Heartland SEP

Heartland SEP:
the Holy Spirit
in Glory and Power

By Doug Johannsen

PEORIA, Illinois—One hundred thirty-one campers and 62 staff gathered in Central Illinois at Eagle Crest Camp Aug. 1 to 7 for the Heartland Spiritual Enrichment Program.

Eight campers were baptized.

We had 31 more campers in Illinois this year than we had the previous summer in Iowa.

Farice Campbell and Trek Blackwell

Activities included arts and crafts, basketball, Christian living, dance, high ropes, journalism, paintball, performing arts, photography, praise and worship, softball, swimming, tennis and volleyball.

What campers and staff had to say:

Jason Orth: The best night of camp was Thursday’s praise and worship service.

Laura Ruf

The campers and staff displayed many talents during performances, mixed in with some rockin’ praise to God the Father by the entire camp.

A skit about the death of Jesus on the cross showed the severe brutality that Jesus went through as he died to cleanse us of our sins.

Liz Garman, Julie Holladay and Meghan O’Connor

Because of those wounds and the blood that poured from them we have been redeemed from the things we have seen and touched wrongfully, the places we have walked where we should not have, the things inside of us that are not of God, and the times in which we have turned our backs on God.

Pastor James Newby

From left: Jerrod Kaufman, Andre Ray,
Jonathan Goodwin and Teshome Wilson.

It was a moving scene as nearly two thirds of the campers responded to an impromptu altar-call.

Shelbii Neller and Carrie Miarecki

The theme for the camp was “Get Real,” and on this night many campers and staff got real with their Savior.

Pastor Michael Houghton, staff member: This was without a doubt the greatest experience I have ever had as a member of the WCG, and to top it all off I was privileged to baptize my own granddaughter. Everyone should visit SEP and see how the Lord is working in the lives of these young people.

Laura Ruf: When asked why the “Get Real” theme was chosen, camp director James Newby answered: “I want the campers to begin to think about what’s real. Is Hollywood or something eternal more important, and what should be important for their lives?” The path to accomplish this is through God.

Shannon Younts and Tess Monical: All the sports at SEP have a special meaning behind them.

Chris Lightbody

In softball we were told to keep our eyes on the ball, just as we need to keep our eyes fixed on God. In archery, we were told that missing the target is like sinning. We need to stay on target and not get sidetracked with sin.

SEP has a special way of putting God into everything that we do. We get to learn about God while we are playing and having fun. SEP is not all about sports, but it is all about God and everything that he has given us.

At least one camper was inspired to write a new song:

From left: Tarah Zuniga, Joi Andrews
and Marissa Kall

“Get Real!”

By Kenny Schabow

From desire to death

It’s the path of sin

Jesus’ way is better

Fo‑llow him for a new chance to begin

(Chorus)

Andre Ray

Get real with Jesus

He is real to me

He is really the Son of God

He really wants you to love him

I submit myself to God

I’m gonna resist the devil

I’m gonna cleanse my hands

I want to reach a higher level

God is with me

God is for me

Jesus died instead of me

No more sorrow

No more guilt

I’m gettin’ real with Jesus

Now that I’ve confessed my sins

I’m ready to draw close to you.

Jaime Orth: Camp was amazing! God showed up and moved in our midst! My favorite part of camp has to be that God allowed me to personally lead one of the girls in my dorm to Christ.

To live for Christ you gain everything and lose all the junk. Camp was exactly what a lot of people needed! We all need to get real with God and to live the real life.

Photos by Sarah Vershowske, Heidi Warner and Doug Johannsen.

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