Oakbridge

OAKBRIDGE — 1982

“‘Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7).

Have you ever wondered which Young Life camp was the first to be used exclusively for middle school students? The answer is Oakbridge. Did you know that this camp, and the adjacent 40 acres (along with a home) were given to Young Life? Yep, God’s generous portions again on display, but this time a family and a few sports stars would be involved… In 1974, former NBA All-Star John Block and his wife, Margie, along with tennis great Stan Smith, who won both the 1971 U.S. Open Championship and the 1972 Wimbledon Championship, started Oakbridge Christian Family and Sports Camp as a collaborative effort with La Jolla Presbyterian and Young Life in the San Diego Region. Young Life often rented the property for middle school camps and staff retreats and, in 1982, the Oakbridge board gave the camp to Young Life. Four years later, the Chatelain family donated an additional 40 acres that were adjacent to the property. (MFT, p. 102) Oakbridge was sold in October, 2019 and is no longer a Young Life property.

Ramona, California

It’s tempting to place our trust in fame and fortune, or the nest egg of a parcel of land. The story of Oakbridge is the story of both the famous and an un-famous family trusting God with their possessions and, in so doing, blessing countless people. God’s generous portions often flow through the obedience of His people, through our willingness to have open hands and open hearts. You may not be wealthy or famous; however, God has entrusted you with time, talents or treasures to be His generous portion to another. Spend some time seeking Him. What is He saying to you about generosity?