FCA Today Fall 2023

French Camp Academy, a Christ-centered home and school, exists to serve young people and families for the glory of God.

Family Time

By lunchtime the temps had spiked to 99 degrees, but by supper the mercury dropped to a bearable 91. The chargrilled smell of hamburgers wafted through the air signaling “chow time.” But the giant, juicy hamburgers had to wait.

An important wiffle ball game was happening, and the smallest batter was up at the plate. Weighing in at maybe 60 pounds, he had the ‘eye of the tiger.’ House parents, and other children and teenagers were spread on the lawn. Some were standing. Others were in lawn chairs. But they were all rootin’ for him. His ear-to-ear smile stretched across his face when he connected with the ball, and the cheers erupt ed! Finally, he touched home plate! And it’s time to eat!

After giving thanks to God for the delicious meal in the newly renovated and air-conditioned Moriah Home, the house parent asked each boy to talk about the best part of their day. All were quiet as each described their favorite part. Taking turns reminiscing about the past few hours, some nodded in agreement or gave the best verbal affirmation they could with a bite of hamburger in their mouth. For some, it was the home run at the wiffle ball game, for others, it was the hamburger they were eat ing! If you looked closely and knew each boy, you could tell that a few wanted to say that being back at French Camp enjoying family-time fun and safety was the best part.

French Camp Academy, One Fine Place for Family Time

President's Perspective The Comforts of Home

It is always good to come home. Even if we have had a grand time away, it is a good and comforting feeling to arrive safely at home. This year we welcomed many more young ones to their homes here at French Camp. We are thankful the Lord has sent them, and we look forward to the opportunities of challenge and growth that will occur in us and them!

Over the past few years, many of us have experienced a great deal of hardship and loss. It seems that the world we have known will never be the same. Something I truly enjoy in my role as president of French Camp Academy is the opportunity to get to personally know those who support the mission of French Camp. Over the years, these relationships have grown, and many have moved to deeper levels of heart-felt friendship and care for one another. Recently many of our dear friends have departed for Heaven. We have felt and experienced that loss, and it hurts.

Dr. Joe Martin came off the Brazilian mission field in 1988 to lead Belhaven University’s ministry program. This was my freshman year at Belhaven and Joe and I hit it off! Over time Joe became so much more than a professor and friend. He took on the role of being a spiritual father to me. We enjoyed trips to Brazil, many hunts (including jaguar), fishing in the Amazon, and two-man volleyball. We called ourselves “Thunder and Lighting” on the court. Joe, too, went to Heaven this year after a battle with lung issues.

Through this loss and pain, God has been merciful to reveal to me that I had a fearful and self-centered heart. I was stepping back from entering meaningful relationships because of self-protection of being hurt again. Through a crazy chore of removing a holly bush stump for a friend, God showed me that roots are vital for growth even though some of my larger roots were earthly severed. There are young people at FCA that need relationships (roots) they have never experienced. That hit me like a ton of bricks! After this realization, I asked for God’s forgiveness and for Him to provide what I need to start building roots again with those He brings into my life.

French Camp TODAY

French Camp TODAY (USPS 210-100) is published quarterly in March, June, September and December each year by French Camp Academy, a non-profit, tax-exempt organization. Periodical postage paid at Hattiesburg, MS and all additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to French Camp TODAY, One Fine Place, French Camp, MS 39745-9703.

F. Stewart Edwards, Jr.

God created us for relationships—a relationship with Him and others. In so doing we fulfill Jesus’ command in Matthew 22:37-38—Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your strength and your neighbor as yourself. Seeking meaningful relationships with others without a relationship with God is difficult. The fullness that can be experienced with others cannot be realized without God. When we first seek to establish a relationship with God, He gives us Himself. With Him in our lives we now have a guide and coach that leads, corrects, and trains us how to have real meaningful relationships with others. His power invades our being and by His indwelling Spirit, He gives us the capacity to love, care, and truly serve others from a pure heart.

This is what is happening at French Camp! Staff have been loved by God and now want to love others through Him! Maybe you have experienced hurt from a past relationship. Like me, you may be selfprotecting in the way you relate or choose not to relate. I do not remember who said this, but I heard a statement that goes something like this— If it is by relationships we are broken, it is by relationships we will be healed. This statement, in the view of Jesus living in me, is certainly true! It is also true that God desires to encourage, comfort, protect, and grow us through relationships with others. He never meant for us to live this life on our own. We need each other. This is one of the beautiful aspects of His body—the church.

As we welcome 38 new residential students to their new home away from home, please continue to lift us in prayer! Pray that He would be pleased to grant many a new eternal home with Him in Heaven.

There is no subscription charge for French Camp TODAY; it is financed by voluntary contributions from friends of the Academy and is printed by Roberson Advertising Services LLC, Bogalusa, LA. Graphics/photographs/text by FCA staff and students. The mailing list of French Camp TODAY is confidential and is not shared with other organizations.

To receive French Camp TODAY, send names and complete addresses. To change or correct your address or to be removed from the mailing list, tear off the mailing label (needed because of code numbers) and return it with the correct address. You may use the enclosed envelope OR call 1-800-565-7132.

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Reporting in French Camp TODAY is intended to inform readers of the life and work of French Camp Academy, a Christ-centered home and school serving young people and their families for the glory of God. French Camp Academy is accredited by the State Department of Education, Jackson, MS.

We desire to hear from you. Please direct correspondence to Lance Ragsdale, Vice President of Development.

French Camp Academy

One Fine Place

French Camp, MS 39745-9703 662-547-6482 or 662-547-9464 www.frenchcamp.org

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Sharkey Burke Brandon

Scott Castleman Ocean Springs

Dave Fair Oxford

Vivian Farris Oxford

Glenn Galey, Secretary Hattiesburg

Toxey Hall III Canton

G. Carey Hauenstein Laurel

Lee Lampton, Vice Chairman Jackson

Chuck McBride Madison

Brooks Mosley Jackson

Tommy Peaster, Vice Chairman Flora

Hugh Potts, Jr., Chairman Kosciusko

F. Stewart Edwards, Jr., FCA President

Mission Statement

French Camp Academy, a Christcentered home and school, exists to serve young people and families for the glory of God.

Kawsu Sillah, FCA Class of 2010, spoke to our residential students on Sunday night, August 20th. Kawsu is from Sierra Leone, West Africa, and has lived in the United States for the past twenty years. After graduating from FCA, hee enrolled at Mississippi College and graduated with a Kinesiology major. Today, he sees himself as an ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ and finds great joy in serving the Lord by giving back to his community in Memphis, TN where he serves as a dorm parent at Binghampton Christian Academy.

Peter Reid (General Director of Torchbearers International) was the keynote speaker for FCA’s “Spiritual Emphasis” week in August. His biblically grounded messages were just what our staff and students needed to kick-off a new academic year. Approximately, ten students professed faith in Christ.  PTL! Pictured here with Peter Reid is his encouraging wife Gaby, along with Stewart and Rebecca Edwards. Torchbearers International has 25 centers around the world providing biblically sound, gospel rich discipleship for those interested in growing in their faith. v

Pictured left: Fellow FCA classmates now on staff—Nathan Stevens, Chris and Ahna Mooney along with Cindy and Dennis Cox, on staff when Kawsu was a student

The Power of Cooking!

Life-on-life ministry is something we talk a lot about at FCA. Connecting relationally to students provides openings for deeper conversations about life, the things of God, fleshing out faith and practice, and next steps.

Preparing meals in the kitchen offers opportunities for house parents to unpack the emotional baggage some of our young people bring. The sweet smell of oven baked cookies, the warmth of the oven or stove, the sizzle of bacon frying in the pan, the aromas of a variety of recipes that we sometimes make up together, are often exactly what is needed to open the mind of a young person.

When students ask a house parent to bake alongside of them, this may be a signal that something deeper is going on. Relationships and counseling can certainly happen in a kitchen. v

Staff Member Spotlight

Faith Lawson graduated from French Camp Academy in 2017 and began serving in its Maintenance Department three years ago after graduating from Hinds Community College with a degree in plumbing. Faith attends Bethsaida Baptist Church where her father, Alex Lawson, also an FCA graduate, serves as pastor. Faith is described as helpful, willing, and has the heart of a cheerful servant. FCA is grateful for her influence and sacrificial work with young people which is why her peers at FCA chose Faith to receive “Staff Member of the Year” in August. FCA Alumni earlier in the summer at Alumni Day in May chose Faith as its “Young Alumnus of the Year.” v

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”— Psalm 91:1-2

Bedtime Stories

By Hannah O'Brien

My husband (now FCA bread baker) and I served as houseparents for 4 years when we first began our work at French Camp Academy 16 years ago. It didn’t take us long to realize that bedtime can be chaotic in a student home.

Laughter is infectious and feels like it spills out of the rooms and down the hallway, regardless of if it’s a boy’s home or girl’s home. Sleep! It’s so important, isn’t it? So how did we get our home full of teenage girls to sleep at night?

For many 15, 16, and 17-year-olds, a father reading a fairy tale was something they missed out on in early childhood. They didn’t have a father around to read bedtime stories. The soothing, deep voice spinning a story, was something that every child needs to hear! We set a tradition in our student home, just like with our own biological children, who are now adults. Every evening a story was told, sometimes dramatically, but always calmly. The cricket-quiet silence would set in providing just what was needed to get the needed 8 hours of sleep.

What a privilege to help teenagers discover a deep part of themselves that had been lost. Many young people at FCA must grow up fast and take on adult responsibilities at an early age. They miss out on childhood experiences that help shape their character, or even the way they interact with other teenagers. Childhood games like Flashlight Tag, Capture the Flag, and Double Dutch Jump Rope are not bedtime prep activities, but after dinner we had the best time introducing our young people to some

of these games. Trust was built, conversations began, and the stuff of life was fleshed out as the young people in our home experienced the grace of God in fresh new ways.

Never underestimate wholesome childhood play and activities in the life of a child. We learned early in our work at FCA that sometimes lifechanging experiences start in some of the simplest of ways. v

Hannah O’Brien, former house parent, serves as graphic designer for French Camp Academy. Her husband, Kevin, bakes delicious homemade bread that FCA is known for.

The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.—

Matthew 7:25

Summer Music Fun!

The summer air was filled with the sound of music! FCA young people were each on a team. All 4 teams created their own music video from start to finish. Students either picked songs from a musical to recreate, or they picked a song (or 2) of their choice from a different genre. Each music video had to include every member of their team, a story line/plot, lip-syncing/acting, and some level of choreography.

The first 2 weeks of summer classes focused on the team brainstorming together and planning videos. Student teams delegated roles to each member of the group, getting costumes and props at the local thrift store, creating and learning choreography, plotting where scenes would be recorded. The next 2 weeks focused on music and video recordings. Music videos were filmed all around campus from the FCA gym, tennis courts, softball field, music building, Camp of the Rising Son, hiking trails through French Camp, and the FCA Dining Hall.

Leah Bentley, Choral Director, had a blast filming students as they danced, sang, and acted. It was a collaborative project and team effort. Students were able to take ownership over their project, learn how to work together as a team, step up and be a leader when needed, experience a different expres sion of music, and have fun creating a major project.

At the end of the summer, completed projects were celebrated by having a viewing party. Staff and students gathered in the music building to watch each music video. Each group had to pick 1-2 members of their team to introduce and present their video. Videos were scored by 3 judges and students had the opportunity to win 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place. v

Off to a Great Start!

Summer Fun!

Orientation 2023

On the first 2 days of school, students and staff spend time together at the Rising Son Retreat Center building relationships through team building games, the ropes challenge course, and for the brave-of-heart, a trip up the climbing tower and down the zip line.

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Space Art and Astrophotography! Exhibition

French Camp Academy’s new Main Street Art Gallery is hosting an exhibition titled Space Art and Astrophotography! This exhibit is free, located at the Welcome Center in downtown French Camp, MS and can be seen from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Monday through Friday. It features some of the most spectacular astronomical images taken at Rainwater Observatory by talented astrophotographers from around the country. Their highly skilled, amazing, and complex work spans several years. It also features the artwork of space artist and lecturer Edwin Faughn, director of Rainwater Observatory in French Camp, Mississippi.

For more information contact Edwin Faughn at Rainwater Observatory: 662-547-7283 or info@rainwaterobservatory.org. Log onto www.rainwaterobservatory.org to learn about this unique window into the night sky. v

CROSS COUNTRY

HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADERS

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM

Refer a Child to French Camp

Rubbing shoulders with families or work colleagues or volunteering around town to do this and that may give you opportunities to hear personal stories of parenting or grandparenting. Some stories are not easy to hear, but in the back of your mind, you know French Camp Academy just might be what is needed to bring healing and restoration to a family in need.

Children, young people, and adults, all have a need to be loved and valued. All of us need to know that someone is on our side, has our back, and will walk with us through thick and thin.

FCA is working hard to provide resources for children and teenagers to give them opportunities to thrive. Many of these young people have been exposed to demoralizing experiences causing life to be a fight for survival.

Hearing stories like this from friends and acquaintances, you may find yourself wanting to help. When you do, please keep FCA in mind. Leading young people and families to a place of well-being, security, and peace, is our mission. We want them to enjoy life as God meant it to be, which involves showing them their value from God’s point of view. v

If you know of a family with a child or teenager that may need the residential and academic services of French Camp Academy, please refer them to www.frenchcamp.org/referral. You can also watch two of our latest videos featuring current FCA residential students by scanning the QR code to the left with your smart phone.

A slice of French Camp bread, toasted with butter and jam, what a delicious Christmas gift!

For a donation of $25 or more, family and friends share in the joy of your gift! Along with a loaf of bread, we send a personal letter wishing them a Merry Christmas and sharing the news of your thoughtful gift to French Camp Academy.

To order bread, e-mail Kathy Bentley at kbentley@frenchcamp.org or call 662-547-9464.

November 1st deadline for Christmas orders.

Honor Gifts

Honor gifts show appreciation to a living person–such as teachers, pastors, parents, etc., while helping students at FCA. To make an Honor Gift, you may use the form/envelope provided, designating the type of gift you are making. The honoree will be notified of your thoughtfulness. Amounts of gifts are never divulged.

April

B. B. BARTHOLEMEW FAMILY

Mr. and Mrs. Rusty Jabour

BOLER, JOEY, Vaiden, MS

Mrs. Wynelle H. Sciple

CANNADA, PEGGY B., Madison, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Greg Matheny

CHUCK BENTLEY FAMILY, French Camp, MS

Mr. and Mrs. John Hutchinson

CHUCK CARROLL AND FAMILY

Mr. and Mrs. Rusty Jabour

COCKHART, TEGAN, Jasper, AL

Mr. Joey Clingan

DAVIS, LYN, Jackson, TN

Mrs. Amy Galyen

DICKSON, THOMAS F., Germantown, TN

Dr. and Mrs. Dee J. Canale

HARPER, WAYNE AND LINDA, Southlake, TX

Mr. and Mrs. Bill Kray

KENNY, JOHN AND LYNN, San Antonio, TX

Mr. and Mrs. Rusty McMillan

KINSEY, PETER AND SHARON, Brookhaven, MS

Mrs. Dale Eatman Glover

MCDOWELL, MARY KATHRYN, Inverness, MS

Mr. John D. McDowell

MCNEELY FAMILY

Mr. Louis Tehan

O’BRIEN, KEVIN, French Camp, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Samuel C. Kemp

PAYNE, JR., W. A., Hattiesburg, MS

Mr. and Mrs. John T. Barton

SORENSEN, KEVIN, French Camp, MS

Mr. Doug McAllaster

STANFORD, BILL AND MARGARITA, Clinton, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Bennie R. Nutt

THE CHILDREN

Mr. Charlie Holland

May

ALLEN, GABRIEL PAUL, Bertrand, NE

Mrs. Polly Allen

ARNOLD, JOE PACK, Hattiesburg, MS

Mr. James B. Arnold, Jr.

CHUCK BENTLEY FAMILY, French Camp, MS

Mr. and Mrs. John Hutchinson

GRIFFIN, LEONARD EDWARD, McComb, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Coward, Jr.

ICELLETON, JAN, Nauvoo, AL

Mr. Joey Clingan

JOHNSON, JAMES AND BRENDA, Philadelphia, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Larry Fulton

KIMBROUGH, NANCY STONE, Coffeeville, MS

Mr. John E. Kimbrough, IV

Mrs. Karen Arrington

MCGOUGH, PATRICIA, Nauvoo, AL

Mr. Joey Clingan

MILLER, CHRIS, Kosciusko, MS

Ms. Sue S. Nowell

O’BRIEN, KEVIN AND HANNAH, French Camp, MS

Mr. David L. Allen

SAMUEL, MR. AND MRS. T. NORRIS

Mr. Thomas N. Samuel SHADDIX, SUZANNE, Eupora, MS

Mr. Samuel Clemons

SORENSEN, KEVIN, French Camp, MS

Mr. Doug McAllaster

STONE, JOHN B., San Antonio, TX

Mr. John E. Kimbrough, IV

THORNTON, DENISE

Ganier Planting Co

TURNER, WILLIAM ENIS, Madison, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Richard B. Flynt

WHICKER, KARMEN LONG, Collierville, TN

Mr. Samuel Clemons

June

ALLEN, GABRIEL AND GEORGIA

Mrs. Polly Allen BARLOW, GLEN, French Camp, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Jason Geiser CHESSER, JANICE, Mathiston, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Todd Chesser

CHUCK BENTLEY FAMILY, French Camp, MS

Mr. and Mrs. John Hutchinson

CUMMINGS, BRENDA, Nauvoo, AL

Mr. Joey Clingan

CURTIS, JIM, Spring Hill, FL

Ms. Dorann O. Winch

EDWARDS, JR., F. STEWART, French Camp, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Philip R. Faughn

EVERETT, BILL AND LINDA, New Albany, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Capaning

FAIR, DAVIS, Oxford, MS

Dr. Kitty Mann

FCA STAFF

Mr. and Mrs. Carson M. Hughes

HATCHER, LES, Carson Hill, AL

Mr. Joey Clingan

HEAD, EMILY, Lynn, AL

Mr. Joey Clingan

JOHNSON, BETTIE, Jackson, MS

Mr. Charles G. Johnson

JONES, DEBBIE, Spring Hill, FL

Ms. Dorann O. Winch

LOVELACE, ROBERTA C. TURNER, Madison, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Richard B. Flynt

LUBER, DR. AND MRS. KURRE, Oxford, MS

Dr. and Mrs. Joe D. Pegram

MILLER, JOSHUA, Nauvoo, AL

Mr. Joey Clingan

MOORE, KAREN S., Mount Washington, KY

Ms. Dorann O. Winch

RAGAN, ROBERT, Cleveland, MS

Rev. James A. Breland

ROOS, SHARA, Ethel, MS

Mr. and Mrs. William McKinley

SINCLAIR, DALE, Louisville, MS

Mr. and Mrs. John D. Mitchell

SORENSEN, KEVIN, French Camp, MS

Mr. Doug McAllaster

THE CHILDREN

Mr. Charlie Holland

THOMPSON, FULTON, Tupelo, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Larry Noblin

VANCE, MARTHA, Ridgeland, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Gary D. Brown

WICKS, ELIZABETH, Ocean Springs, MS

Mrs. Dorothy C. Blanton

WILLIFORD, EDWARD, Brookhaven, MS

Rev. and Mrs. Charles S. Carroll

Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Dixon

Scan to Donate to French Camp Academy

3 reasons to use French Camp Bed & Breakfast gift certificates to check off your gift giving list this Christmas: Give the Gift of Getting Away...

The French Camp Bed & Breakfast is located in the Historic District of the quaint and peaceful town of French Camp, MS. It is a perfect place for disconnecting, resting, and being refreshed.

...Get One for Yourself...

When you purchase a gift certificate for two nights you will receive a complimentary night for yourself at the B&B, redeemable in December 2023 or January 2024.

... Give to FCA

French Camp B&B is a support ministry of French Camp Academy. Proceeds help make it possible for FCA to continue ministering to children and families.

Swing by the Log Cabin Gift Shop to get a gift certificate or call 662-547-6657.

ANDERSON, GRAYSON W., Houston, TX

Mrs. Speight W. Anderson

ASHFORD, JIM AND JACQUE

Mr. and Mrs. Bill and Diane Denton

BARLOW, DEBBIE DEE DOSTER, French Camp, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Jason Geiser

BLACK, DAVID DOTSON

Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Black

BOLES, JOHN, Jackson, MS

Mrs. Dora Lee Clark

BRANCH, CHARLES

Mr. and Mrs. Wayne E. Walker

BROWN, BARRY, Moss Point, MS

Dr. and Mrs. James A. Megehee

BROWN, ROSEL SEIPP, Harlem, GA

Mr. Edward L. Brown

BURT, SR., JOHN

Mrs. Helen Thomasson

BUSH, RUTH JOHNSON

Mr. and Mrs. Howell N. Gage

BYERS, LEE AND LOU ELLA

Mr. and Mrs. George G. Byers

CADE, BETH, Kosciusko, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis S. Freedman

CAMPBELL, JOSEPH COOPER AND VIRGINIA, Madison, MS

Mr. and Mrs. James Michael Taylor

CAMPBELL, LOIS JEANNETTE

Dr. and Mrs. George Yancey Gillespie, III

CARTWRIGHT, JR., CECIL JOHN, Yazoo City, MS

Mrs. Martha W. Hogue

Mr. and Mrs. Shane Leath

Mrs. Dora Lee Clark

CHANDLER, LILA ANN DEMPSEY, Weir, MS

Mrs. Ellouise Bane

Mr. and Mrs. Warren Henning

CHATHAM, JR., GERALD, Hernando, MS

Mrs. Elizabeth Jenkins

CHESSER, ARCHIE, Mathiston, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Todd Chesser

CHITTOM, LARRY, Tupelo, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Bill Manning

COLE, ANN DEVER, Hattiesburg, MS

Bro. Bill Dever Family

COLEMAN, DEBBIE, Oxford, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Smith

COLLINS, CATHERINE, Martinsville, VA

Mr. and Mrs. Bill Manning

COPELAND, DOROTHY, Jackson, MS

Mr. F. Dean Copeland

CORBIN, HELEN

The Graeber Family of Marks, MS

CURRIE, JAMES HECTOR, Oxford, MS

Mrs. Rachel C. Martin

CURRIE, RODES

Mrs. Rachel C. Martin

CURRIE, WARNER, Atlanta, GA

Mrs. Rachel C. Martin

CURTIS, ABNER, Winona, MS

Miss Bobbye C. Curtis

DOZIER, WILLIE M., Toomsooba, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Randy Smith

FOUNTAIN, RUBY RONE

Mrs. Julie Cunningham

FULCHER, JR., LUTHER HARRISON, Jackson, MS

Mrs. Joyce J. Long

Ms. Louise L. Lampton

Mr. and Mrs. John R. Pieklik

Mr. and Mrs. Larry Noblin

Mr. and Mrs. York Craig

Dr. and Mrs. William Franklin Sneed

Rev. and Mrs. Richard K. Swayze

Mr. and Mrs. Steve M. Edwards

Ms. Rita Morrison

FULTON, CHARLES RAY, Oxford, MS

Ms. Sarah A. Rosen

GINN, MORRIS AND OPAL

Ms. Libby Johnson

Mrs. Elizabeth McKinley

GOODWIN, AMY GALLIGAN

Mr. Michael S. Galligan

GRAY, HENRY DEAN, Coffeeville, MS

Mr. Jeffrey Mark Scobey

GREENE, CAROL, Houston, TX

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Smith

GRESSETT, VIC, Greenwood, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Al Ray

GRIFFIN, VIRGINIA TAYS, McComb, MS

Mrs. Hope Howell Thompson

Mrs. Mary Alta Clark

Mr. and Mrs. Balfour Lipscomb

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Nash

Mr. and Mrs. Ward G. Stokes

Dr. and Mrs. William H. Meyer

Mr. and Mrs. Gary L. Jacobs

Mrs. Nancy F. Soyars

Coach and Mrs. J. Larry Ladner

Mr. and Mrs. S. Craig Robinson

Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Bond

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Coleman

Mr. Joey Alleman

HALEY, BOOTHE LESTER AND NELL RICHARDSON, Tupelo, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald A. Haley

HAUN, FREIDA B., Brandon, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher Paul Adams, Sr.

HEARD, ALLAN P., Ormond Beach, FL

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry D. Johnson

HEARON, SR., T. ROSCOE, Hattiesburg, MS

Mrs. Anita T. Hearon HERRING, DOUG, Louisville, MS

Mrs. Marion Stoute HERRING, MARION, Louisville, MS

Mrs. Marion Stoute HILL, MAURICE, Tupelo, MS

Mrs. Mary M. Hill, Maury, Tom and Sandra HILL, OLIVIA MARION, Tupelo, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Liddon

Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Howell HOLLAND, ETHAN, Cleveland, MS

Ms. Sue S. Nowell

HOLLOWAY, JOAN

Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Bond HORTON, JACK, Huntsville, AL

Ms. Lenora Gray R. Lott INGRAM, MARGARET, Leland, MS

Mrs. Leet Maggio

IVEY, PAULA, Starkville, MS

Mr. Carl E. Ivey, Jr. JENKINS, SWEP

Mrs. Elizabeth Jenkins

Mrs. Kristine E. Owen JOHNSON, ELIZABETH, Prattville, AL

Mrs. Dorothy M. Weathersby JOHNSON, MAYLON

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry D. Johnson JOHNSTON, CHARLES TERRY, Carrollton, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey W. James KEA, DORIS

Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Kea KUTAS, JERRY

Mrs. Amy Galyen LINK, WILLIAM MARTIN, Bentonia, MS

Mrs. Nora Deen Link Maloy MANGUM, JR., J. W., Hattiesburg, MS

Mrs. Anita T. Hearon MCCARTY, SR., PHIL R., Clinton, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Albert P. Grantham MCINTYRE, CHARLES, Canton, MS

Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Kilgore MCSPADDEN, JR., GILBERT R., Ridgeland, MS

Mr. and Mrs. S. Craig Robinson METTS, PRISCILLA

Mrs. Dora Lee Clark MITCHELL, JUNE FOX, Brandon, MS

Ms. Bettye May

Mrs. Susan Lipscomb

Mrs. Suanne Holland Williamson

Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Hunter

Mrs. Sarah A. Allen

Mr. and Mrs. John R. Tichy

Mr. and Mrs. Marion B. Truitt

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Rowan Floyd

Mr. and Mrs. Floyd VanDeburgh

Ms. D`Ann Boos

Ms. Kathryn N. Burwell

Ms. Kathy Van Veckhoven

MONROE, CURTIS RYAN, Fulton, MS

Bill and Diane Denton

Mr. and Mrs. Alan C. Hurdle

MONTGOMERY, SR., CHARLES JOSEPH, Greenwood, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey W. James

Mr. and Mrs. Eugene A. Stansel, Jr.

Planters Bank & Trust

Mr. and Mrs. Ben Wessman

Mr. and Mrs. Wayne E. Walker

Itta City Presbyterian Church

MORGAN, JOHNNY, Oxford, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Smith

MULLINS, TONYA ROCHELLE

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey W. James

NASH, QUAY, West Point, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Bond

NUNAN, T. RUSSELL, Decatur, GA

Mrs. Virginia Johnson

OLIVER, ROBERT C., Winona, MS

Mr. and Mrs. George Weaver

PERRY, HAROLD

Dr. and Mrs. Alfred P. Chestnut

PERRY, SR., GEORGE C. , Sarasota, FL

Ms. Edith L. Perry

PETERMANN, JOHN W. AND PAULINE

Ms. Luticia Johnson

PIERCE, JOSEPHINE COX, North Wilkesboro, NC

Mrs. Athena B. Davies

POWELL, MARY KATHERINE AUSTIN

Mr. Michael A. Grimmett

PRICE, ALFRED L., Flowood, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Richard G. Porter

RAWLS, LIZETTE L., Hattiesburg, MS

Mrs. Anita T. Hearon

ROGERS, KHRISTI LYN LONG, Holly Springs, MS

Mr. Ralph W. Rogers

ROUGHTON, TONY, Indianola, MS

Mrs. Leet Maggio

ROUSE, OTTO, Union, MS

Mrs. Gayle Luke

ROWELL, JOYCE FRAZIER, McCool, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Willie M. Blaine

RUSSELL, ANN MARTIN, Germantown, TN

Mr. and Mrs. Balfour Lipscomb

Mrs. Amy Galyen

SCOGGINS, MURRAY, Starkville, MS

Mrs. Wynelle H. Sciple

SEAY, CLANT

Mrs. Virginia C. Steadman

SHIELDS, BEVERLY B., West Point, MS

Mrs. Lenore Griffin SMITH, WESLEY, Shenandoah, TX

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lynn Taylor

SMITH, WILLIAM, Greenwood, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Dick Delashmet

SNIDER, MONROE, Waveland, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Smith

STANLEY, DANNY, Marks, MS

The Graeber Family of Marks, MS STOKES, BOBBIE, Ridgeland, MS

Mrs. Betty R. Stokes and Family SULLIVAN, PAUL, Ridgeland, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry L. Orr

Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Tommy Love

TAYLOR, MR. AND MRS. JOE, Southaven, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Bond

TOLAR, TOMMIE DALE, Hattiesburg, MS

Mr. and Mrs. Carl Voss

TURNER, CHARLES MONROE, Moss Point, MS

Mrs. Kim Blackwell

Mrs. Maxine Turner

VINSON, COURTNEY HOLLAND

Dr. and Mrs. Charles E. Holland

VOLLSTEDT, ELIZABETH

Mr. Wallace H. Russell

WALDROP, ELIZABETH ANN

Mr. and Mrs. Lake W. Waldrop

WALDROP, MAX L., Aiken, SC

Mr. and Mrs. Lake W. Waldrop

WALLACE, ROBERT HUE, Jacksons Gap, AL

Mr. and Mrs. David Evans

WEBB, PATRICIA WILSON

Mr. and Mrs. Dan M. Morgan

WEBB, SYLVIA

Dr. and Mrs. Alfred P. Chestnut

WHITWORTH, ANN, Panama City Beach, FL

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Smith

WILLIAMS, RUTH ANN ORR, Raymond, MS

Ms. Julie Lampley

WILLOUGHBY, JODI, The Colony, TX

Mr. and Mrs. Mike Catchings

YATES, BONNIE SUE HOLT, Conroe, TX

Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. Yates

Simply Giving

Online Giving is a popular option at www.frenchcamp.org.

Easy Steps:

1. Select the Help FCA heading which gives a menu of options.

2. Click Donate and you are on your way to sending your gift to FCA. Or use a smart phone to scan QR code to go directly to the Online Giving Page.

3. To set up bank drafts, contact the Development Office at 662-547-6482 or email us at fcainfo@frenchcamp.org.

4. As always, you can write your check, put it in the enclosed postage paid envelope, and drop it in the mail to us.

Whichever way you choose to give, we thank you for your faithfulness to the students of French Camp Academy.

Harvest Festival – How you can help?

Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 14th because you don’t want to miss Harvest Festival this Fall! Make it a day in the country with family and friends!

Not only come out and enjoy the day but help FCA by donating handmade items (quilts, furniture, birdhouses, picture frames, etc.) that we can auction on the Harvest Festival auction stage. The proceeds go to support French Camp’s ministry to young people. Call Lance Ragsdale at 662-547-6482 if you have items in mind and would like to discuss. v

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soaps, razors, etc.)

Don't miss out on the opportunity to bid on a piece of FCA's breadmaking past! A limited number of boards were created from the bread table from the bakery. The table had more than 400,000 loaves of bread, kneaded and shaped on it and now—you can own a part of history!

By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.— Proverbs 24:3-4

Letter from FCA Alumni President

In the Mid 1950s a man named Douglas Johnston moved from Tulsa, Oklahoma to French Camp, and took up residence at French Camp Academy. He had been in the oil business and prospered well. He wanted to come to French Camp and become a friend of the Academy, including the students, the French Camp Presbyterian Church, and people in the French Camp neighborhood.

In the summer of 1959, just before my senior year at the Academy, Mr. Johnston came to me one day and told me about a car in Tulsa. He asked me to go with him and help him drive it back to French Camp. I had gotten to know Mr. Johnston quite well since his arrival in French Camp and wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to be helpful to him. I asked my dad for permission to go with Mr. Johnston, and after his conversation with Sam Patterson, the President of French Camp Academy, my dad said yes. I had absolutely no idea as to the adventure I was about to have.

Mr. Johnston and I boarded the train in Winona, MS, and went to Memphis, where the adventure began. I soon found out, to my complete surprise, that Mr. Johnston had decided for me to stay in a room in a dorm at Southwestern College in Memphis while he continued to Tulsa. Since it was summertime, there were no students on the campus at Southwestern, and I had the dorm entirely to myself. Mr. Johnston gave me some cash and told me that he would like me to stay there for a week, ride into the city on the bus, eat in restaurants, go to movies, walk around the city, and enjoy myself. Then he gave me this advice. “Don’t ever hesitate to ask questions of anyone about locations or directions.” He handed me a bus ticket for the trip from Memphis to Tulsa and said he would be at the bus station when I arrived on Saturday.

I spent those several days in Memphis, TN, doing what Mr. Johnston had recommended. I had an enjoyable time. I learned to practice his advice about asking questions and have done that ever since. On Saturday, I boarded the bus, took the trip to Tulsa, where he met me at the bus station. We stayed with his sister for two or three days, and he drove the car all the way back to French Camp.

What was his purpose in all of this? He was “breaking me out,” so to speak, and teaching me how to navigate life on my own when the need arose to do so. It was intimidating, but it was very effective in reducing my intimidation factor and building my confidence.

I have other stories to share, and in the next edition of FCA Today I’ll explain why I’m sharing them.

Lynn Downing, President French Camp Alumni Association

Follow FCA Alumni Association on Facebook for more News!

Averie Gundy represented Choctaw County in the Mississippi Distinguished Young Woman State Finals in Meridian in July. Averie won Top 5 in Self-Expression and Top 5 in Fitness, earning $800 in college scholarships. Averie is forever grateful for the opportunity to represent her school, town, and county in this amazing program!

Got an old yearbook?

Got an old yearbook and don't know what to do with it? Please consider gifting it to the FCA Welcome Center! Every year many FCA Alumni drop in for a brief visit. We would love to have yearbooks from each year to share in a stroll down Memory Lane together!

My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.— Isaiah 32:18

2023 FCA Class Reunions

YA'LL COME TO Harvest Festival 2023, Saturday, October 14, 2023!

Spend the day at Harvest Festival enjoying activities all day long! See the listed itinerary below. Reunions, reminiscing, and relaxing will take place at the annual Soup Supper at Camp of the Rising Son Lodge after Harvest Festival. The FCA classes celebrating this year are:

Call

Annaleigh Bain, FCA Class of ‘23, received a college scholarship from the North Jackson Exchange Club. Ken Sullivan, President of the NJEC is seen here awarding the scholarship to Annaleigh, who will be majoring in biology at Mississippi College. Annaleigh Bain is from Kosciusko, MS.

Camp of the Rising Son Update

Summer is always a place of happy faces and energetic youth running around having a great time at Camp of the Rising Son. Again in 2023 we were able to squeeze a few more campers into our limited space, allowing us to have the highest number of campers ever attending CRS!

This year our theme was “Brave” with much of our content being based on the story of Daniel and how he stood braving in his faith. Campers heard the Gospel through these teach ings and the passion play.

What was incredible was that one of our staff, Josh Ham ilton, wrote an original song entitled, Brave (the song of Dan iel). This song chronicled the book of Daniel in a way that was fun and easy for the campers to learn about Daniel and his life. This was a huge hit with the campers and staff. So much so that, at the end of the summer, the staff recorded the song live and it has now been published on all the major online music apps. Just go to Spotify, iTunes, or your favorite place. Search for the artist, Camp of the Rising Son, or the song, Brave (the song of Daniel), and enjoy it with us!

As always, campers got to choose five of their favorite activities to do at camp each week. Twenty different activities were offered from rock climbing, zipline, kayaking, horseback riding, and pottery to archery tag. There was always something to fit each type of camper, from the most energetic to the quietest.

One of the favorite parts of the week at CRS is the weekly theme events like Camp Comes Alive, Olympics, Stars and Stripes, or Anything Can Happen. Campers also expe-

rienced creation up close—hiking into the woods to enjoy CRS’s famous camp stew cooked on a campfire followed by everyone’s favorite treat—s’mores! The older campers spent the night hammocking in the trees and going to sleep with the sounds of the crickets and frogs!

Once again, this summer, we heard from campers who were asking their parents as they left on Friday if they could come back for the following week of camp. No one ever wants to leave CRS and it is because of your support and prayers that we can operate such a fun and exciting summer camp.

We host retreat groups during the school year and we would love to host your gathering. If you have an upcoming youth, men, or ladies retreat, we would love to talk to you about how we can host your group at Camp of the Rising Son.

If you would like to support Camp of the Rising Son, please check out the donate link at campoftherisingson.com or scan the QR code below. Donations for scholarships or facility improvements help CRS continue to reach more campers and give them a terrific camp experience!

Camp of the Rising Son is a ministry of French Camp Academy.