I can remember the first day I stepped foot onto the grounds of Big Sky Bible Camp. I had just become a Christian a few months earlier and within weeks I was about to be married. Young, eager, and excited to see what God wanted to do with my own life, I was in awe of the beauty of the campus and encouraged by the warm welcome from, former staff members, Dennis & Kathy.
I can recall sitting in the Breneman’s living room, heads bowed in prayer with the Beedy’s, Longenecker’s, Jingst’s and Hash, praying for God’s will to be done.
It is hard to believe that was almost 17 years ago. Since that day, God has given my husband and I a commitment and excitement for what God does through BSBC. We have been fortunate to serve alongside and learn from the incredible people that God has brought through the years. Each trip to camp, I see their lasting impact and remember the endearing moments that have woven each one into my heart. I can recall sitting in the Breneman’s living room, heads bowed in prayer with the Beedy’s, Longenecker’s, Jingst’s and Hash, praying for God’s will to be done. I remember watching Mrs. L make plaster crafts for the campers on the deck of Crater cottage. I laugh thinking of Edwin and Dan’s brotherly friendship and Mr. T’s goofy jokes. I recall Karen’s amazing ability to know every camper by name, every year. I can recount so many of the support staff, cooks, nurses, counselors, and speakers that gave so selflessly. I think of Bev and Duffy, and the boldness of their vision to begin a camp at Big Sky for people with special needs and I think of Jeff and Emmy, arriving with two little blonde toddlers, eager to follow the call of God and to continue this incredible ministry.
Working behind the scenes has shown me the army of supporters who rally to continue the work of camp through prayer, sharing the ministry with others, and financially supporting the ministry.
I am not alone in recognizing the long lasting legacy of camp. Currently I serve on the camp advisory committee and at our meetings I am surrounded by wise leaders; many who have a much longer relationship with camp than I. Alongside those sages are new leaders that God has provided to continue His good work. Through the years, there is no doubt that God has been faithful and good to provide all that is needed. Working behind the scenes has shown me the army of supporters who rally to continue the work of camp through prayer, sharing the ministry with others, and financially supporting the ministry.
What a gift, to be able to encourage one another as they experienced the gospel and fellowshipped just a little differently than most. God meets us where we are, and that is not dependent on our own abilities or the “way” we do things.
I have no doubt that God will continue his good purposes for camp. What is most exciting for me, after 17 years, is that I get to witness it. My husband counseled for several years during Camp Promise. Vividly I can call to mind my strong, tender hearted, quiet husband, sitting outside of the chapel with a special camper who struggled to be in the larger chapel setting. Together, in a safe space, they listened. What a gift, to be able to encourage one another as they experienced the gospel and fellowshipped just a little differently than most. God meets us where we are, and that is not dependent on our own abilities or the “way” we do things.
We know the Kingdom of God is not about earthly buildings, but about people; the building is merely a way to reach more people, more effectively. Therefore, I eagerly wait to see how the Kingdom grows, as God grows the ministry of Camp Promise.
I am honestly overwhelmed as I think about Big Sky’s ambition to build a new facility that can provide a way for more special campers to experience God in the camp setting. What an incredibly opportunity it is to be involved. Camp Promise is one of only a handful of camps in the entire western US that provides an overnight, Christian camping experience for special needs people. Logically speaking, there is unlimited potential for this ministry. We know the Kingdom of God is not about earthly buildings, but about people; the building is merely a way to reach more people, more effectively. Therefore, I eagerly wait to see how the Kingdom grows, as God grows the ministry of Camp Promise.
About the author:
Jesica Swanson has been involved with Big Sky Bible Camp for over 17 years. She now serves on the Advisory Team and is heading up much of the “A Promise Kept” Campaign. She is also a wife and mother of two.