Iowa Family Camp 2021

This year’s Iowa RP Family Camp began Aug. 2 outside of Washington, Iowa. With over 130 registered, it was the largest attendance the camp has had since moving to Crooked Creek Christian Camp in 1987. This was a blessing from the Lord’s hand as there was much uncertainty about hosting the camp even three months before (and not having all of our counselors until the week before). Campers arrived Monday afternoon, set up their sleeping quarters, ate dinner under the spreading oak tree, and then met together for a keynote address, ice breaker, and ice cream sundaes.

Pastor Dan Drost was the speaker, addressing the topic of our adoption as sons and daughters of the most high God. Psalm 103B was the theme psalm. Topics considered throughout the week included: Sinful Man Became an Orphan, In Christ for Adoption, The Arrival of the Fullness of Adoption, The Spirit of Adoption, and The Hope of Adoption.

Lectures, classes, discussions, and crafts filled the morning for various age groups. The afternoons were open for naps, swimming, fellowship, volleyball, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, carpetball, gaga ball, snow cones, and the famous waterslide.

Themes set the tone for each evening’s activities. Zoo Night on Tuesday included a zoo hunt in which rhinos, giraffes, gorillas, and a plethora of other animals were corralled by a handful of zoo keepers. Wednesday’s travel night left lots of room for interpretation, including time travelers, tourists, air traffic controllers, flight attendants, and many international travelers. Keeping with the theme, the evening activity was a presentation about the RPCNA’s mission work in central Asia. Thursday, superheroes came to the rescue before the evening talent and skit night.

Nights were concluded around the famous Parnell campfire, with silly songs, psalms, and testimonies from Midwest Presbytery pastors attending camp for the first time.

The week wrapped up after lunch on Friday. Next year’s camp is scheduled for Aug. 1–5. If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, go to IowaRPFamilyCamp.org, or like the Facebook page: Iowa Reformed Presbyterian Family Camp.

—Sarah Todd, correspondent

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Orlando, Fla., RPC

We praise the Lord for new members joining our congregation. The elders officially welcomed 18 persons into our fellowship. Ted and Sarah Mehalic were received by transfer from Midtown Community PCA in Raleigh, N.C. Their infant daughter, Sophia, was baptized on Apr. 11. Carlos Calderon was received by profession of faith on Aug. 1. Kendi Jean was received by profession of faith on Aug. 8—our Communion Sunday. David, Jane, and James Joyner were received as communicant members on Aug. 15, along with Joshua, Elizabeth, Jacob, Joseph, and Samuel as baptized members. Alejandro and Vanessa Ramirez, along with their children, Matthew and Mariana, were received by profession of faith and transfer on Aug. 22. Nicora Gangi was received by transfer from Messiah’s Church (Clay, N.Y.) RPC on Sept. 1.

Out of 72 participating churches, our congregation came in second during the annual Walk for Life to benefit Choices Women’s Clinic of Orlando, a Christian pregnancy clinic, raising $38,435. The clinic stands in opposition to Planned Parenthood, which has a thriving location near the University of Central Florida (UCF). Overall, $400,000 was raised—an amazing amount considering their goal was $300,000. Their planned location, also near UCF, has been built and is operating to minister to those college students, both male and female.

The young people have a standing invitation to go to Pastor Eshelman’s home each fifth Sunday of the month, called “Fifth Sunday at the Manse.” The purpose is to enjoy a lunch, devotions, and wonderful fellowship. Recent meetings were Aug. 29 and Oct. 31.

Ligonier Ministries hosted a one-day youth conference on Sept. 18. Those who attended were treated to the topic “Always Ready: Apologetics 101” gleaned from 1 Peter 3:15, which tells us to always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks us a reason for the hope that is in us, with meekness and fear.

— Louise M. Turmenne, correspondent