Bonnie Holiness Camp, July 9-14

Bonnie Holiness Campmeeting in Bonnie, IL has an amazing history.  It was begun in 1891 (the year of my grandfather’s birth) and born out of the fires of the great American campmeeting movement of the late 1800’s.  The camp saw an attendance of 1,000 people (and hundreds of horses!) in its “heyday,” and in its history has had a real impact on this region of southern Illinois.  In recent years, the camp has felt the impact of the great challenges and downward economic trends of this part of rural, southern Illinois.  In this its 125th year, I think that camp has wisely decided to focus toward reaching the youth of the area and making this a large part of the focus of the camp.  

Toward that end, this campmeeting consisted mostly of youth, many of whom came from homes where the family does not attend church.  This presented me with a most unique opportunity in a campmeeting setting and one that I had not experienced before.  It took on almost the sense of a youth camp --- with some adults listening in!  Instead of the “normal” campmeeting attire of slacks and a dress shirt, it was jeans and t-shirts, getting right down front with these students, and speaking to them right where they were in a very interactive manner.  It was a powerful experience to see so many of these youth respond to Jesus --- some of whom knew so very little about God’s Word or the Christian life. 

I was deeply grateful for the way in which the Holy Spirit moved and spoke God’s Word in such a living and powerful manner to the hearts of all of us there.  I was especially touched by two junior high age boys who sat down on the front row with me and responded to the altar every service (morning and evening).  As I looked over at them, I was impacted with this focus for a campmeeting and the holiness message.  I was reminded of Paul’s words to Timothy, his “son” in the Lord, and that it is all about us passing on the baton.  Surely this is our call and what we are to be about.  “And the things that you heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”  As I sat beside these boys in the final service, I prayed with them and for them, trusting what Jesus will do in their lives (and in all these youth) that will be revealed in eternity.  

In Christ,

John