Camp Coordinator, Evelyn Smith's report on Camp 2007, Fishers of Men:
We knew when we started thinking about HIM Camp it was going to be a challenge for 2007. First, Rippling Waters Campground, our home for 7 years of camp, was now a door closed to us. But, you know, when one door closes the Lord will open another and so the plan unfolded.
While working at another job, Mission Director Bonnie Hissom overheard people talking of Camp Sheppard in Roane Co. Although a little farther than we like, it was the only camp we researched that had the week open we prefer, June 18-22. So we took a drive to check it out. The Pastor liked it, it was the right week, so we took it. At meeting of camp workers, Brent Dolin came up with the idea of Fishers of Men and we were ready for action.
Then something happened none of us were prepared for. Our Pastor, our leader, our friend, the man with the vision, was suddenly gone from us without a warning. He died May 1, 2007. As we were reeling from the shock, many still believed we should still have camp. It was what he would have wanted.
Bonnie put out a fleece. She said if the money came in to pay for the rent of the cabins, which was due May 15th, we would still have camp. That was only a few days away. But so many went into action. Charity and Bill Grisanti; Ken and Eunice Markham, Tina Burroughs and others began going from business to business to collect money for camp. Some doors were slammed in their faces, but they did not quit. Within 4 days, the answer came. We had the money to secure the cabins.
Merce Dolin, camp cook, went into action for a Hot Dog Sale. She talked with those she knew would help her. Paula Gillenwater gave up the date she had at Sam's Club and helped us by going to local businesses to take and deliver orders as well as by donating her tarp to keep out the weather. The Camp Cooks, Aud, Beanie, Suzi, myself and others came by to help Merce. We raised over $1,000 that day. Then we had a Rummage and Hot Dog Sale at the church June 2, and raised another $1,000, thanks to God and the hardworking volunteers who helped us: Phyllis Mullins, Linda Blake, Pam Sigmon, who managed the Rummage; Merce, Aud, Suzi, Beanie and others who sold hot dogs. David Groves helped with set up and break down.
Camp began. We had 30 children and saw all of them come to the altar to pray. Once we were there, the Lord took over. He was in everything we did. It was such a blessing to see how eager the children were to accept the Word and to participate in the activities.
Children who sometimes go hungry were fed so good at our camp they could hardly believe it. All the children received love from very caring counselors, teachers, helpers. Some children came up to me to thank me for letting them come to our camp "free". They could not have come any other way. When I went to the campfire service on the last night, April (counselor) asked the children what they liked most about the camp. Many said when the went to the altar and got saved. Let's continue to pray for these children that God will help them.
