Below is an abridged July 2023 update from the Wahab family, servants of the Lord at Camp Good News in Florida and an extension of our Oakridge church family.
Camp Good News update
Summer at Camp Good News in June began with an explosion of one hundred children for the first week of camp. Over the course of the month, we witnessed seven professions of faith and two re-dedications. Our weekly themes included “Worship in the Woods,” “Bible Challenges from the Low Ropes courses,” and “Outrigger Island—God’s Unshakable Truth.” Returning back this year was George the Dog visiting with Ms. Sarah (the puppet show) which was a big highlight for the kids as they learn memory verses and have interactive time in the Word.
We are delighted to have a wonderful team of seventeen counselors this year who are spiritually exercised with a hunger to grow and serve the Lord. It was a real blessing to work with the Youth Group at Interlaken First Baptist for a combined Bible study with our counselors. On three evenings of the first week of camp, we combined efforts to help with the VBS at Eden Baptist Church. There was tremendous enthusiasm and excitement as Camp Good News staff would lead the singing at the VBS as a Food Truck theme for the week.
The counselors had their first opportunity this year to share what they have been learning and studying through the Discipleship Leadership Program at Keystone First Baptist for a Wednesday night service. The believers there were very supportive and encouraging to our young people. We had a similar experience at Believers Worship Center as we all sensed the Holy Spirit move in the meeting through ministry in God’s Word and in praise! Hallelujah!
Other highlights in the month included a horseback riding event for the campers at the camp, and a fun tubing event for the counselors.
Back in May, as the schedule was filling up, we were seeing a great need for kitchen helpers. Looking back now, the Lord continues to provide kitchen helpers to help at camp, even if it is within the final hours of need. Thanks be to God for His provisions in His timing—which is always best!—and for those who have heard the call for help and responded.
We thank the Lord for a much-needed new convection oven for the kitchen and for His provisions!
Camp work this time of year is an around-the-clock, hands-on experience, and it is a real blessing to be in the trenches witnessing lives young and old being touched by the ministry of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! -Selah! =)
See this link for some picture highlights for the month … We welcome comments. =)
Phil and Stephanie Wahab
Camp Good News
By job title, Alice is the office administrator at Oakridge. But her behind-the-scenes efforts go far beyond that! She is actively involved in the leadership team for the Tuesday evening women's bible study, she is on the mission committee, and she has recently both stepped into the leadership of church bridal and baby shower celebrations, and started teaching in our Ozone kids program. Oh, and if you see any special seasonal or holiday decorations around the church, it's a safe bet that Alice was involved!