by Jennifer Lloyd

JENNESS PARK - The summer season at Jenness Park Christian Camp began with Centri-Kid children's camp, sponsored by LifeWay Christian Resources for children in grades 3-6. Nearly 175 children and youth made professions of faith in Christ during the many camps offered throughout the summer.

This year's Centri-Kid theme gave children a "recipe" for following God, the "Master Chef," as nearly 300 children heard messages about God's desire to adopt them into His heavenly family through the saving work of Jesus on the cross. Forty-four campers made professions of faith in Christ during the June 14-18 camp.

Three "district camps"  included members of Central Valley, Delta Valley and Mother Lode Baptist Associations (the three groups that initially owned Jenness Park, now owned by California Southern Baptist Convention). Twenty-six made first-time commitments to Christ, including nine youth and 17 children.

First- and second-graders discussed "Walking in the Spirit," with messages encouraging them in two key practices: reading the Bible and talking with the Lord. This "overnighter" allowed for fun as well as a focused time of Bible study and prayer.

Youth camp, comprised of 185 young people, followed the theme, "Seeking Buried Treasure." Speaker Joel Gardner told the students that in order to seek after the Lord's treasures, many of their own personal, material desires must be sacrificed.

Nathan Gardner from First Baptist Church in Patterson was assistant director and worship leader for the youth. He stressed the importance of authentic worship and an awareness of what is being sung during worship.

"In a job setting we would never go to our boss with a proposal without knowing what we were proposing," Gardner said. "In worship, we can't go into the Throne Room of God and lie to Him or be ignorant of what we are singing. We can't sing about surrendering to God if we are consciously holding something back from Him.

"I want students to really think about what they are telling God when they sing."

Frankie Lubner, a student from Sierra Baptist Church in Pioneer, remarked, "The times in worship really meant a lot to me, especially after Nathan's seminar. Now when I listen to a song, the words mean something. They aren't just words."

"I learned that the words 'faith, hope and love' have been distorted and twisted by the world," reflected Miriam DeSpain from Glory Bound Fellowship in Valley Springs. "I now know the true meaning of those words, and I'll be able to apply them in the way God wants me to use them in worship and in life."

Dale "DT" Torres Jr., also from First Baptist, Patterson, was director for the youth camp. He led a breakout session on the problem of pain, sharing how God had used pain and difficulty in his own life to get his attention and to bring glory to God.

Counselor Karen Campbell from First Baptist Church in Newman noted a lesson she gained from Torres' session: "My parents are 80 years old. Each day I care for them I need to remember that God uses these uncomfortable situations in our life to mature us and to glorify Himself."

In one breakout session, "God's Sovereignty," Jason McWilliams reminded students that God is in control.

Marcus Cunningham from First Baptist, Newman said, "Jason's session really made me realize that I need to stop and think about my attitude. If God is in control, He knows what is going to happen. In any situation, the right attitude can change everything."

Pastor Sean Paulson from Copper Canyon Baptist Church in Copperopolis rejoiced in the growth he saw in his students during the youth camp.

"Last year we only brought four kids to camp. This year, by the grace of God ... we were able to bring 22 kids. Of those kids, six accepted Jesus as Savior. People have been praying for these kids for a long time, and it's exciting to see them give their hearts to Christ," Paulson said.

Children's camp included grades 3-6 and was directed by Julia Berryman. The 265 children experienced the theme: "He has you in His hands."

Pastor Dan Mahaffie from Sequoia Heights Baptist Church in Manteca walked the children from the fall of mankind through God's plan of redeeming people to Himself.

Camp missionary Lewis Spears from Mesa, AZ, shared stories of his work with multi-family ministry. He noted one of the "least reached" people groups in the United States is those living in apartment complexes.

"Notice the people who live near you. Notice those in apartments," Spears told the students. "You are never too young to share Jesus with people where you are."

In July and August, Jenness Park hosted nearly 2,000 campers and counselors for LifeWay's "Centrifuge" youth camps.

During morning Bible studies, students investigated the way the biblical characters Jonah, Daniel, Hannah and Nehemiah learned about love, obedience, sacrifice and integrity.

Speaker Will Snipes wove those topics into the theme of "Kairos - Defining Moments" in each evening message.

He advised students on their first evening at camp, "There are times when we are in the wrong place when God wants to use us. This week God chose you to be here to meet Him, to listen to Him and to learn about Him. Don't miss this opportunity for a 'Kairos' encounter, a moment that may define who you are for the rest of your life."

Life was dramatically changed for 102 campers who made professions of faith during the five weeks of Centrifuge.

Snipes also posed two thought-provoking questions, the first centering on the story of Jacob and Esau. "Are you seeking instant gratification for short-term satisfaction and risking some very detrimental long-term consequences?" Snipes asked the students.

The second question came from Matthew 3:7-10 in which John the Baptist challenged the Pharisees and Sadducees to prove they were bearing fruit. "Does your life make sense to unbelievers?" Snipes asked, noting the students' lives should be remarkably different from those around them who are not believers. Non-Christians should wonder why the lives of Christians are vastly different than their own.

Snipes challenged his audiences, "Each of us should prove clearly, daily that we belong to Jesus and not to the world."

One new Centrifuge feature this year was ministry training sessions for youth leaders and volunteers.
According to Nathan Gardner, fun camp events are a gateway to sharing the gospel.

"We use recreation as a way to break down barriers to initiate conversations about the gospel, which is the real reason we are here. The kids are more apt to listen to someone who they see enjoying the games and having fun."