STORY
Ohio Conference Baptizes 13 Young People at Summer Camp
August 16, 2023
Francis Tuffour
The Ohio Conference ended its 2023 summer youth camp at Camp Mohaven, celebrating young people giving their lives to Jesus and expressing their decisions publicly through baptisms. The camp, organized on different dates for diverse age groups, began with the Cub Camp for the kids between 6-9 years on June 11-17, followed by the Junior Camp on June 18-24 for ages 9-12. The Tween campers also had their turn on June 25-July 1. Between July 2-9, a family camp was scheduled for all ages, and the Teen campers attended on July 9-15.
This year’s camp, themed: “The Ultimate Promise,” had four pastors who came to speak to the attendees as follows: Cub Camp: Quentin Purvis, Junior Camp: Dale Sheridan, Tween Camp: Johnny Villamil, Family Camp, and Teen Camp: Jeff Akenberger. A week before the arrival of the campers, the camp staff came to the venue to ensure everything was lined up for successful camping. Apart from their physical preparation, the staff crowned their meeting with an agape meal and the Lord’s supper.
Joseph Ottinger, the new Youth Ministries Director of Ohio Conference, who started his role in January this year, noted, “This year has been a unique experience for me as the first year that I've been directly involved with summer Camp Ministry. I've been very excited about the staff that we've had. It's a group of young people who are committed to Jesus and developing a relationship on their own with him, as well as helping campers have a fun experience at Camp Mohaven, but also deepen their relationship with Jesus.” He complimented his administrative staff and managers of Camp Mohaven for their unique contributions.
Elias Esquivel, Camp Mohaven Ranger, emphasized the blessings of camping, “It always amazes me that summer camp is such a powerful tool for young people, for adults, and everybody, and anyone that comes through the summer camp program. When you leave, you leave blessed. And I think one of the main reasons is because you learn how to become a blessing to others.”
The campers received spiritual messages, performed group activities, and socialized with others. One of the key highlights was the baptism ceremonies held on different days for the 13 people who got baptized. “What I like about camp is working in a group and as a team. That has given me vibe and environment, and also being able to minister to campers and seeing one of my campers got baptized,” reports Patrick Niyonzima, camp staff member. While some campers were frequent attendees, others had it for the first time. Sharing her experience, Shania Mamarimbing, a first-time camper, said, “The teamwork among the staff and everyone has really impressed me. Everyone is always willing to help each other no matter what.”
Kim Myers, Assistant Director for the summer camp who could not hide her joy, shared: “I always enjoy watching the many ways God works at summer camp. His blessings and miracles have continued throughout this summer as well. It has been a pleasure to work with our staff and interact with our campers this summer.” Ottinger also expressed his excitement about the young people who gave their lives to Jesus in baptisms.
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