Coming back to
SEP after 19 years

By Bermie Dizon

Pastor
Pasadena NewLife Fellowship
and Los Angeles, California, churches

This was my second time to attend SEP in Orr. The first one was in 1982. Memories came back to me quickly when I saw the beautiful Pelican Lake and the camp as a whole. It is still the same breathtaking paradise that God created. Yet something was different.

What impressed me most at SEP was that God had prepared 140 staff members who are in love with God and have so much passion for rescuing young souls. Some campers came from divorced or unchurched families, and some were battling drug addiction. A few were forced by their parents to attend. Yet after being in camp for just a day, they expressed their gladness to be there.

I believe it is all because of a converted youth staff, most in their late teens and early 20s. All were united to do a common mission. All were united in prayer. All were united in Spirit.

Being at SEP reminded me of the teenager David, whom God called to do a most important work. He challenged the giant Goliath to a duel. David’s faith in God was so strong he never doubted what God can do.

It reminded me of Mary, who was only a teen. Yet, she submitted herself to the Holy Spirit and allowed God to bring forth his Son Jesus.

SEP reminded me of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who, even in their young age, would not compromise God’s standards.

SEP reminded me of Samuel, who when he received a call from the Lord, responded, "Speak, for your servant is listening." At SEP, I saw that God can work mightily with young people who surrender themselves to his purpose. All wanted to become instruments in God’s hands. They became instruments of love. They shared their faith and the gospel.

At SEP I learned that no matter how hardened or confused some young hearts may be, they could not resist the power of God’s love.

Most of the sports activities at SEP are still the same—basketball, softball, waterpolo, archery and water sports. But one thing that made this SEP infinitely better was that everything at SEP is all about Jesus.

I asked a few campers what they liked about SEP. Without hesitation, the answers were: "The people." "The staff, they are converted." "The staff are so loving. Everyone is united." "No one fighting or arguing." That is why I was not surprised that when an altar call was given, so many of the campers responded. In session one, we baptized 38 campers.

What I learned at SEP is that the impossible can be possible. Miracles happen when God’s servants are unified. Conversion is the greatest miracle of all. Many of those young hearts were softened.

One parent who sent his son to camp talked to me before our worship services in Los Angeles after I returned and said that his son has changed. As soon as his son arrived at the airport and saw his dad, he hugged him tightly and said, "Thanks Dad, for sending me." His little brother said, "My brother is kinder to me than before."

If we can be like those young staff members, whom I call SEP warriors, God can do much through us. Those 140 young, passionate staff members sacrificed their time. Some sacrificed their jobs, not knowing if they will find jobs after SEP.

Yet, they expected miracles to happen. Last year, as one dorm was going back to the dorm at night, one counselor who was struggling with some of his campers prayed for God’s help. As they were walking by the lake they saw a shimmering reflection of the cross. The whole dorm knelt and prayed. This year, the campers saw Jesus Christ shine in the staff.

Early every morning as I walked in the camp, I saw young staff members on their knees by the lake, under a tree or by the softball field. Some were reading their Bibles. It was a lovely and inspiring sight to see!

It was a joy to me as I worked with the sailing and windsurfing staff. They were all prayerful and worked harmoniously with the SEP mission. I also attribute much of the success of the camp to directors Jeb and Barb Egbert. Their love for the young people was so visible and infectious.

As I reflect on my SEP experience, I can say that I got more out of it than I put in. I came back energized for my work in the field ministry. I came back believing that our Lord Jesus is involved in saving the souls of young people. I came back believing that God will accomplish much when his servants are united and committed in their mission, and as a parent, I am happy that I sent two of my children, Ben and Carmel, to camp.

Travis Slick, counselor Jason
Underdue, Sal Cocomise

Mike Rasmussen baptizing
kristen Whitney.

Photos by Chrissy Del Guidice

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2001