Monthly Archives: May 2007

Each summer many young people from 9th Avenue decide to attend Maywood Christian Camp. We “push” this event through this newsletter, announcements and short statements in Bible classes and at devotionals. But why? Why is it such a good thing for our young people to attend a Christian camp?

First, because the emphasis is on “Christian” and not “camp.” While we enjoy the outdoors and the cabins, they are not the focus. Christ is the focus of our week. Each lesson and activity is planned to help young people see Him.

Second, because each camper is taught how to be a “Christian” camper. While not every camper is yet a Christian (some are too young and some simply have not made the decision yet), each one is taught throughout the week how to become and live as a Christian. Very rarely do our young people go anywhere at which there is such an emphasis. A few will decide to put Christ in in baptism during the week, thus truly becoming a Christian camper. Whether that decision is made or not, all will be shown how to live more like Christ.

Third, because each adult who is leading the young people is a “Christian” leader. Those of us who serve as counselors, Bible class teachers, sports team leaders, cooks and nurses are all Christians. We try our best to make sure that the young people see Christ in us in everything we do. From worship services to sports, the emphasis is on Biblical things with the right attitude. It is not very often that a young person is around so many adults, each of whom is doing his or her best to be a Christian.

Finally, because there is a “Christian” heritage. A place like Maywood Christian Camp does not just happen. It is not special to so many “just because.” The camp exists and continues to be special because of the work, love and concern of so many over the years. From the good families who helped begin the camp to those who currently serve on the board and the hard work of Jeff Goff, Maywood has continually been blessed with loving Christians. Each young person who attends becomes an integral part of the heritage of Christian camping.

Young people, this is going to be a special week. Yes, camp is fun, but we need to attend because we want to be a part of a Christian camp with Christian campers led by Christian adults who are all a part of a Christian heritage. Bring your Bible and come learn about Christ at Maywood 2007.

In case you missed it, a young man in Arkansas killed what is believed to be the largest hog ever hunted down and killed in America. The wild hog was about 10 feet in length and weighed in at an astounding 1051 pounds! (See picture here)

Figures, though: the young man has been receiving hate mail and email since. Here’s one example from his website (where, to his credit, he publishes both positive and negative responses):

Just a quick question, You attend a Christian college and yet kill so freely. Does not the Old Testament say ‘do unto others’ I have To ask the question, if said boar ran for 3 hours, Would it be ‘do unto others BEFORE ‘or ‘AS they would unto you?’ To experience the kill is exhilarating ( I know from hunting boars in Australia myself ) But, is it worth the moment to take a life as it is to spend an eternity in damnation for breaking one of the original commandments “thou shall not kill”. I have accepted my eternity, have you?

So, let’s review: Moses was actually telling the children of Israel not to kill animals, right? I’m just wondering how they made all those animal sacrifices without the animals dying.

It’s sad that people can be so ignorant, especially when it comes to basic matters of the Bible. I’m not a hunter; it just doesn’t appeal to me. But, so long as someone follows the laws set forth to protect animals from over-hunting, it’s actually a good thing. We need to keep telling people that humans are not animals! Humans were given dominion over the earth and her creatures.

This young man legally hunted this hog. The person who left the comment above is probably just jealous. Let the young man have his moment.