CBM Channel Magazine 2024

THE CHANNEL MAGAZINE

Legacy Edition

2024

Est. 1935

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.

Lincoln and Jamie Simmons CBM National Directors since 2014

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 2

Follow Us Online 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 2

Letter from the Directors

4

Purpose of CBM

5

Year-Round Ministries

6

Latest Ministry Report

7

How to GO, SEND, & GIVE

8

Summer Camp Job Opportunities

10

CBM’s Smoky Mountain Retreat Center & Cabins

12

Find us Faithful: Testimonies

22

The Johnson Family Legacy

26

CBM’s Newest Missionaries

28

Mission Trips Inspire New Full-Time Missionaries

32

Celebrating Ten Years of the CBM Internship

34

First-Ever Enrichment Program Graduates

35

Current Enrichment Team

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

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

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

CBM PROJECTS (new ministry plants) Georgia | Guatemala | Knoxville | Michigan | Texas | Utah

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

CBM AFFILIATES (partner ministries) Camp Amplify (Georgia) | Faith Xtreme (Florida) Gitche Gumee Bible Camp (Upper Peninsula of Michigan) Interlocking Ministries (Kenya) Moldova Mission

STATESIDE MISSIONARIES Angela Achenbach - Knoxville, Tennessee Kevin & Christine Bryant - Texas Luke & Naomi Milam - Georgia Todd & Carla Witters - Michigan

Win a Child ... Win a Life

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THE PURPOSE OF CBM: Teaching the Bible Evangelizing the unreached Discipling believers of all ages Encouraging and equipping them for active service for Jesus Christ in their community, local church, and on to the world.

Find our complete Statement of Faith online at www.childrensbibleministries.net

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: childrensbibleministries.net/donate.

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childrensbibleministries.net/contact-us

YEAR-ROUND ministry:

CLASSES | CORRESPONDENCE | CAMPS

“WHAT DO CBM MISSIONARIES DO AFTER SUMMER CAMP IS OVER?” HERE ARE JUST SOME OF THE ANSWERS: TEACH BIBLE CLUBS

TEACH BIBLE RELEASED TIME CLASSES

MOTEL MINISTRY

HOMESCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS

COMMUNITY EVENTS

CAMP IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

RETREATS & EVENTS AT CAMP

PRESENT CBM AT MISSIONS CONFERENCES & CHURCHES

SPORTS MINISTRY

HOST GUEST GROUPS AT CAMP

Our largest ministry, in which we teach the Bible to public school children

GRADE 1,000'S OF BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE LESSONS

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

childrensbibleministries.net/contact-us

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LATEST MINISTRY REPORT AUGUST 2022 - AUGUST 2023

CLASSES

9,949 Bible Released Time students 19,257 Other Bible Class students 29,086 students reached

5,336 new believers!

CORRESPONDENCE FREE Bible Lessons by mail

2,971 students reached

TOTALS

74,748 people reached!

10 new believers!

CAMPS

16,871 summer campers 25,700 other camp event attendees 42,571 campers reached

8,444 new believers!

3,098 new believers!

The CBM missionary families at our 2023 Global Conference

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Win a Child ... Win a Life

HELP CBM “WIN A CHILD...WIN A LIFE”

We need people who will GO HOW DO I GO? 1. Meet with your local church leadership for guidance.

2. Complete the CBM Missionary application.

3. Once accepted by CBM and approved by your church, attend G.R.O.W. (CBM’s Candidate School).

4. Form your financial partnership team.

Questions? Email us at: cbmglobalhq@gmail.com

We need people who will SEND HOW DO I SEND? 1. Determine which missionary or ministry to support.

2. Determine your type and frequency of giving (monthly, quarterly, annually, launching, estate/planned, in-kind, etc).

3. Keep up with/pray for your missionary!

GIVING INFORMATION By check: P.O. Box 278 Townsend, TN 37882

Online: www.childrensbibleministries.net/donate

Please make check payable to CBM

Make sure to specify in the notes where you would like your gift to be applied.

Thank you for your support!

All donations are tax-deductible Win a Child ... Win a Life

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DO YOU LOVE JESUS WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND LOVE KIDS TOO? THEN THIS IS FOR YOU!

GEORGIA Camp Amplify

Hiring Counselors (ages 18+) ($300) Dates: June 3-7 Apply: campamplify.org

MICHIGAN Gitche Gumee Bible Camp

PONDEROSA 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

ALABAMA Ponderosa Bible Camp Hiring Counselors & SALT members Dates: May 25-July 20 Contact: jeffnelson07@gmail.com or jondavid@pbcpsm.com

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.

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

CAMP GRACE 8

Interested? Contact cbmglobalhq@gmail.com

JOB OPPORTUNITIES THIS COULD BE YOUR BEST SUMMER EVER! 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 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.

CAMP GRACE

PENNSYLVANIA Camp Cornerstone Hiring: Male Counselors Dates: June 27-July 26.

Apply: campcornerstone.org/get-involved-2

VIRGINIA

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

Camp Red Arrow Hiring: Senior Counselors (ages 18+) Dates: May 27-July 19 $300 per week for 8 weeks Contact marknbert@gmail.com.

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

Interested? Contact cbmglobalhq@gmail.com

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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!

tuckaleecheeretreatcenter.com / inn@tuckaleecheeretreatcenter.com / 800-487-6659

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Katlyn (Carney) Jones

Lilly

Katlyn

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.

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Win a Child ... Win a Life

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?

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

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

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.

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!

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

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

Win a Child ... Win a Life

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TIMOTHY MARTENS “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.

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

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.

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

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.”

TODAY, TIMOTHY PREPARES TO BEGIN PROJECT TEGUS UNDER CBM OF HONDURAS

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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.

Win a Child ... Win a Life

NATHANIEL REDKA

YOUNG NATHANIEL AS A SUMMER CAMPER 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!

Win a Child ... Win a Life

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

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BEN & Kayla THEN

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?

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

YOUNG KAYLA KELSEY AS A SUMMER CAMP COUNSELOR AT CAMP GRACE

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.

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Win a Child ... Win a Life

SHERTZER

& 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.”

Win a Child ... Win a Life

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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.

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TODAY, SCOTT SERVES ON THE CBM NATIONAL BOARD

(PICTURED HERE WITH HIS WIFE, DEBI)

Win a Child ... Win a Life

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!

Win a Child ... Win a Life

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KATHERINE STOUT

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!

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

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.”

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

Win a Child ... Win a Life

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.

TODAY, BETHANY SERVES ON THE CBM NATIONAL BOARD

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.

Win a Child ... Win a Life

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T H E

J O H N S O N

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

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 while Debbie taught P.E. in the schools in a local town. Bob and Debbie served full-time at New Life Camp from 1961-2010. Bob continues volunteering at camp, and Debbie volunteered in the camp kitchen through 2019. Bob served on CBM of the MidAtlantic’s Board for many years and is a current member of the CBM National Board.

Priscilla “Pris” Acree

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.

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 at Camp Ta-Pa-Win-Go.

John & Lois Weber 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 operating expenses for New Life Camp in its early years.

Dave & Kathy Johnson In 1957, Marg was cooking dinner at camp when she had to leave for the hospital to give birth to Dave. Growing up, Dave loved camp and since they lived on the property, he was always 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 East Tennessee at Camp Ta-Pa-Win-Go.

Dan Johnson

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!

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Win a Child ... Win a Life

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 work when needed, for the ministry.

F A M I L Y

L E G A C Y

Timm Johnson

Bobby & Page 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.

Bobby’s 2 kids

Lane & Tamara Caleb & Abby Caleb served full-time at New Life Camp for six years, and his wife, Abby taught there under the Play & Learn Program for three years.

Tamara served at New Life Camp for several summers as a counselor and First Aid Provider, and one summer at Camp Gilead.

Chris & Michael & Meredith Weber Laura Wiles

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

Chris & Jessica Jones

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

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

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.

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. CBM of Honduras is alive and well today!

Steven & Stephanie Johnson

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

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 & Justin Nupp

David & Laura Johnson

Angie Rivera

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

Shelly grew up at Camp Ta-Pa-Win-Go. She and her husband help at camp when they can. They are faithful supporters of the ministry.

Win a Child ... Win a Life

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.

Steven’s daughter Emmaline

Shelly’s 2 kids

Cole & Hudson are CBM campers.

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T H E “To God be the Glory!”

BY BOB JOHNSON, JR.

J O H N S O N 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).

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.”

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..........

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Win a Child ... Win a Life

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!

“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.”

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!

Win a Child ... Win a Life

-Jessica Jones “You can’t outgive the Lord.”

-Dave Johnson quoting Marillyn Adams

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OUR MOST RECENT GRADUATES OF CBM rejoices in the calling of new missionaries

u n a J ary

3 202

Augus t

Left to Right:

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3 2 0 2

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

Learn more at: childrensbibleministries.net/missionary-training

G.R.O.W. TRAINING (CANDIDATE SCHOOL) for placement at our ministry locations!

u a n r a y2 J

Left to Right:

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OUR FIRST EVER BILINGUAL TRAINING!

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

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?

Contact us

EMAIL: CBMGLOBALHQ@GMAIL.COM WEBSITE: CHILDRENSBIBLEMINISTRIES.NET

865-448-1200

Learn more at: childrensbibleministries.net/missionary-training

27

MOLDOVA MISSION TRIP ‘23 INSPIRES

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

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.

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

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.

Kristi spending time with the Moldovan children during Day Camp

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!

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

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GREG BURTON

CBM MISSIONARY WHOSE CHURCH STARTED MOLDOVA MISSION

missiontrips.cbm@gmail.com | childrensbibleministries.net/overseas-mission-trips

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.

My Internship Leader, Jaelynn, and me 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!

missiontrips.cbm@gmail.com | childrensbibleministries.net/overseas-mission-trips

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HONDURAS MISSION TRIP ‘23 INSPIRES

59 campers!

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).

history of Brenda’s Ministry calling

1985 2017 2021 2022

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

BRENDA WITH JAMIE SIMMONS ON THE CWE TRIP TO TN

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.

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” to GO. 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 Director for Ministry Development) the commitment she had made to the Lord. Jamie shared multiple opportunities with her within CBM and invited her to join the team going in January 2023 to run the next Teen Camp in Honduras.

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

In October 2022, Brenda attended a very impactful Missions Conference at her home church in Kansas. God used the missionary speaker’s 3 points to guide Brenda’s decision: “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.”

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Brenda joined the CBM team to run Camp Honduras and sought God’s will while there. He gave her a clear answer.

On her 65th birthday, Brenda signed up for Language School in Honduras, and moved there 3 weeks later under CBM.

missiontrips.cbm@gmail.com | childrensbibleministries.net/overseas-mission-trips

BRENDA TO GO FULL-TIME WITH CBM “After camp, I went to ’Prodim’ to have a testimony time about Honduras Teen Camp 2024 with the kids and the teachers, most of whom were the campers’ parents. They were pretty shy at first but opened up toward the end.

The #1 thing they liked about Teen Camp was Pastor Kain’s preaching and testimonies. Several mentioned his obvious love for them. They also mentioned the care of the counselors.

They loved the worship and the drama next. They loved the clapping and the joy of camp! Several mentioned the ‘marshmallow shooter’ and the obstacle course. They loved the crafts.

Basically, the campers loved ALL of it and were extremely thankful!

Ruth (a leader at Prodim who helped chaperone at camp) followed up by challenging the campers to find a church that will help them keep their new commitments and joy of worship alive. This is a direct answer to my prayers. Thank you for allowing them to come to camp!”

Brenda with campers from Prodim, showing off their crafts!

BRENDA JOHNS 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.”

PASTOR GREG KAIN CHAIRMAN OF CBM’S NATIONAL BOARD

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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.”

missiontrips.cbm@gmail.com | childrensbibleministries.net/overseas-mission-trips

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10 YEARS OF THE CBM NATIONAL INTERNSHIP EST. SEPTEMBER 2014

YOUR THOUGHTS, PLEASE?

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

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“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.”

“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.”

TORI, Team 1

JAELYNN, Team 11

“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

“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

Learn more at: childrensbibleministries.net/internships

“I was stretched to become more reliant on God instead of wholly on my very independent self. I was forced to ask for help when I didn’t know things (which happened to be a lot). I was humbled significantly.

It made me a better Christian and a better leader knowing that I wasn’t meant to do everything alone.”

KALAYA, Team 7

“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

Mission Trip Prep Week Studying God’s Word National Conference

Telethon Summer Camp Rotation

Shenanigans

Telethon Mission Trip

Favorite internship memories Bible Classes w/fun pastors

Nerf Wars

“CROSS Ministries Banquet”

CBM’S FIRST ENRICHMENT GRADUATES September 2023

30 college credits earned from the following online classes: Life, Ethics, & Worldview Systematic Theology I Acts/Romans

Systematic Theology II

Life of Christ

Former Prophets

Hermeneutics

Latter Prophets

Pauline Epistles

Pentateuch

All classes are through CBM’s Excel Program via Davis College in NY, connected with Word of Life Bible Institute.

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)

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!

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N s ’ t Wha ear 2: Y

Learn more at: childrensbibleministries.net/internships

CURRENT ENRICHMENT INTERNS

ALLEN

ROBBY

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 Learn more at: childrensbibleministries.net/internships

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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.