Hello! It is Odie checking in from Oklahoma. This has been one of those weeks that did not go according to "our" plan but we still had a good week. Who knows what next week will hold? I am looking forward to seeing some friends at Bristow campmeeting this week.
The month of June arrived this week. The first five months of 2016 have gone by incredibly fast! Every year when June rolls around I start to reflect on many great memories I have of going to youth camp at Shady Springs Youth Camp near Bedford, Indiana.
My parents went to Shady as counselors several years when I was little. I was aloud to tag along for all or part of the week. I have lots of memories from Shady. I could not wait until I could be a camper at 10 years old.
Many of my life long friendships started at Shady Springs. As a girl I had no idea that I would look back 20 years later and cherish the beginnings of those friendships.
My second year as a camper was 1997. I went that year to see friends, make new friends and get the Holy Ghost. I did not plan to come home with head lice! That is a bad camp memory that haunts me even today. But the good memories out weigh the bad. 1997 youth camp was a life changing week for me!
We believe that a person must first be saved by asking Jesus to forgive them of their sins and asking Him to be the Lord of our life. I was saved around 4 or 5 years old.
John 3:16-17
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
1 John 1:9
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
I grew in my faith as I grew older. Looking back I see points where I started understanding things more. This is a process that continues today. Around the age of 8 I started asking God for the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
In the bible in Acts chapter 2 we read of the day of Pentecost.
Acts 2:1-4
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
We believe this is not only for the saints of the Bible but it is something for believers today to experience. The Holy Ghost is a special gift that is given by God to a saved and purified life.
I had heard about this gift. I had watched others receive the Holy Ghost with evidence of speaking in an unknown tongue. My family and friends had told me "it changes your life." I did not understand it all, but I knew the great services at youth camp created a good atmosphere to receive the Holy Ghost.
My prayers were answered on Wednesday night June 11th 1997. It was an amazing service that I do not want to ever forget.
The Holy Ghost is a gift that keeps blessing me. He is a comfort and helps me through life. Thank God for filling my life!
The day speaker at Shady Springs for my age group in 1997 was Bro. David and Sis. Ruth Brimm. They had, and still have, a special anointing to minister to young people. Their ministry in the word and music and friendship impacted my life.
They were there to encourage and pray with me! I know it was their ministry that helped me get in the right place where I could receive the Holy Ghost exactly when I needed Him.
Here is a picture of my dear friends ministering at PFYC 2014.
We do not get to see the Brimm's often. I am always glad when our paths cross even for a short visit. Late last year we met up for a quick dinner on a cold afternoon. It was great catching up with my precious friends.
Sis. Ruth is a gifted singer and songwriter and choir director. I learned a lot of things about singing alto in her choirs. I still sings her songs we learned in camp choirs over the years.
Bro. David and Sis. Ruth Brimm are incredible people of God. They have encouraged me through changes and hard times in life. We have shared many happy times together. I am thankful that God brought them into my life. I am eternally grateful for the Godly examples they are to me. Bro. David and Sis. Ruth, I love you both so much! Thank you for living a Godly life. I appreciate you for being Holiness Heroes I can look up to.
For the past several years they have pastored in Granite City, Illinois at Bethel Chapel. They have a wonderful church! If you are ever in the St Louis area I encourage to visit Bethel Chapel. The church is near the Illinois and Missouri border.
They Brimms also have two wonderful children, Kayla and Nathan. They have been friends of mine for a long time! They are both working in ministry. It is great to see God working through them. Kayla is married to Josh Thomas and Nathan is married to Angela. Both couples have blessed the Brimm family with sweet grandchildren.
Thank you for reading today. Have a fabulous weekend. Stay tuned for the unknown adventures ahead.
Odie
