Pine Springs Ranch (PSR) was happy to host its first full summer camp session since 2019. During the pandemic they held a virtual camp and a family camp, but this year they were excited to welcome back campers to all their sessions.
This summer’s theme was centered around Isaiah 43:19, “I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland” (NLT). Although the anticipation and excitement about the summer grew more each day, a few curveballs were thrown PSR’s way and worry started to grow. But God promised He was going to do something new!
The summer was filled with joyous laughter, fun activities, skits, and special encounters with God. Over the course of Junior Camp Week, many children expressed their interest in knowing more about Christ. On that Friday night, campers watched a pageant play put on by the staff showcasing themes about young people’s struggles. Elizabeth Adams, camp pastor for that week, made an altar call, and with tears in their eyes, campers flooded the stage declaring their acceptance of Christ as their Savior. Carmen Ibañez, PSR executive director, Alexy Montenegro, PSR assistant summer camp director, and Adams baptized a total of 11 campers that week!
It was an incredible win for God that day and a milestone in ministry for Montenegro, as she got to baptize for the first time.
When asked what the highlight of the summer was, Ibañez said, “Many come to mind, but baptizing with other female pastors and being part of a first baptism for one of my colleagues was so incredible to see.” It was a very emotional Sabbath at PSR that day—one that many will not forget.
The following week, there were seven additional baptisms! Two campers and five staff members were baptized. Some of the staff who were baptized were inspired by the declaration of faith their campers made. Many were also inspired by that week’s camp pastor, Meshach Soli.
This past summer, the people at PSR were able to see God’s hand in everything. They saw Him through the staff, the campers, the weather, and the health and safety of everyone. They saw God working as people gave their hearts to Christ, and they saw His hand in simply getting through the camp season. It is only by God’s grace that the summer turned out the way it did. A new thing was done, and PSR is excited to see what plans God has in store for summer 2023.
For more information about PSR Summer Camp, visit psr.camp.
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By Alexy Montenegro
