Just seven weeks ago I watched 400+ staff and students prepare tirelessly for the arrival of campers. Each year Word of Life Bible Institute hosts Word of Life Snowcamp. Snowcamp is hands down the most fun you can have in 44 hours. Staff and students give all they have to provide campers with an amazing experience. You can check out the weekend in review video here!
It is a joy to watch students who have never shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ help lead an individual to understand the Gospel for the first time. Seeing students serve in the dish pit, the kitchen, housekeeping, maintenance, indoor and outdoor program and so many other areas with joy and excellence is humbling to me. Our counselors who are students at the Bible Institute poured their lives into campers every moment available. Just this morning I was told by a leader “this year the counselors have been the best we have ever seen.” Oh, that these students never loose the joy of serving others!
The commitment of every staff and student to help each camper with their “next step with Jesus” is contagious. The spirit on campus these days has been amazing to say the least. Students talking about life-changing conversations and moments of tears and laughter as they recount their Snowcamp memories never gets old. As an alumnus I can remember vividly my Snowcamp Experience.
I am so proud of each and every staff and student who has served and made much of Jesus in every situation and moment. Most colleges are preparing students to make a living, but here at the Word of Life Bible Institute we are committed to preparing students how to live. I am convinced when a student is involved in ministry and goes hard after Jesus in their studies, their relationships and ministry – you then have learned what it is to live.
This year we have served 2,119 campers at Snowcamp. There has been 218 recorded decisions for Jesus and 1,285 students came forward in dedication stating – I am all in for Jesus, committing all I have and every hope to be to Jesus.
Maybe you are reading this and wonder what I am speaking of when I say a person understanding the Gospel, you can learn more here at Experience Hope.
If you are an alumni of the Word of Life Bible Institute or a Snowcamp Camper Alumni and you had a memorable experience, would you share it with us in the comments? We would love to hear from you.
For more information about our summer camps go here.
8 thoughts on “2019 Snowcamp Report: Every Camper – Next Step with Jesus!”
I was a counselor snowcamp 1983. It was new to me but I saw a weekend of fun and joy as I worked with other counselers sharing the gospel with the campers.
Gary,
Thank you for sharing. Snowcamp is so fun! We would love to have you come back up for a visit!
Roger
Can’t wait to read the Snowcamp responses here!
Many years ago (mid 1980s) I wrote an inspirational on how the obstacles and frustrations seemed proportional to the tremendous impact of the harvest about to be experienced. I explained how two of our three buses broke down the year I persuaded the local Catholic parish to bring their teens to Word of Life Snowcamp along with my youth group. As we were crying out to the Lord on a snowy roadside ( I-80) in the darkness Friday night, we had no idea what it would be like to be at Snowcamp the next night to see the three nuns and all the teens respond to the altar call! ( I think Harry gave the invitation that night.)
Dawn, thank you for sharing! Would you be okay we me sharing this story with others? Thank you for taking the time write this for us to enjoy!
Have a great day!
Roger
As a camper, a counselor and a church leader who has brought youth groups to snow camp, I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the wonderful ministry seeing boys and girls come to know who Jesus is and His love for us.
Great to hear from you Steve! Thankful for your investment as a counselor and now church leader. I look forward to seeing you again up here!
Roger
I was part of WOLBI 1984 and had the privilege to experience my FIRST Snow Camp as a student. A teen from NYC (maybe Vinnie???) came and I saw the power of God first hand in his life! I think that was his name; I wish I could recall the name of church that sponsored him! Vinnie arrived with a metal pipe that he wanted to continued to carry, I am sure just like home! He was tough and rough, looking for a fight! Vinnie was hardened to the Gospel message on Friday night. My co-counselor and I tried to show him the love of Christ, but Vinnie didn’t need Jesus! By Saturday night’s message, Vinnie came forward and said that he NEEDED the love of the Lord in his heart and life. He gave his metal pipe to me and told me that he wouldn’t need that any more to be tough, because NOW he wanted to show Jesus’ love instead of hatred! Vinnie did NOT want to leave on Sunday! He wanted to stay and study the Word of God! That put spiritual fuel in my tank that made me forget my fatigue and tiredness! I loved Snow Camp! That spiritual fuel carried over to WOL Island with Paul Bubar, Brad Cecil, and College & Career leader, David Shepherd. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to share these memories!
Ken, this is just incredible to read. Thank you for sharing with us! Please stay in touch!