LifeDate Spring 2025 – For Such a Time
by Virginia J. Flo, Director of Volunteer Relations
“On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate” (Psalm 145:5).
Do you have a Lutheran camp near you? Life ministry is going on at many of these camps. If you participate in an event or activity at your local Lutheran camp, one comes to realize the beauty of the outdoors. God’s works of creation are nothing but amazing. In the summer, the activity at these camps is something to behold. The winter season is also a time to enjoy the splendor of both the outdoors and the warm serenity of the camps indoors.
I know you are aware of the need to support agencies that support life. Places like your local pregnancy centers, hospice facilities, nursing homes, and many, many, more provide meaningful service in supporting the gift of life. Have you ever thought that your local camp ministries are also vital in equipping both children and adults with the sanctity of human life? Well, they most certainly are.
Lutheran camps play a vital role in using their natural surroundings to support and educate and provide inspiring programs that offer precious time in building Christ-centered relationships through Bible studies and devotions and through the camp experience itself. Programs for those with developmental disabilities give these beautiful people the opportunity to enjoy their favorite camp experiences. Family camps give the entire family the camp experience while providing spiritual development time. Children of all ages are brought together in God’s Word through the many camp activities from canoeing, archery, arts and crafts, swimming, and more—all age appropriate. They can even make s’mores while singing around a campfire, building yet another relationship in the Lutheran camp experience.
Programs for those with disabilities, family ministry and youth retreats all include the message and love of Jesus. How great are God’s works, and what a wonderful place to meditate, hear God’s Word, and worship, giving praise to God, our Creator and Redeemer.
Life and God’s love for life is happening all around our Lutheran camps. Bob LaCroix, executive director of Camp Omega in Waterville, Minnesota, shared, “Camp Omega’s tagline is ‘Fun, Friends & Faith.’ We encourage guests to get outside and enjoy God’s creation as they build stronger relationships with each other and come to a deeper, more life changing understanding of our Savior, Jesus’ love for them.”
Have you considered sponsoring or subsidizing the cost to send children or families to your local Lutheran camp? They will grow in their faith and learn life lessons through the education, Bible studies, activities, and camp experience. Consider funding those from your church who have developmental disabilities. It may be the first time they experience a program of this nature designed specifically for them and their special needs.
Perhaps you might consider working with your camp leadership in sponsoring a life event by bringing in a speaker and intertwining it with the camp experience. Each camp has facilities for conducting such an event. You just need to reach out to them and help organize and promote such a God-pleasing experience. I know funding is always a concern, but with a willing heart and positive focus, it just might be something that God places in front of you. It might take a while to put the plans together, but there is no deadline, other than the urgency to equip Lutherans and their neighbors to be Gospel-motivated voices For Life.
Won’t you please add your Lutheran camp ministries to your list of favorite agencies that support life and share the love of Jesus in a unique way using God’s creation as their background? You too could plan your next life ministry group’s retreat at a Lutheran camp so you can get away, growing your faith and confidence in God’s plan for you and your team. Use your time in reviewing your Mission Discovery Plans for moving forward with your life ministry.
If you haven’t had your Lutheran camp in your plans for supporting life ministry, please consider them going forward. If you do nothing else, visit one of the Lutheran camps. You will be rewarded by that experience. God has given us many ways to support life; this is just one more beautiful way of doing just that.
May God continue to bless our Lutheran camps, and may we always remember the good, God-pleasing work going on at those awe-inspiring places.