Victor Cope has a dream.

Cope, executive director of Indian Falls Creek, has a dream to grow the camp, which is the largest gathering of Indian Christians in the world.

Victor Cope

“My personal dream is to see every seat in the Tabernacle filled with 7,000 people, to see 1,000 people saved each summer, 1,000 Christians rededicating their lives and 300 individuals surrendering to the ministry/missions each summer,” Cope said.

He said he would also like to see better use of social media platforms, an improved database, networking with all 39 tribes in Oklahoma, grants for programming, cultivating a stronger relationship with Oklahoma Baptists, the Southern Baptist Convention and International Mission Board, and the development of an endowment program.

Cope pointed out that members of the Indian Falls Creek Board of Directors are all volunteers and do not receive any compensation.

Therefore, he said, the growth of Indian Falls Creek can’t be accomplished without the churches being united as one, supporting one another, praying for each other, loving one another, working together and rejoicing with each other.

“Our churches in Oklahoma need to become a mighty army for God,” he emphasized.

Cope said the Board wants to plan the very best program each summer, while holding down the cost of attending camp.

Indian Falls Creek has begun to host fund raising activities like a Golf Tournament, which has the possibility of generating an extra $10,000.

“We are also looking at events like softball and basketball,” he noted. “Many people believe that Indian Falls Creek makes a lot of money each summer, but in reality, we are basically a break even operation.”

Indian Falls Creek hosts campers who represent more than 50 tribal Nations from across North America and more than 250 churches each year.

The camp began in 1947 with an attendance of 333. The average attendance is now more than 3,000.

Indian Falls Creek has become a tradition for many churches and families. Worship services, classes and activities are designed to engage people of all ages—preschool to adult. A Health Fair and other ministry organizations also offer opportunities for individuals and churches to build up and expand their learning and ministry.

“As a family camp, it is a time to build up family faith as well as gain spiritual grandparents, parents, brothers and sisters.” Cope said.

Morning classes provide Bible study and discipleship training. Afternoon activities are designed to encourage fellowship and family fun. Classes and training times help campers better understand Christ’s work in their lives as well as address the needs and concerns they find around them at home.

This year’s sessions are July 31-Aug. 4 and feature Jay Mule, pastor of Geary, Chief Cornerstone and director of missions for Cheyenne Arapaho Association, as speaker.

Because of the generous giving of Oklahoma Baptists through the Cooperative Program, an amazing array of ministries are supported. This unified giving encourages fellowship with other believers all over the world. Collectively, Oklahoma Baptists are advancing the Gospel together.

Victor Cope was featured in the 2022 Missionary Prayer Guide for Oklahoma Baptists. To see more information about the work in, visit oklahomabaptists.org/cp

EDITOR’S NOTE: Be looking for results of this week’s Indian Falls Creek in an upcoming edition of the Baptist Messenger as well as on baptistmessenger.com.