AA's Winter Bible Camp 2020

previousnext

Eighty-four students enjoyed Andrews Academy's annual spiritual retreat, Winter Bible Camp, at Camp Au Sable (January 16-19, 2020). The design for the weekend was to have each student involved in leading out in some aspect of the program so that each would be blessed and grow through the activities, to challenge students to critically think about choices they make, and to develop a deeper relationship with Jesus. The Spiritual Life Committee, consisting of organizational pastors, prepared several interactive Bible activities for the meetings.

On Friday afternoon, time was spent enjoying the outdoors and preparing for the Agape Feast and Communion. Students were able to cross country ski, try out the sledding hill at various times throughout the weekend, hike the nature trail, and commune with God in nature. The footwashing, the breaking of bread, and the drinking of the grape juice were part of a memorable and very meaningful Communion service on Friday evening for all. Following Communion, the guys and girls separated into their own afterglow activities. Throughout the camp out, there were afterglow activities, including the girls' activity on Thursday evening called, "Warrior Princess."

Pastor Thorly James was the guest speaker for the weekend, presenting the theme Ignite. He called students to be on fire for God with a fire that Satan can’t put out. He talked about many aspects of this, including Eutychus falling out of the window, and how he was asleep and half out of the church when he fell. We need to be on fire for Jesus and be involved in the church to strengthen our relationship with Jesus and lead others to Him.

Sabbath afternoon involved everyone hiking out to the Chapel in the Woods in Hartwick Pines State Park, a nearby 49 acre park of old growth pines. The rustic wooden structure provided beautiful acoustics. The spontaneous singing of hymns, gospel, and many other familiar songs, interspersed with testimonials, was a highlight of the Winter Bible Camp experience for many. Parents, your hearts would be filled with joy if you were able to be there and peek in the chapel doors. With joy on everyone's faces, there was harmony all around, and it felt like the group had created their own bit of Heaven.

Throughout the weekend of many activities, students worked up an appetite and enjoyed the food and company of each other. Students took turns cleaning dishes, pots and pans, cafeteria, lobby, and restrooms. Saturday evening included outside activities, indoor games, and popcorn. We are thankful for a safe Winter Bible Camp, as well as a safe trip home on the many miles of snowy Michigan roads. On the return trip, the group on the coach bus had to wait for almost an hour for an accident to be cleared on I-196.

Many students (and sponsors) came back to AA changed, having a deeper relationship with Jesus and with each other. If you were not able to attend Winter Bible Camp this year, make sure that you plan to attend next year. It’s an awesome experience to participate in.

We thank the team of teachers and student pastors that planned this weekend. A big thank you to Pastor Mario Ferguson for working with student pastors and the guest speaker in creating this spiritually-focused weekend at Camp Au Sable. Also a big thank you to the sponsors of the trip: Mr. & Mrs Silvestre, Dr. Heather Ferguson & Pastor Mario Ferguson, Ms. Ivonne Segui-Weiss, Mr. & Mrs. Martins, and Mr. Rick Wright. Their long hours of dedicated service throughout the weekend to make it successful is greatly appreciated.