Most of the campers, in their 20s and 30s, were leaders of youth fellowships in their home churches. But an observer would not have been impressed by their behavior. They were undisciplined, resistant to instruction from their leaders, and skeptical.

It was the first camp conducted for ECWA (Evangelical Church of West Africa) young people in an area deep in the south of Nigeria. The state is rich in oil, and the young people are better educated than most in Nigeria; yet there is a high level of hostility and disenchantment. Claudia Long, camp director, reported that problems began even before camp, when only one-fourth of the staff showed up for training.

But God had plans for that camp! By the closing day, He had touched the hearts of the campers through the Bible studies, hut devotions, and their personal quiet times. Smiles broke out on their faces and they were obviously having fun, making new friends, learning new things, and even talking to “Auntie” Claudia. After the Sunday messages by elders from the church, the campers registered their responses: 18 made new decisions to trust Christ as their Savior, 32 confirmed prior salvation decisions, 37 committed their lives to serve Christ, and 18 made other responses of obedience.

This camp was held at a school. Farther north, near Jos, development of a permanent camping facility on 36 acres of land is now one-third complete. Helping young Nigerians to become devoted followers of Jesus is the primary objective. Camping programs are designed to be fun, but with a very serious purpose. First, the leaders want every camper to know Christ as his or her Savior and Lord. Other emphases are faithfulness in Bible study; meaningful personal devotions; mission awareness; improved study habits; morality, integrity, and hard work; appreciation for their ECWA heritage; and exposure of false faith systems that compete for the soul of Nigeria.

Camp gives the young people an opportunity to freely discuss with their peers the struggles they face from education issues, family pressures, morality, cults, and secret (occult) societies. Since the first camp was held in 1993, nearly 1,500 campers and staff from 13 ECWA church districts have participated in 39 camps. After a recent camp, Kauna reported, “I’m not as before. I have made up my mind that I will serve God with all my heart whatever I will be in the future. I will serve him, and may God help me.”

Young people make up more than half of Nigeria’s population, but they are often ignored in the churches. We thank God for the growing interest in camping. A series of eight camps around Nigeria for 2007 are already filling up. The theme is “The World Around Us,” from Romans 12:2.

Pray:

• For a suitable substitute director during Director Claudia Long’s home assignment beginning November 2007.
• For funds to complete the camp facility near Jos (Project # 96912)