DAVIS—More than 2,400 campers took part in the annual Indian Falls Creek (IFC) assembly at Falls Creek on July 27-31.
IFC has been called the largest gathering of Native American Christian believers in North America. Attendees of the 2025 IFC Assembly experienced times of fellowship, fun activities, worship, prayer, training opportunities, as well as worship services where campers responded to God’s Word.
IFC began in 1947 and the storied camp assembly has been hosting campers from more than 50 tribal Nations from across North America and more than 250 churches each year. IFC is unique in that it is family camp so people of all ages can participate.
The camp pastor for IFC 2025 was Oklahoma Baptists Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Fisher. Exactly one year prior, Fisher was involved in a serious automobile accident while traveling to IFC. Although he has recovered from the accident, his rehabilitation has been extensive and due to the severity of the injuries he received his right leg had to be amputated. Now utilizing a prosthetic leg, Fisher is able walk and serve as this year’s camp pastor at IFC.
“This is a special joy to be here with the IFC family this year,” said Fisher. “I am always honored to be able to share from God’s Word and preach the Gospel. Yet there is something special this year at IFC. The people have just been amazing to me. When I’m out and about in camp, many people ask for a hug, instead of just shaking hands. The Lord has given us a great time of connection. I’m grateful for each and every one of the IFC leaders and all those in this camp.”
Total attendance for IFC was 2,462, according to Victor Cope, who serves as executive director of Indian Falls Creek. As part of IFC, a children’s church/Vacation Bible School takes place, which had an average attendance of 297.
During the evening services and throughout the week, campers have been responding to the Gospel. There were 137 spiritual decisions at IFC, with 54 professions of faith and five calls to ministry.
Cope said, “Dr. Todd Fisher did an outstanding job all week. Our churches did a great job participating at IFC. We praise God for these decisions!”
Emerson Falls, who serves as Native American Ministry Partner for Oklahoma Baptists, also emphasized how the Lord was moving in the hearts of campers at IFC.
“Every summer, God moves in people’s hearts in powerful ways at IFC. This year was no different. We are grateful Brother Todd (Fisher) was able to serve as camp pastor this year, and the Lord used him powerfully to communicate the Gospel,” said Falls.
During the morning worship services, the Sons of Thunder of Salina, All Nations Church led in worship through music. During the evening worship services, the worship team from Oklahoma City, Glorieta Church led.
The theme for IFC 2025 was “Come Before the Lord… Do Justice,” based on Micah 6:8, “He has told you, o man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Native American history and culture is integrated and celebrated with each IFC assembly. The world-renowned singing group Native Praise, which sings spiritual songs in Native languages and English, led in worship on July 30 of the camp. Each evening service also features a time in which each Tribe represented at IFC sings a Gospel hymn in their native Tribal language, which allows attendees to worship the Lord in their Native tongues. In addition, activities including arts and crafts, meal preparation, and more displays of Native American culture.
Each day, various equipping and discipleship classes were held. These include Bible Study and Skills conferences for all adults, women, young adults and youth. The youth went through a four-part series in the book of Mark. The young adults went through sessions on trusting God’s direction, leading and obedience in waiting. And the adults had several topical Bible studies as well as contextual skills sessions to choose from.
VBS was held for the Pre-K children that was led by a group of volunteers from the Native churches. VBS was also held for K-6th grade children led by long-term volunteers from Alabama and other areas. Combined total attendance was 350 children with the approximate same number in children’s church.
IFC has a strong legacy of community involvement. On July 28 and 29, IFC held the annual blood drive, now named the Joyce Hansen Legacy Blood Drive. The blood drives led to 161 units of blood donated, which exceeded the IFC’s goal.
This year’s blood drive was held in honor of Joyce Hansen, one of the original organizers of the annual IFC blood drive, who passed away on May 12.
The ”Challenge” is an incentive for churches to participate in the success of IFC through various volunteer opportunities to serve across camp during the week. Points are accumulated by the church through each act of volunteering, with the chance to win various prizes such as TV’s, printers, and supplies. Prizes are donated by businesses, ministries, churches and individuals.
The 2025 IFC was a blessed time for all who took part.The 2026 IFC is set to take place July 26-July 30. For more information about IFC, visit indianfallscreek.org.
