This past summer, the Iowa RP Family Camp was held at Crooked Creek Christian Camp in rural Washington, Iowa.  The speaker was John McFarland from the Lawrence, Kan., RPC. He challenged attendees to know their neighbor in order to love their neighbor. The way people view standards, morals, and the “relevance of Christ” today is changing. Pastor McFarland talked about worldviews and about Christians’ response as ambassadors for Christ in the society. He had been to China recently and was on fire about the church there. 

Campers participated in a variety of afternoon activities from naps to swimming to the infamous waterslide that ends in a sort of “mud hole.” Some of the high school-age and adults enjoyed a warm canoe trip down the Skunk River on Monday. The evenings were filled with entertainment by a local clown (Gary Murphy), square dancing, and a variety of talents and skits topped off by the always-popular Cooks’ Trio. Norma Adams, Debby McCalla, and Ruth Falk cooked for 110 campers. The fellowship and campfires were also enjoyed as many left camp with new and renewed friendships.

Although there was not an official mission team, the following people (in addition to the cooks) gave time and service in counseling and teaching, which was greatly appreciated: Alpha Girls, Jen Baumgardner; Beta Girls, Jeanne Finley; Gamma Girls, Sharon Schreur; Alpha Boys, Mike Todd and Rob Jarrard; Beta Boys, Philip Falk; Gamma Boys, Joel Wyerick; Pre-School Teacher, Evelyn Noell, Grades 2-3, Valerie Swigart; Grades 4-6, John and Donna Monger; junior high discussion, Patti Rowe; and high school discussion, Ron and Ginny Good. Nearly every camper pitched in to help in some manner, which helped with the “family” feeling.

Jonathan Parnell will speak on conflict resolution at the next conference on July 29–Aug. 2, 2007. For more information or to be added to the mailing list, please contact John and Roselea Smith at JohnRoseleaS@msn.com or John and Donna Monger at j.monger@mchsi.com.

—Nancy Skubal