The day began with a threat of rain, indeed it was predicted all week long at 65%. After a hearty breakfast, we headed out to the campmeeting site. We got our seats just in time for the 10AM meeting.
Bailey Schmidt gave a fantastic sermon, a rare blend of speaking from the heart and using God’s wisdom. He was fair, biblical, and measured in his presentation.
Then there was a panel discussion between Bailey Schmidt, Marisol Quintenella, Bruce Cameron, Dennis Page and Conrad Vine. This was — fantastic. That’s the only way to say it. Marisol recounted how she applied for a vaccine exemption for her job at Michigan State in 2021. She was denied because the University said “Your church is a big vaccine supporter, here’s the website.” She went to her pastor. The pastor (possibly Mills Jr.) said the conference instructed them not to write covid vaccine exemptions because “We don’t want to fire our bullets at the Jab. We will save them for Sunday law. Then came the best line of the day “By the time you finally try to use your gun it will be rusty from non-use, and won’t work.” Touche’
A good friend and I went for a walk on the AMI property, all the way to the north end. Friends, this property is really nice. The walk was pleasant — there is a big ravine in part of it that adds to the countour. It’s way bigger than I realized.
Lunch was super awesome. It was a potluck complete with fresh corn on the cob. We sat with great people and enjoyed great food in the new AMI building.
I met James Desvallons, Justin Tobias, James Millam, and others. I got to meet our very own Robert King, too. Hi, Robert.
After lunch there was a panel of young people. It was informative and very interesting. Some of the young people included: Joey Carrion, Jared Douglass, Michael Hess II . . . They did a fine job discussing religious liberty and millennials.
Then Tim Rumsey hit a home run with his presentation on the United Nations. Friends, the GC took this church down a bad path in 1985, and can’t admit it. Watch this presentation and you will understand. Powerful.
Then it was Allen Hoffman, who hit another home run with his presentation on health and his goals for the lifestyle center. Powerful and direct presentation, with just enough dry humor to keep you engaged!
Then we had a watermelon feast. It was just plain delicious. All the volunteers deserve a hearty thank you, and an even heartier slice of watermelon.
Daniel Bacchiocchi and Ron Kelly showed a concept video of the AMI property and explained how the property came about, and what the future holds. Forest school, vocational training, lifestyle center, man-made lake, and cabins, will make this property a modern-day Madison. It will also be a template for other centers around the world. Just plain awesome.
Ron Kelly closed with a charge to remain faithful. People everywhere were committed to doing just that. You could tell by their conversations and their encouragement for each other.
There was an awesome exhibit hall at this camp-meeting. Exhibitors were not charged for booth space.
Time to head back to the hotel. We did, thinking about next year, already. There was a beautiful moon out and a cool breeze to finish out the day. The rain? It didn’t happen.
Thanks, Lord. See you next year!
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“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” (Psalm 133:1).
