Church camping group

[Montana_2913]

Funny how things work out We were thinking about starting a camping group at church. We were not sure what kind of interest there would be but we thought we would go ahead and approach them anyway. I had waited to go approach them at church due to a busy schedule.
Last month my sons teacher (our church has a Christian school Pre-k - 5th grade) approached me about starting up some small groups for families. So - she and I together - went in and talked with the leader of small groups about our ideas. We talked about a few different ideas for small groups - mostly family groups but the one he was most excited about was the camping group
Fast forward to today - I got up this morning and was thinking we really need to get organized with this group and get moving. I went in to drop off my son for school and his teacher says to me "I think it is time. We need to get organized and start up our group" Funny how things happen huh? lol
I came home and called one of our church friends about something unrelated to the camping group and while we were chatting she mentioned how she and her husband were wondering what kinds of small groups they had running up at the church. They wanted to find something that would be fun for the whole family. I told her about our camping group and she is thrilled.
I just wanted to share my excitement I thought it was awesome how this is all playing out I am thinking this is going to be one terrific group

[Kathi]

God works in mysterious ways doesn't he!

[stiles watson]

Great, I like using common interests as a touch point for meeting and ministering to people. It lets you earn the right to share your ideas in a non-threatening environment. Here's hoping your planning and organizing goes well.

[Montana_2913]

I think it will be an awesome way to fellowship. I am really excited. I know it will work out since the whole thing is kind of working out "on its own". It will be great for the kids too. It is a tough world we live in and the more positive forces they have around them the better off they will be.

[campbud]

Sounds like it is going to be a big hit!! Happy Group Camping!!!!

[jrgwdenner]

Great idea, sixcampers. What a wonderful way to fellowship.

[SAndreasen]

God Bless you as you form your Christian camping group. We belong to two like you are describing and the fellowship is GREAT!

[MIMF2]

sixcampers,

You mentioned "It is awesome how this is all playing out." I call it Devine Intervention. It is something I believe in. God is using you as a tool thru something you enjoy doing, camping, to set up an activity to promote spiritual growth for you and every one else in the group.

Good luck in your new project!

[jrgwdenner]

Amen to that, Dale. Every detail is under His control, thankfully.

[Montana_2913]

quote:Originally posted by MIMF2

sixcampers,

You mentioned "It is awesome how this is all playing out." I call it Devine Intervention. It is something I believe in. God is using you as a tool thru something you enjoy doing, camping, to set up an activity to promote spiritual growth for you and every one else in the group.

Good luck in your new project!

I agree with you. When I say it is awesome how it is playing out & funny how things happen - I KNOW that it is not me - that it is GOD who is the driving force on this group - of course He has really been working on our family and we are so blessed. If this brings others closer to God and strengthens my family and allows for growth for all involved that will be just be so awesome.

[Joyce H]

sixcampers,
May you receive many blessings from your new endeavor. Have you or any other members ever worked with "Campers on Mission" ?We have looked at this website and want to do more research in that directions...
http://www.namb.net/site/c.9qKILUOzE...on_Mission.htm

[Montana_2913]

No I have not but my neighbor is involved in something along these lines. He and his wife - wonderful couple- are retired and spend many months out of the year camping and helping to build churches. They travel all over. They just bought a Montana - huge one - 4 or 5 slides. It is a beauty. I told him about this forum. I hope he joins. Really they are an amazing couple

[Montana_1197]

It was a church camping group that got us back into church. We were asked to come and take a spot that became vacant. We knew one of the others though our kids in school. It didn't take long for my wife and I to realize that this group of Christian campers had something in their lives that we were lacking. That was over 20 years ago and we're still members of the "Yes Dear Campers" and we all attend church together. We use the camping as a opportunity to hold Bible study and worship when camping. We go through the campground and invite everyone to bring their lawn chair and "come on down". A lot of the non-campers from church will come and share a meal and some good campfire singing. And nobody could enjoy their horseshoe or Texas 42 "world championship" tournaments more they we do. We proudly display the Christian flag along with the others in our flag holder. Having fun, being cool and being a Christian.......They can go together.

[fulltimedreamer]

We have had a Camping group made up of members of our church for a number of years. It is not uncommon to have 12-20 families participate. Memorial Day wekkend is our next planned campout at Baldridge Creek on Lake Lanier. We will plan a couple more through out the summer and will have another campout Labor Day Weekend. We can camp and still attend worship at our church. Several of our group have used their RVs on mission trips to help with disaster relief. We can sure cook up some great meals and have a great time. As new Campers come to our church we invite them join us and camping is a great way to build new relationships and make new friends.

Our group has become so large that we probably need to look at formalizing it in some manner. Right now we're just a group of Christians that love camping and good wholesome fun.

[2Seekers]

This just shows you that ministry takes place where ever you are. We are all called to ministry and God places in our hearts desires for certain "things" that will enable us to reach those who are interested in the same "things". What a way to witness - it's friendship evangelism which Jesus demonstrated so clearly to us.

Ellen