Editorial Monte Sahlin Celeste Ryan ■ Editor LaVerne Henderson ■ Associate Editor for News & Features Wilona Karimabadi ■ Associate Editor for Newsletters Kelly Butler Coe ■ Art Director Sandra Jones ■ Copy Editor Monte Sahlin
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Publisher
Publishing Board: Harold L. Lee (chair), Celeste Ryan (secretary), Raj Attiken, Charles Cheatham, Dowell Chow, LeRoy Finck, J. Neville Harcombe, Ray Hartwell, James L. Lewis, Edward Motschiedler, Monte Sahlin, Dave Weigley, Kingsley Whitsett MISSION STATEMENT The Visitor provides news and information, resources for effective ministry, and insight on issues with a spiritual focus to help people celebrate God's transforming grace in preparation for His return. COLUMBIA UNION CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS 5427 Twin Knolls Road, Columbia, MD 21045 (301) 596-0800 or (888) 4-VISITOR http://www.columbiaunion.org Free to Columbia Union members. Nonmembers—$15 per year. COLUMBIA UNION CONFERENCE President Harold L. Lee Edward Motschiedler Executive Secretary Dowell Chow Treasurer Vice President/Education Hamlet Canosa Robert Patterson Vice President/General Counsel Monte Sahlin Vice President/Creative Ministries Asst. to the President/Communication Celeste Ryan Harold Greene Information Technology Curtis Boore Plant Services Trust Services/PARL Robert Patterson Peggy Lee Revolving Fund Carol Wright Undertreasurer CONFERENCES ALLEGHENY EAST: Charles L. Cheatham, President; Robert Booker, Visitor Correspondent; P.O. Box 266, Pine Forge, PA 19548. Tel. (610) 326-4610 ■ www.myalleghenyeast.com ALLEGHENY WEST: James L. Lewis, President; Robert C. Lewis, Visitor Correspondent; 1339 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43205. Tel. (614) 252-5271 ■ www.awconf.org CHESAPEAKE: Neville Harcombe, President; Rob Vandeman, Visitor Correspondent; 6600 Martin Rd., Columbia, MD 21044. Tel. (410) 995-1910 MOUNTAIN VIEW: Kingsley Whitsett, President; Brian Jones, Visitor Correspondent; 1400 Liberty St., Parkersburg, WV 26101. Tel. (304) 422-4581 ■ www.mtviewconf.org NEW JERSEY: LeRoy Finck, President; Aura Garcia, Visitor Correspondent; 2160 Brunswick Ave., Trenton, NJ 08648. Tel. (609) 392-7131 ■ www.njcsda.org OHIO: Raj Attiken, President; Bette Toscano, Visitor Correspondent; P.O. Box 1230, Mount Vernon, OH 43050. Tel. (740) 397-4665 ■ www.ohioadventist.org PENNSYLVANIA: Ray Hartwell, President; Tamyra Horst, Visitor Correspondent; 720 Museum Rd., Reading, PA 19611. Tel. (610) 374-8331 ■ www.paconference.org POTOMAC: Dave Weigley, President; Janet Olsyne, Visitor Correspondent; 606 Greenville Avenue, Staunton, VA 24401. Tel. (540) 886-0771 ■ www.pcsda.org COLLEGES COLUMBIA UNION COLLEGE: Randal Wisbey, President; Angela Abraham, Visitor Correspondent; 7600 Flower Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912. Tel. (301) 891-4000 ■ www.cuc.edu KETTERING COLLEGE OF MEDICAL ARTS: Charles Scriven, President; 3737 Southern Blvd., Kettering, OH 45429. Tel. (937) 395-8601 ■ www.kcma.edu HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE: William G. Robertson, President & CEO; Robert Jepson, Visitor Correspondent; 1801 Research Blvd., Suite 400, Rockville, MD 20850. Tel. (301) 315-3030 www.adventisthealthcare.com KETTERING ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE: Frank Perez, President & CEO; Kenneth Chaij, Visitor Correspondent; 3965 Southern Blvd., Kettering, OH 45429. Tel. (937) 395-8167 www.kmcnetwork.org Published by the Columbia Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Printed at the Review & Herald Publishing Association.
Camp Meeting: A Renewal of Worship and Fellowship
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When asked about camp meetings that my family and I have attended in the Columbia Union, I think of worship and fellowship. Many voices raised in joyful singing and happy greetings, as people reunite with friends and loved ones, are the hallmarks of these gatherings. Based on the pace of today’s technology-driven life, we need more opportunities to take a break from work and spend time with our Creator and other believers. Recently a report on National Public Radio’s “Marketplace” program pointed out that Americans are more work-oriented than just about any other culture. Citizens of other countries mention families and recreation while we define ourselves by our work, taking pride in long hours. Despite our single-minded focus on the workplace, productivity rates in countries such as Australia surpass those of the United States.
Rest for the Soul In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites all who are weary and carry heavy burdens to come to Him. He promises to teach us and give us rest for our souls. Camp meeting is an excellent place for people to learn more about God. I never tire of seeing the delight of new Adventists as they experience their first camp meeting. They seem thrilled to see so many other church members as they drink in the inspirational messages and raise their voices in joyful praise. And then there are the children’s programs, with the wonderful renditions of Bible stories and creative crafts. Camp meeting also provides a wider perspective of the Lord’s work. Just before her death, one woman shared with me the blessing she had received every year as she listened to the mission reports and conversion stories shared during camp meeting. For instance, last year during Allegheny East camp meeting, I witnessed the excitement at the release of The Sabbath in Ethiopia (see page 17), a book that traces Sabbathkeeping through the centuries since Jesus walked this earth. Equipping members for ministry within their communities is another crucial part of camp meeting. Seminar and workshop topics range from study of books of the Bible to prayer ministries to friendship evangelism. Special services are offered such as the “Family Life Center” in Pennsylvania that my wife and I helped staff more than 25 years ago. As you make plans to attend camp meeting this year, here are some ideas to recharge your spiritual batteries: ■ Invite several friends to join you. ■ Have each person attend (and take notes) a different seminar or study group when there are multiple choices at the same time. ■ Plan to meet for meals and share summaries of what you’ve heard. ■ Announce to your church at least one location for a potluck Sabbath meal, with everyone expected to bring enough food to share. ■ Share a friendly smile. Camp meeting is a time to make new friends. ■ Upon your return, give a report to your church about your experience. Weary from the burdens you carry throughout the year? I invite you to experience a change of pace. Take time to join other believers in opening your heart to Jesus at camp meeting this year. Monte Sahlin is vice president for Creative Ministries at the Columbia Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Volume 109 ■ Issue 5
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