective part of spiritual development is because you are doing life with people I firmly believe that camp is a small glimpse into what our church family is supposed to be - encouraging one another, serving, growing in our relationship with the Lord, having fun together, etc This is why I think that the best way to engage our current and future campers is to focus on the partnership we have with the local church This partnership, I believe, is the key to year-round growth for our students Camp ministry will never replace the ordained ministry of the local church

“I firmly believe that camp is a small glimpse into what our church family is supposed to be.”

ROBBY WITH HIS WIFE, LESLIE, THEIR THREE CHILDREN, & THEIR DOG

TIMOTHY MARTENS

TIMOTHY SERVING AS CAMP DIRECTOR AT CBM’S CAMP HONDURAS ‘23

YOUNGER “TIMMY” IN HIS ROLE AS PROGRAM DIRECTOR AT CAMP GRACE

TIMOTHY PREPARES TO BEGIN PROJECT TEGUS UNDER CBM OF HONDURAS

“Being a missionary was your calling, not mine ”

That’s what I told my mother in my teenage years when we talked about my future plans and career When I was in the third grade, my parents and brother all individually felt the call into missions at a missions conference at our home church in Florida, but I was safely tucked away in the children’s program I had no idea the weight of the decision the rest of my family had made and how it would change the trajectory of my life

Within a matter of months, I got to experience firsthand a support-raising journey as a “Missionary Kid ” By the time I was in the sixth grade, we had relocated to rural North Carolina to work year-round at CBM of the Mid-Atlantic I started working at camp when I was eleven, making DVDs of the week of camp, and I made $1 for each one I sold As the years went on, I did every job imaginable at camp, from working in the kitchen, to teaching Bible Released Time classes, camp counseling, grounds and maintenance, and so much more

Though I knew God was fostering in me skills that I could use to serve Him full-time, I held off as long as I could, trying to ignore His calling But God wins in the end, especially for those who call him Father. He gently brought me to a place where it was clear and obvious that He desired for me to pursue Him in full-time missions, and I am so thankful I get to serve Him

Looking back, I see how growing up in ministry prepared me for the role I am in today What drives me the most is the legacy God allows me to continue

My favorite response to any praise I receive is that “I was trained by the best ” I sit on the shoulders of giants, and I would be nothing if not for the mentors I had in my life I couldn’t ask for a better ministry to partner with because at its foundation is a system of natural discipleship Working side-by-side with wise men and women of the faith in different capacities has helped me mature as a man

“What drives me the most is the legacy God allows me to continue.”

And now, I get to do the same thing with the young men and women who work with me I get to watch the legacy of the people who taught me live on in the lives of my own staff When I see others use the same phrases and sacrifice for their campers in the same ways as my mentors did for me, I know God is honored and glorified It is a perfect example of the Scripture, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” Camp shows the generational mercies of God, and I’m right in the middle of it

NATHANIEL REDKA

CBM has been a part of my life from the very beginning Both of my parents (Mark and Roberta Redka) have been serving full-time in CBM for over 30 years, and they have allowed my siblings and me to play a part in that ministry. My first experience as a camper was when I was seven, and my first time serving “officially” on staff was when I was thirteen

My perspective on serving in ministry changed significantly when I joined the camp staff in my teen years. Looking back, I am so thankful for how God worked in my life in those formative years to prepare me for my future in CBM I was able to serve in a variety of areas throughout the year, giving me good experience and providing a more realistic view of ministry It was while I was in Bible college and serving at camp during the summer that I felt God was leading me to join CBM full-time

During my life, I have seen God work in some amazing ways through the ministry I saw Him provide an abandoned coal mine which was remodeled into a full camp facility in less than 3 years (Camp Cornerstone) Even more amazing are the many lives that I have seen changed by God’s Word being proclaimed One particular story that really amazes me is of a teen girl last summer whose attitude and disposition completely changed after giving her heart to Christ. God is so good!

“I am so thankful for how God worked in my life in those formative years to prepare me for my future in CBM.”

If CBM continues to focus on impacting young people with the Gospel without compromising its biblical foundation, God will continue to use it to bring many more young people to a saving knowledge of Him CBM must continue striving to disciple young people to continue their growth in the Lord and to live out His plan for their lives. While this work is often long and difficult, it will be well worth it in the end to see disciples serving the Lord with their lives!

Today, Nathaniel is a full-time missionary with CBM as Camp Director at Camp Red Arrow

How were you originally introduced to CBM?

BEN: My family moved to Camp Victory in the spring of ‘96 so I learned about CBM through that, and through the process of my parents attending Candidate School (now called G R O W ) and working on raising support

KAYLA: My first introduction to CBM was as a camper at Camp Gilead back when I was going into 2nd or 3rd grade I got to attend multiple weeks of camp that summer My dad was Chairman of the Board at Camp Grace and was also a chapel speaker I went with him there every summer.

How did the Lord lead you into full-time ministry?

BEN: Through growing up at a CBM camp. I loved the experience and learned and grew through serving After graduating from High School, I always felt that full-time camping ministry was where the Lord was directing me to go, though the thought of raising support kept me away for a while After working odd jobs during the school year, and then serving as summer staff at Camp Victory, I needed to figure out my full-time occupation In the transition, I continued helping out around camp until the Lord provided a job working at a cattle ranch near Tampa, Florida, so I moved south I was always thinking about returning to camping ministry. I met and married Kayla and over our first ten years of marriage, we began considering and visiting CBM camps, but didn’t have peace until the Lord opened the doors and led us to Camp Gilead!

KAYLA: The summer after my freshman year of college, I got the opportunity to be a counselor at Camp Grace It was around the halfway mark of the summer after a long talk with CBM Missionary, Karen Williams, about how to reenergize for the second half of the summer God laid it upon my heart that even through the rough patch in the middle of the summer I could see myself working in CBM for the rest of my life A few years later I met my now husband, Ben, who had grown up in CBM and had a heart to go back into it full-time Once we got married, we considered many times where and to which camp God would lead us to serve full-time Now, eleven years into marriage, God has directed us to serve full-time at Camp Gilead

Which of your family members have been involved in CBM?

BEN: My Parents, “Cowboy Steve” and Barbara Shertzer are full -time missionaries at Camp Victory My sister and her husband (Stephanie and Daniel Samec) were also full-time at Camp Victory for a few years

KAYLA: My dad was Chairman of the Board at Camp Grace for many years He also was a speaker at both Camp Grace and New Life Camp for many summers, and he helps run Fishing Camps at Camp Gilead and Camp Ozone

YOUNG BEN WITH HIS PARENTS, “COWBOY” STEVE & BARBARA, & HIS TWO SIBLINGS

YOUNG KAYLA KELSEY AS A SUMMER CAMP COUNSELOR AT CAMP GRACE

S H E R T Z E R & NOW

What is a big “WOW” that you recall throughout your years of association with CBM?

KAYLA: One thing that always astounded me during my time growing up around Camp Grace is the number of times there was a need shared with the community that was met by a donation of the item, or the funds to acquire the item.

What do you think makes CBM effective in gospel work?

BEN: In our increasingly godless culture, being able to get kids away from their normal life with so many distractions and have them come out to camp to have fun and be surrounded by the Word of God, helps them hear truth more clearly

KAYLA: I think CBM is effective in gospel work because it gives kids, a lot of whom wouldn’t get access to the gospel otherwise, opportunities to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. Many CBM camps offer Bible Released Time classes (where kids are released from class to be taught a Bible Lesson off-site), and some camps have after-school Bible Clubs Camp Gilead specifically works hard to provide scholarships to children in need of financial assistance to be able to attend camp, and it also partners with Faith Xtreme (a CBM Affiliate ministry) to help underprivileged kids have the opportunity to come to camp and hear the gospel of our Lord

How do you think CBM can continue to engage current and future generations of campers in staying involved in CBM for their whole lives?

KAYLA: I think it's important to make genuine connections with the campers who attend Summer Camp, Bible Clubs, and Released Time When kids and teens can see that they aren’t just another face in the crowd, and when they are cared for and seen by the adults pouring into their lives, then they are much more likely to stay actively involved in that ministry

TODAY, BEN & KAYLA ARE FULL-TIME CBM MISSIONARIES SERVING AT CAMP GILEAD, ALONG WITH THEIR THREE CHILDREN

“CBM is effective in gospel work because it gives kids, a lot of whom wouldn’t get access to the gospel otherwise, opportunities to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ.”

SCOTT SIMPSON

How were you originally introduced to CBM?

I was a “ peewee ” camper as soon as I was old enough, and I think I was a camper every summer through High School. My grandmother was a camp speaker and some of the people from our church volunteered at Camp Gilead in the summers

How did the Lord lead you to go from being a CBM camper/participant to serving in the ministry?

1981 9-year-old Scott at Camp Gilead, with counselor, Marc Good

Serving on summer staff was just the next step I remember Miss Edith (former Camp Gilead Director) talking to me about working in the kitchen and then serving as a Junior Counselor I didn’t feel some overwhelming calling to do these things It was just what I felt like I was supposed to do next I only served one or two full summers as a Senior Counselor, but every other summer in college, I did come back to help a week or two. When I was in premarital counseling, the pastor asked us what full-time ministry we would go into if we could choose Both Debi and I answered, “ camp ministry ” We had the desire to serve God and fond memories of our times at Summer Camp My wife and I were on staff at Camp Gilead from 2006-2013, and I have served on the National Board in some capacity since around 2010

Have any of your family members been involved in CBM?

My grandparents were involved in the early days In fact, I think my grandfather, Dale Simpson (my dad’s dad), had an official role as CBM’s Deputation Secretary back in the day

I also remember my grandmother (Anne Simpson), and her daughter, Beverly Simpson, being speakers at camp numerous times over the years My parents are Gary and Connie Simpson, and they both served full-time at Camp Gilead, and then in a role with the National Office My grandfather on my mom ’ s side, Norm Broten, served as a volunteer, keeping the bicycles at Camp Gilead operational.

“CBM is filled with people who have been faithfully serving God for years. I think God honors that and blesses that.”

How do you think we can continue to engage future generations of campers in staying involved in CBM for their whole lives?

People want to be a part of something bigger than themselves. It is important to keep talking about all of the great things that God is doing in of all the ministries of CBM and inviting former campers and staff members to get on board with that in some capacity Keep telling the stories of what God is doing, and then follow up with any former campers you find out about Lastly, I would just encourage all the ministries and missionaries to stay faithful to God your whole lives and CBM for as long as He has you there

LAURA SMITH

My journey with CBM includes each of the 3 C’s that CBM has focused on through the years: Bible Classes, Correspondence Lessons, and Camp

When I was in elementary school, the “Bible Ladies” (as we called them) came to my school with a yellow school bus and told us Bible stories using flannel story boards Miss Bea Ames and Miss Barb Shearer were missionaries with CBM of South Alabama, known as Camp Victory I loved the stories they would tell, both the Bible stories and stories of summer camp. These classes were some of the only Bible teaching I received at the time Through these classes I started doing the Mailbox Club Bible Lessons and earned a scholarship to be able to attend Summer Camp for the first time I fell in love with Camp Victory from my first trip at the age of 7, and I continued to attend every summer It was at camp several years later, at the age of 11, that I clearly understood the gospel and trusted in Jesus Christ for my salvation.

Camp Victory was a huge part of my Christian growth during the next few years. During high school I was able to serve on summer staff as a volunteer CIT (camper-in-training) I also went on to be a camp counselor during summers while in college Through this ministry I learned the importance of serving others, developed a love for missions, and made some of my closest lifelong friends

When I was a senior in college, Camp Victory started its own local internship program focused on training those who were interested in camp ministry I was particularly drawn to a need for more teachers for the Bible Released Time Program (what I used to call the Bible Ladies!)

During my time in Victory’s local internship, I felt a strong leading from the Lord to join CBM full-time I started in 2004 and met my now husband at camp that summer! We were married in 2008 and have continued to serve with our four children Camp Victory has always had such a special place in my heart, and I am so thankful the Lord has allowed me to serve there now for 20 years We have seen the Word of God proclaimed, testimonies shared, and countless lives changed for eternity because of His work done through camp ministry

In most cases, we only have these campers for a week The church is primarily responsible for their continued growth For our ministry work to be effective, we have to partner with the local church, rejoice in their successes, and serve them in any capacity that we can

“We have seen countless lives changed for eternity because of God’s work done through camp ministry.”

TODAY, LAURA & HER HUSBAND, NATE ARE FULL-TIME CBM MISSIONARIES SERVING AT CAMP VICTORY, ALONG WITH THEIR FOUR CHILDREN

Our goals at camp include being a springboard for the campers who already know Christ to continue growing after leaving camp, and we must encourage them to seek discipleship and opportunities to serve. We can help campers find a local church that teaches the Word and share with the church where these students are at in their relationship with Christ

I believe that each “C” of CBM can have a huge impact. Some of the students who attend the Bible Released Time Classes from our local public schools have little to no biblical influence in their lives

Even though Camp Victory sits in the heart of the “Bible Belt,” we see a tremendous, ongoing need to share the gospel more effectively in our area The Mailbox Club Correspondence lessons that we send out help to get the gospel into the homes of many children, some of whom may not have any other Bible exposure in their home Finally, a week of Summer Camp gives children and teens a time to get immersed in clear, biblical teaching while having fun and making wonderful memories!

One of my favorite things to look back on from my time serving full-time with CBM has been the way I’ve seen this ministry almost repeat itself time after time

It is such a joy to see young people who come up from Released Time classes, attend Summer Camp year after year, and then become counselors who are pouring back into young lives like their own

1992 THE YEAR AFTER LAURA WAS SAVED AT CAMP

It brings to mind 2 Timothy 2:2 “and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also ”

My prayer is that the Lord will continue to work through the ministry of CBM to bring the gospel to many children who need to hear it, and that we will be able to disciple those children as they grown into young adults who will then be able to share the gospel with even more children!

KATHERINE STOUT

FEBRUARY 11, 2006 GROUNDBREAKING FOR THE NEW DINING HALL AT CAMP GRACE

In October of 1993, my husband Todd was called to serve at a church in Lumberton, NC, so our family of 4 moved to Robeson County, NC The following fall, our son, Jonathan, began kindergarten at the local school. One day Jonathan brought home a card asking permission to attend Bible Released Time classes We had recently heard CBM’s National Director speak at our church, so we knew there was such a thing We had no idea how it all worked - but we signed him up!

On the first day of the Bible Released Time classes, our younger child, Ryanne, and I visited the school to volunteer to help with the class The teacher, Stephen Webb, was thrilled to have help and asked us to help every time he taught there going forward I was thrilled to know what Jonathan was being taught! Four-year-old Ryanne also enjoyed going, so it was a win for everyone

Sometime later, Bobby Williams, a dear friend and Director for CBM of the Mid-Atlantic, began to hint many times that I should become the part-time secretary for that location I eventually applied and was accepted, even with children in tow during the summer and school workdays During my time in that little office, behind First Baptist Church of Fairmont, the property that is now Camp Grace, was donated A little later I was asked to join the Board of Directors for Camp Grace, and I accepted

God moved us twice between 2001 and 2014, and I continued serving on the Board of Camp Grace God also increased our family, adding two young teenage boys: Garriell and Anthony! We were able to bring our youth groups to Camp Grace for retreats because Bobby would allow even very small groups to come and enjoy the property

After much encouragement from Bobby, Ryanne served in the kitchen for the summer of 2014, and then joined the first team of CBM National Interns. After graduating from the internship, she began pursuing becoming a full-time missionary with CBM.

In 2018, after much prayer and wise counsel, Todd felt led to become the Executive Director of Camp Grace I had always dreamed of living at Camp Grace, but never imagined it would become a reality! We always loved spending time there. Now, after 6 years of living on the property, we are still amazed how God worked that out.

“Being part of a program that teaches Bible lessons to thousands of children and youth each year is incredible!”

CBM has great ministries, from godly Bible lessons available to be mailed to any child, to the fun of camp life, but it was Bible Released Time that affected us so. Being part of a program that teaches Bible lessons to thousands of children and youth each year is incredible We love that we have volunteers join us in the ministry to the school children, and we pray for more churches to “adopt’” schools so that together we can reach more children Members of our own local church are beginning to help us with two middle schools in our area, one of which CBM has not been able to do Bible Released Time in since before we joined the staff

Often, we hear comments from children about the “Rolling Chapel” where we hold Bible Released Time classes, about this being “the only ’church’ they have.” It has recently been renovated inside, thanks to the help of a local church, and it will soon get a new generator and tires

We love serving our Lord at Camp Grace and working sideby-side with the missionaries here It is also a joy to have times of fellowship with the missionaries of the other CBM locations at CBM’s many retreats and conferences We so enjoy gleaning from their years of experience

Camp life is certainly “An adventure that lasts a lifetime ”

TODAY, KATHERINE & HER HUSBAND, TODD ARE FULL-TIME CBM MISSIONARIES SERVING AT CAMP GRACE

BETHANY THOMAS

How were you originally introduced to CBM?

I was originally introduced to CBM through the Summer Camp ministry of Camp Gilead in Lakeland, FL The Camp Directors attended the church I was brought up in and as youth we would often go to camp over the summer or during the year for retreats or conferences

How did the Lord lead you to go from being a CBM camper/participant to serving in/over the ministry?

I knew that I wanted to be a camp counselor at Camp Gilead (CBM of FL) because my brother (Ben Johnson) did it, as well as many other students from my youth group I wanted the opportunity to invest in children and youth the way that so many had invested in me I started as a Junior Counselor, then became a Senior Counselor, and then Summer Camp Registrar

Have any of your family members been involved in CBM?

My Mom, Jill Johnson, served on the Camp Gilead Board for a few years, and volunteered in various capacities at camp, including cooking My brother, Ben, and his wife, Sandy, served as full-time staff at Camp Gilead in the 2000's

What do you think makes CBM effective in gospel work?

First of all, CBM makes their camps affordable and accessible to all What I love about CBM is that there isn’t a certain demographic of kids that we try to attract to our camps It doesn’t matter their background culturally or spiritually

Due to many scholarship opportunities through generous donors, CBM camps are available to every child who wants to come

I remember working one summer as a counselor at Camp Gilead, and being really frustrated because I had a couple of girls in my cabin who were not Christ-followers, and they were pretty disruptive to our entire cabin and took a lot of my attention I went to the Camp Director and asked him, ‘Where in the world do we get our campers from because clearly [these particular kids] are not well-behaved at all and do not know anything about the Bible?” To be honest, I thought they should go home early. The Camp Director told me, “We want a camp that makes the Word of God accessible to all, because this may be the only time that they get to hear it ”

Later that week I got to witness those same campers, who I was so frustrated about, give their lives to Jesus, and from that moment on, I understood. I am so grateful that CBM’s motto is “Win a Child...Win a Life.”

How do you think we can continue to engage current and future generations of campers in staying involved in CBM for their whole lives?

Keep ministry opportunities in front of previous campers: opportunities to sponsor a child's week of camp, sponsor new bunk beds, etc

TODAY, BETHANY SERVES ON THE CBM NATIONAL BOARD

Marjory and Robert A. Johnson, Sr. & Their 5 Kids: Bob Jr., Priscilla, Lois, Dave, & Dan

The Johnsons were first introduced to CBM with Robert Johnson, Sr in the 1940's Bob had been saved in a little country church in South Carolina when he was a young boy When both of his parents died, his older sister raised him in New Jersey until he married Marg in 1934 They attended a church which had a strong emphasis on missions When the Johnsons learned at a conference about a work with children in Elizabethton, Tennessee, Bob felt God’s calling to leave his job in New York City and move his family to Appalachia to join what was then called Children’s Bible Mission

In 1948, after five years in Tennessee, Bob Sr was asked if he would move to Raleigh, NC, where CBM was very much in need of a State Director for the work in the schools, encouraging children to memorize Bible verses so they could earn a free week at Summer Camp

Different camps were rented for a few years, until God supplied an old YMCA camp to be purchased for $12,000 This became New Life Camp under CBM of NC

After many years of faithful service, Bob Sr went home to be with the Lord in 1978. Marg continued volunteering for CBM even after her husband died

In 2023, New Life Camp had its first fifth generation Johnson camper!

To God be the glory!

Bob Jr. & Debbie Johnson

Dave&KathyJohnson

Bob Jr was just a teenager when his dad started New Life Camp After graduating from High School and enrolling at NC State University, Bob continued helping at the camp Debbie, who had just graduated from Wheaton College, came to help at camp one summer That was the beginning of Debbie’s love for camp and for Bob, and they were married in 1957 After that, Bob went to Northeastern Bible College in NJ whileDebbietaughtPE intheschoolsinalocaltown Boband Debbieservedfull-timeatNewLifeCampfrom1961-2010.Bob continuesvolunteeringatcamp,andDebbievolunteeredinthe camp kitchen through 2019 Bob served on CBM of the MidAtlantic’sBoardformanyyearsandisacurrentmemberofthe CBMNationalBoard

Pris grew up at New Life Camp (CBM of NC) from the time she was 10 years old She remembers her dad directing the camp, and helping her mom in the kitchen Now living in Jupiter, Florida, Pris supports CBM financially and also volunteers when she can atCampTa-Pa-Win-Go

As a teenager, Lois was a Bible teacher at New Life Camp As an adult, she helped her dad at the Christian Bookstore in downtown Raleigh that Bob Sr operated, to help pay the operatingexpensesforNewLifeCampinitsearlyyears

In 1957, Marg was cooking dinner at camp when she had to leave for the hospital to give birth to Dave Growing up, Dave lovedcampandsincetheylivedontheproperty,hewasalways there After graduating High School, Dave attended Northeastern Bible College in NJ, where he met Kathy, who later became his wife. They joined CBM full-time in 1981. Today, Dave and Kathy serve as Area Directors for CBM of EastTennesseeatCampTa-Pa-Win-Go

Dan grew up at New Life Camp as well He worked there with his brother, Bob Jr., for about 7 years, and was a full-time CBM missionary from 1978-1981 Dan remembers making the “wall motto” awards that were given to children through CBM’s Scripture Memory Program He also helped design NLC’s newsletter, the Tarheel Tidings Dan enjoyed being involved in many ways at camp, from washing dishes to doing artwork. A resident of Raleigh, Dan is a financial supporter of CBM, and as a graphic designer, he uses his talents to provide illustration workwhenneeded,fortheministry

John & Lois Weber

Priscilla “Pris” Acree

Dan Johnson

BOB JR. & DEBBIE’S 2 KIDS: BOBBY & TIMM

Bobby grew up at New Life Camp He met Page, who had been a camper there, and they married A few years later, God led them to work full time at NLC They went to a mission-minded church that took mission trips to other countries In 2001, Bobby signed up to go with a mission group to Kenya He saw the opportunities there and began going multiple times a year, along with Page, and later with their two children

In 2011, because of so many children coming to faith in Christ, God led them to begin Interlocking Ministries, interlocking the Kenyans and the Americans in ministry together in partnership Together with their Kenyan partners, God has built up the ministry, which has seen 1,000's of adults and children believe in Jesus and grow up to be today’s ministry leaders there.

Timm grew up at New Life Camp and worked various support, musical, and creative tasks during his summers there as a teenager

JOHN & LOIS’S 3 KIDS: LAURA, MICHAEL, & JESSICA

Laura was a summer camper at New Life Camp, and when she got older, she served at camp as a kitchen worker.

Bobby’s 2 kids

Calebservedfull-timeatNewLife Campforsixyears,andhiswife,Abby taughtthereunderthePlay&Learn Programforthreeyears

TamaraservedatNewLifeCampfor severalsummersasacounselorand FirstAidProvider,andonesummerat CampGilead

Michael worked at New Life Camp on summer maintenance staff, as a teenager

Jessica was a summer camper at New Life Camp, and when she got older, she was a kitchen worker She has fond memories of her Aunt Debbie’s missionary stories, from her summers at camp

Michael’s 3 kids

(John) Isaac, Hannah, & Abigail

Jessica’s 4 kids

Sarah, Timothy, Rebekah, & Micah

In 2023, the two oldest attended Day Camp at Camp Ta-Pa-Win-Go

DAVE & KATHY’S 4 KIDS: ANGIE, DAVID, STEVEN, & SHELLY

Angie grew up at Camp Ta-Pa-Win-Go, and then served there full-time for ten years with her thenhusband In 2014 they started what is now CBM of Honduras, and built The Filling Station In 2019, Angie turned that ministry over to CBM, and returned to TN. She now works part-time with the camp and with her sister, Shelly, in her design business CBMofHondurasisaliveandwelltoday!

David is in graphic design and makes signs for Camp Ta-Pa-Win-Go and its fleet of camp Bible ReleasedTimebuses

Steven grew up at Camp Ta-Pa-Win-Go He served as a Summer Camp counselor, praise and worship leader, and is now a faithful CBM supporter

Shelly grew up at Camp Ta-Pa-Win-Go She and her husband help at camp when they can. They are faithfulsupportersoftheministry

Angie’s 4 kids

Joel, Jaden, Jara, Justin, Jaxon

They grew up at Camp Ta-PaWin-Go They each help at camp any way they can

David’s 2

kids

Caryss & Gavin

Both attended Camp Ta-PaWin-Go as children, and in the summer of 2023, Gavin served as a counselor

Shelly’s 2 kids

Cole & Hudson are CBM campers

Lane & Tamara

Caleb & Abby

“To God be the Glory!”

B Y B O B J O H N S O N , J R .

BOB, JR. IN HIS NEW LIFE CAMP OFFICE

“Later on, when we ’ re all in glory, one of the good parts of Heaven is gonna be hearing all the stories we haven’t heard yet.”

My dad, Rev Robert A Johnson, was saved in a little country church in South Carolina when he was a young boy Both of his parents died soon after, and an older sister took him to New Jersey, raised him, and helped him until he got married in 1934

While attending Brookdale Baptist Church in Bloomfield, NJ, a burden for lost people began to grow in Bob He had a very good job in New York City with a company that invented a brand-new product, called “plastic, ” and the future looked very promising financially However, Bob Sr still had that inner burden for lost people that were without Jesus

A wise pastor told Bob Sr. about a ministry in Tennessee where workers visited public schools once a month, telling Bible stories and encouraging children to memorize Bible verses Soon, Bob Johnson Sr was on the train, headed for Tennessee to “check out” Children’s Bible Mission (its name at that time)

After a two-week visit, my dad returned and that was all that we talked about until our entire family was on our way to Elizabethton, TN, in October 1943 That was the beginning of the Johnson family with CBM I was only 8 years old at the time, but this was also my early beginnings with CBM. After five years in Tennessee, my dad was asked if he would move to Raleigh, NC, where they were very much in need of a State Director for CBM With a borrowed 2-ton truck and all our belongings, we were soon on our way to Raleigh!

Doing the same program in the schools there, my dad continued to encourage children to learn Bible verses to earn free weeks at summer camps, which were rented, since New Life Camp was not in the picture yet My dad found places locally to take children, who had memorized 300 Bible verses, to camp In 1950, he learned about an old, abandoned YMCA camp just ten miles north of Raleigh that had been purchased by two local pastors who wanted to begin a camp ministry

After we rented the camp for a couple of summers, the owners asked my dad if he wanted to take the camp over for the $12,000 debt owed on the property! The camp included 16 cabins, a dining hall, a chapel, a lake for swimming, and a large ball field This offer was a nobrainer, but my dad did not have $12,000, and he asked the camp ’ s then owners for one year to pray and see if this was God’s will. He also prayed that $5,000 would come in within the year after sharing with supporters One year later, the money that was raised was $5,050!

It was about this time that I began to get involved.

After graduating from High School in 1953, I helped around camp with many jobs

F A M I L Y L E G A C Y

from running the snack shack, lifeguarding, repair jobs like leaking cabin roofs, running errands for food, driving worn out school busses, to picking up campers, and teaching a Bible class on prayer.

Around that same time, a beautiful young lady who had graduated from college came to be a counselor in one of the girls' cabins. You guessed it, one year later in 1957, Debbie came into the picture and helped out playing the piano, lifeguarding, teaching Bible classes and working in the camp kitchen I had been taking some classes at NC State in the school of Engineering. After we got married, I enrolled in Northeastern Bible College in New Jersey and still spent the summers at New Life Camp helping my dad with camp

After graduating from Northeastern in 1961, Debbie and I moved to Raleigh to be in full-time ministry with CBM During the school year, my duties were to visit 25 schools monthly, holding Bible assembly programs and encouraging elementary children to memorize 300 Bible verses to earn a free week at Summer Camp When I was not visiting public schools, I was busy working on building a house for my growing family. After three years, we finally moved into our permanent home Summers were devoted to working entirely at camp under my dad’s leadership as I taught Bible classes, led singing, helped Debbie with some kitchen duties, and fixed those neverending broken things

A new chapter came into our lives when my dad started showing signs of Alzheimer's disease and he was still in charge of the entire ministry Without going into detail, this was a very difficult time for the entire staff, until the Lord took him home to heaven in October of 1978. New responsibilities came into view about this time, as we were not able to visit the public schools, so we developed a Bible Mailbox Club ministry so children could still earn a week at Summer Camp.

In 1993, a forest fire nearly destroyed New Life Camp As the fire was getting closer to the camp, we called our home church 500 miles away and asked the people to pray Miraculously, the wind changed, and the camp was saved

As New Life Camp grew, we felt the need for a gym as a place for recreation on rainy days While raising funds for this gym, our contractor asked if we wanted to put air conditioning in the building, which would cost an additional $50,000. Construction began, and when we had to give a final answer on the A/C, we received a check for $50,000 from someone who had NEVER given before!

We could go on with many stories of children learning about Jesus and walking in His ways, children who met their mates for life at camp, children who lost their lives tragically at home after being saved at camp, and campers who grew up and are now serving the Lord in some faroff mission field This past summer, New Life Camp had its first 5th generation camper! To God be the glory!

“What drew me to wanting to be involved in CBM was seeing kids come to know the Lord at camp, and I knew there was nothing more important than that. So I knew that’s what I wanted to do.”

-Dave Johnson

“If you had the time, I could tell you story after story of how God has provided and how He continues to provide for this ministry”

-Kathy Johnson

“God really shows Himself faithful when things are in a pinch. When things look impossible, God can pull it together with the right people and the right money and everything to make it happen”

-Page Johnson on how Aaron Miller became the Camp Director at New Life Camp

“I worked for the airlines for 26 years I thought, ‘If we can’t be directly involved in CBM, at least we can be supporters”

-Pris (Johnson) Acree

“One summer a bill for the camp was due and camp didn’t have it They gathered the counselors to pray In that afternoon’s mail were checks amounting to just over the amount needed. I knew that God had already started to provide for this need by laying it on the hearts of God’s people to send in this money ”

-Lois (Johnson) Weber

“My spiritual gift is service, so I fit right in because camp always needed service-oriented people I took to that very well”

-Dan Johnson

“I’m just so thankful for the years I learned so much from camp and was raised in a Christian home I’m thankful for all the people that invested in me over the years, and just the legacy that our family has I’m just so appreciative of that”

-Jessica Jones

“You can’t outgive the Lord”

-Dave Johnson quoting Marillyn Adams

CBM rejoices in the calling of new missionaries

JANUARY2023

Left to Right:

Leslie W : CBM Global Headquarters

Kayla & Ben S.: Camp Gilead

Left to Right:

Chip H.: CBM Global Headquarters

Bruce & Michelle C : Camp Ozone

Sandy H : CBM Global Headquarters

Gracie B : Ponderosa Student Ministries

Nathaniel R.: Camp Red Arrow

for placement at our ministry locations!

Are you...

A Pastor of a church with missionaries who are looking for placement in Christian camping ministry?

An individual, couple, or family praying about where God would have you serve in full-time ministry?

A young adult interested in/curious about what full-time missions/Christian camping work looks like?

Blessed with extra time, and looking for a place to volunteer for the Lord?

Interested in teaching public school children the Bible through our Released Time Programs?

Looking for the most rewarding summer job ever: telling kids about Jesus?

Looking for a proven ministry with eternal value to invest your God-given financial resources into?

Kathy K : Translator; Oscar & Ondina: CBM of Honduras; Matthew & Rachel H : Camp Victory; Kristi M : Moldova; Ethan P : Camp Victory; Brian S : Camp Grace; Lincoln & Jamie Simmons: The CBM Directors

MOLDOVA MISSION TRIP ‘23 INSPIRES

In partnership with Moldova Mission, Greg Burton, Pastors Anatol Dunas & Alexandru Buzila, their families, and local churches planted in Moldova

CBM has been partnering with the Lord's work in the country of Moldova since 2010 through Emmanuel Baptist Church of Cahul, Moldova In August 2023, CBM sent a team of its National Interns and missionaries to encourage, equip, and build community for two church plants of Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Each morning for one week, the CBM team ran a Bible Camp in the village of Pelinei, where there is a church plant that is the only light of hope in Christ amongst thousands of people in the surrounding villages

The work of the CBM team there was not only a great encouragement to the Pastor and the group of committed kids in the village, but it also opened doors for Moldovan church leaders to better support the vision to build the church in Pelinei and the surrounding villages

Each afternoon, the CBM team conducted a second Bible Camp in support of Pastor Alexandru Buzila and his family, who are planting a church in the village of Larga Pastor Alexandru shared how greatly encouraged he and his family were by the work of this CBM team

We can now happily report that this year, the Moldovan leadership will begin construction on the new church building in Larga that our CBM team prayed over and celebrated on!

GREG BURTON

CBM MISSIONARY WHOSE CHURCH STARTED MOLDOVA MISSION

The CBM team with children from the Village of Pelinei who participated in the Bible Day Camps

Kristi spending time with the Moldovan children during Day Camp

The CBM team with children from the Village of Larga who participated in the Bible Day Camps

Simone, a member of Greg’s church in London, joined the CBM team for the trip.

KRISTI TO GO FULL-TIME WITH CBM

Hello! My name is Kristi Martinez and I graduated from the CBM Enrichment Internship in 2023 I am now a CBM Immersion intern serving at Camp Ta-PaWin-Go (CBM of East TN) While here, I have the privilege of teaching school-age children through Bible Released Time, helping at camp, working toward completing my bachelor’s degree, and raising my support to serve the Lord full-time in Moldova through CBM’s Affiliate Ministry Partner there - Moldova Mission My goal is to begin full-time ministry in Moldova in 2025

Before joining the CBM National Internship, I served in another ministry full-time for a few years, but it did not work out As a result, I began to think that fulltime ministry was not for me, so I began working a normal 9-5 job (I know now that God knew I would later be returning to full-time ministry)

After I had been out of full-time ministry for a while, my friend asked me to fill in at her Kids’ Bible Club I had the day off, so I went. That day, I was able to reexperience the wonder of teaching children about God, helping them memorize Bible verses, and encouraging them in the group games. I remembered the joy of being part of a ministry team that devotes its time to making sure children feel loved, nurtured, and seen, as they are taught the Bible

I learned about the new-and-improved CBM Internship called Enrichment almost immediately after I helped my friend with that Bible Club I had been praying for God to lead me where He wanted me to be, and I believed this Internship was my next step I was still not sure where God wanted me to go, and I was afraid of jumping back into full-time ministry because I was not sure if I was “enough ” With the Enrichment Internship, not only would I be receiving an amazing opportunity to dive deeper into the Word of God and grow closer to Him, but I would be able to experience a multitude of children’s ministries.

My Enrichment year passed, and it was time for my Intern Team (#16) to go on our overseas mission trip We were going to Moldova, and I was excited to serve on this trip because it would be my first time out of the country! I was also really nervous because I wasn’t sure if I would be able to connect with the children there due to language barriers, but I knew that as followers of Christ, it is important to remember that it is not about us, or what we are capable of, but who God is. He will shine through us, and He is most definitely more than enough! God worked through all of us during this mission trip as we helped with two VBS-style Day Camps, and I had so much fun working with my brothers and sisters in Christ!

Towards the end of the trip, the Pastor and his wife, whose church we were partnering with, shared with our team about the different ministries within Moldova Mission and how they have a need for English teachers at their church I’ve always had a passion for youth outreach and teaching, but I wasn’t sure if that was something I wanted to do vocationally

After my prior experience before CBM, I was afraid and would suppress any idea of returning into full-time ministry, until a recurring thought came to me and wouldn’t leave me alone: “Why are you sitting on the gifts and passions that God has given you?” I realized that this is much bigger than me, that God is much bigger than my fears, and that I wanted to pursue Him and His plans He’s given me a love for being part of kids’ journey in growing closer to God, as well as for teaching and designing lessons that get kids excited about learning

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.”

Romans 8:28

I am so excited that God has opened my heart to go back to Moldova and serve within the ministries there! I am currently working towards becoming an English teacher and serving in the youth ministry One thing that I am constantly being reminded of is that we may make plans for our lives, but God knows what’s best He is sovereign, and His plan will prevail!

My Internship Leader, Jaelynn, and me

HONDURAS MISSION TRIP ‘23 INSPIRES

history of Brenda’s Ministry calling

2021 1985

On November 6, Brenda Johns accepted Christ as her Savior and her love for missions and sharing the gospel began

2017

Brenda made a commitment to the Lord that if she ever lost her husband, she would go onto the mission field full-time

In November, Brenda lost her husband to a heart attack

2022

2023

Brenda heard about a September trip with Christians for Worldwide Evangelism (CWE) to build a Missionary Training Center at CBM’s Headquarters in TN and felt the “nudge”toGO

While on that trip, Brenda was so impressed that CBM had found a way to continue teaching the Bible to public school children Brenda shared with Jamie Simmons (CBM’s DirectorforMinistryDevelopment)thecommitmentshehad made to the Lord. Jamie shared multiple opportunities with her within CBM and invited her to join the team going in January2023torunthenextTeenCampinHonduras.

In October 2022, Brenda attended a very impactful Missions Conference at her home church in Kansas. God used the missionaryspeaker’s3pointstoguideBrenda’sdecision:

“We should be willing to go out of our comfort zone, because Jesus left heaven for us, suffered and died for us ”

“We should be willing to give up everything to serve Christ because He gave up everything for us ”

“We should be available for whatever God wants with our lives ”

Brenda joined the CBM team to run Camp Honduras and soughtGod’swillwhilethere Hegaveheraclearanswer

On her 65th birthday, Brenda signed up for Language School inHonduras,andmovedthere3weekslaterunderCBM

BRENDA WITH JAMIE SIMMONS ON THE CWE TRIP TO TN

BRENDA WITH ONDINA, CBM’S HONDURAN MISSIONARY, AT TEEN CAMP 2023

In partnership with Camp Agua Viva, the CBM team runs a week of overnight camp each January for the teens from the El Filtro village, Forgotten Children Ministries, and Prodim (one of the ministries CBM missionary Brenda works with in Honduras)

BRENDA TO GO FULL-TIME WITH CBM

r camp, I went to ’Prodim’ to have a testimony time about duras Teen Camp 2024 with the kids and the teachers, most of m were the campers ’ parents They were pretty shy at first but eduptowardtheend

#1 thing they liked about Teen Camp was Pastor Kain’s preaching testimonies Several mentioned his obvious love for them They mentionedthecareofthecounselors

loved the worship and the drama next. They loved the clapping he joy of camp! Several mentioned the ‘marshmallow shooter’ and bstaclecourse.Theylovedthecrafts.

ally,thecamperslovedALLofitandwereextremelythankful!

(a leader at Prodim who helped chaperone at camp) followed up hallenging the campers to find a church that will help them keep new commitments and joy of worship alive. This is a direct ertomyprayers.Thankyouforallowingthemtocometocamp!”

B R E N D A J O H N S

CBM MISSIONARY TO HONDURAS

Brenda (far right, back row) with some of the students she now ministers to in Honduras

TESTIMONY FROM THIS YEAR’S CAMP’S CHAPEL SPEAKER:

“I was privileged to be the speaker for CBM’s third Teen Camp in Honduras in January of 2024 The theme was ‘Running the Race ’ The camp was filled with excited young people Some were not sure as to what they would experience There were many activities, games, crafts, and great worship times. Then of course, most importantly, there was the teaching of the Word of God in our chapel sessions at night

I saw how the Holy Spirit worked in the young people’s hearts that week. There were decisions to trust Jesus as their own personal Savior, and others who recognized that they needed a closer walk with the Lord in their Christian life

I had the opportunity to talk to numerous youth and also to pray with some who were struggling with spiritual issues I was even able to counsel some of the counselors, who wanted a closer walk with the Lord It was amazing to see the Lord work in individual hearts throughout the week ”

P A S T O R G R E G K A I N

CHAIRMAN

OF CBM’S NATIONAL BOARD

GREG PREACHING TO HONDURAN

CAMPERS

(WITH A TRANSLATOR)

“God worked through a great team of people who prayed and cared about the ministry of the Lord. Everyone was focused on seeing God work in the lives of the teens I would say that Honduras Camp 2024 was a great spiritual success. God not only worked in the lives of the teens, but without a doubt in all the lives of those who went to minister ”

Brenda with campers from Prodim, showing off their crafts!

EST. SEPTEMBER 2014

THE CBM DIRECTORS WITH TEAM 1 ON GRADUATION DAY - SEPTEMBER 2015

“The CBM Internship is helpful for camp ministry, church ministry, church leadership, church planting, overseas missions, community outreach planning, etc It's pretty amazing how much experience an intern will gain when they're there to learn about ministry and how it can be done in so many different ways. ”

TORI, Team 1

“One reason you should be a part of the CBM Internship is for the lifelong connections These connections are friends for life, leaders to follow, counselors of faith who strengthen your faith, and loved ones to lean on I made connections I will forever be thankful for ” JERRI, Team 3

“One reason to join is the big Intern/Alumtern family that you become a part of One thing that I always enjoyed was hearing stories about previous interns, but it was even better when you got to meet them in person and hear their stories of their time in the internship ”

JAELYNN, Team 11

You will be inspired by the missionaries who have given their lives to serve the Lord You'll see what it means to take up your cross daily and follow Him In this current day, everyone is very ”ME” focused. By spending a year in the internship, you will be shown many examples of selflessness and focusing on serving others, which is what Jesus calls us to ”

ADA, Team 1

“I was stretched to become more reliantonGodinsteadofwhollyon my very independent self. I was forcedtoaskforhelpwhenIdidn’t know things (which happened to be a lot) I was humbled significantly ItmademeabetterChristiananda better leader knowing that I wasn’t meanttodoeverythingalone”

KALAYA,Team7

“The Internship is a gateway opportunity to take a step into ministry and how it feels to be a missionary for a year. ”

RASHIDI, Team 13

“It’s an amazing program that helps you grow in your relationship with God and explore your options for ministry ” JERRID, Team 13

Studying God’s Word

Telethon

Mission Trip

Favorite internship memories

Mission Trip Prep Week

Telethon Bible Classes w/fun pastors

National Conference Summer Camp Rotation “CROSS Ministries Banquet”

Shenanigans

CBM’S FIRST ENRICHMENT GRADUATES CBM’S FIRST ENRICHMENT GRADUATES

September 2023

Kristi and Trinity were THE FIRST-EVER CBM interns to earn a one-year Bible Certificate from Davis College through the Excel partnership with CBM’s Enrichment Internship

We are so proud of them!

30 college credits earned from the following online classes:

Life, Ethics, & Worldview

Acts/Romans

Systematic Theology I

Systematic Theology II

Life of Christ Former Prophets

Hermeneutics

Pauline Epistles

All classes are through

Latter Prophets

Pentateuch

CBM locations that Team 16 helped during their year:

Camp Ozone L E A D (Project Knoxville)

Ponderosa

Camp Ta-Pa-Win-Go

Camp Grace Camp Red Arrow

Camp Victory

New Life Camp

Camp Cornerstone Gitche Gumee

Lakeshore Student Ministries (Project Michigan)

New Creation Ministries (Project Georgia)

What’s Next? Year 2:

Learn more at: childrensbibleministriesnet/internships

CBM’s Excel Program via Davis College in NY, connected with Word of Life Bible Institute

ALLEN ALLEN ALLEN

ROBBY ROBBY ROBBY

NICOLE NICOLE NICOLE

“We hope to continually refer young people from our summer staff and local church partners into CBM’s National Internship Program, so that they can understand all aspects of camp life The Internship gives them a better understanding of how real camp life works – not just the ‘dreamy view’ from summer With the Internship now enabling its interns to earn 30 Bible College credits and a certificate during their first 9 months in the program, they are even better equipped for life, wherever God may lead them, especially if they choose to become CBM Missionaries.”

KATHERINE STOUT CBM MISSIONARY AT CAMP GRACE

160 Bear Lodge Drive

Townsend, TN 37882

Pray for Summer Camp 2024! Thousands of children and teens will hear the Christian gospel and learn more about the Lord through CBM Summer Camps.