DAVIS—Associational Children’s Camp (ACC) continues to be a standard for reaching children for Christ. More than 5,000 participants, campers and sponsors, were registered for the two sessions at Falls Creek Conference Center, May 28-31 for session one and May 31-June 3 for session two.
Mark Jones served as camp pastor for both sessions of ACC.
More than 450 spiritual decisions were made at ACC, including 286 professions of faith in Christ, from the two sessions combined.
ACC is in partnership with 15 Oklahoma Baptists associations, and there were 156 churches represented at ACC this year. The theme at ACC this year was “Thrive,” based on Gal. 5:22-23. Camp program director James Wilder explained the purpose behind the camp’s theme.
“The byproduct of a relationship with Jesus Christ is the fruit of the Spirit,” said Wilder who serves as director of missions in Pottawatomie-Lincoln Association. “We wanted to highlight that in the children’s lives this year, so they can celebrate not only the receiving of Christ in their lives but the work of the Holy Spirit administering in their lives.”
Campers do fun contests when meeting in the tabernacle at ACC
Mark Jones, children’s minister at Oklahoma City, Quail Springs, served as camp pastor of both sessions and emphasized “Thrive” throughout his sermons. “God has incredible plans for your life,” Jones preached. “If you trust Him, you can accomplish great things.”
Wilder said he could tell children were receptive to Jones’ sermons.
“A highlight was (Jones) talking about God carrying them through those times when they need Him the most,” Wilder said. “Some of our children are facing serious problems, and this message reaches them where they are.
Military chaplancy is one of the ministries campers learn about at Missionfest.
“Pastor Mark Jones and the praise team from Cashion, First have done a wonderful job, making the worship and messages ‘child-friendly’ while at the same time not ‘childish.’”
Pastor Kenny Mossman of Carnegie, First also witnessed encouraging responses from children at ACC.
“During one of our worship times, I saw one of our 6th grade boys walk up to one of our sponsors and hug her,” Mossman said. “This sponsor has poured into this child for years, and what we were seeing was his recognition of the important spiritual role she is playing in his life. That’s the kind of raw emotion that we sometimes see at (ACC). It is one of the most important events on our church calendar, not only for the immediate responses we see, but for the long-term seeds I know we are planting.”
Missionfest is also a main feature of ACC. Campers connect with different mission work and ministries of Oklahoma Baptists.
“Children want to learn about different avenues to share the Gospel,” Wilder said. “At Missionfest, they learn about the International Mission Board, North American Mission Board, military chaplaincy, church planting and partnership missions.”
Completing its 43rd year, ACC remains an effective camp event in helping children grow spiritually and providing them opportunities to learn and to participate in missions and ministry.
“As a pastor, I am so appreciative of ACC,” Mossman said. “Our children get the full Falls Creek experience, and because the environment is so well structured, the churches can really concentrate on the kids and the Gospel message. From our oldest sponsor to the youngest camper, it’s a wonderful experience.”
