Jefferson Academy Church Campout Focuses on Religious Liberty
Sylvia Downs
The Jefferson Academy Seventh-day Adventist Church had its 9th Annual Camp-out at Caddo Lake Lodge the first weekend of November in 2017. “It’s our favorite time of the year for camping”, said Lynda Weber, “Not too hot and not too cold yet. It was a perfect weather weekend.”
Ninety-eight people gathered in the main room of the Lodge for worship on Sabbath morning. Lincoln Steed, editor of Liberty magazine was the guest speaker for the weekend. His stories on Friday night, Sabbath worship, and Sabbath vespers were interesting, challenging, and thought provoking. We know that our liberty will be challenged before the end comes, but he told story after story of people who are already facing the loss of liberty and sometimes the loss of their lives. He challenged us to know what is going on around us. We send Liberty magazine to the thought leaders in our towns and country, but how many of us read the magazine and understand what is actually happening in our world.
Friday evening began with a haystack supper in the dining room. There were about 78 young people and adults that ate. Vespers began with a rousing song service led by the choir director and young people from Jefferson Christian Academy (JCA). Several of our church members camped in the campground for the weekend, but since it is only about 25 minutes from the church a lot of members just commuted.
The church social committee, with Bob Powell in charge, served breakfast at 8:00 am on Sabbath morning: pancakes, strawberries, whipped cream, hash browns, and scrambled eggs were on the menu. Many of our church members and young people were up to the early challenge. By 9:30 am things were wrapped up and Sabbath School began with David Steingas, resident chemist, explaining how intricate and designed the “little things” are that God made.
The worship hour began with several hymns from the JCA brass band. You could hear the music almost to the front gate, and we were afraid they might come tell us to tone it down, but they must have liked it. Steed spoke for the worship service, and then we broke for a potluck lunch. Most Adventist potlucks are good ones, and this one was wonderful.
The afternoon was spent in hiking or walking along the lake and then we were blessed with a choir concert from the JCA choir and Steed finished with vespers. It is always a long day—but what a blessing.
