ORR,
Minnesota--During the first session of orientation for the Summer Educational Program
(SEP) in Orr, Jesus Christ was invited into the assembly.
ORR,
Minnesota--During the first session of orientation for the Summer Educational Program
(SEP) in Orr, Jesus Christ was invited into the assembly.
"If he is not here, then what we are doing is for naught," said director Jeb Egbert. And he came.
The first session began June 28. "Are you hungry?" Dr. Egbert asked the campers. "You've come to the place where the Bread of Life is served. You eat this, and you will never be hungry again. We serve Jesus Christ at SEP."
On the next day, Jon Whitney, a 19-year-old staff member in the windsurfing and sailing department, died of respiratory arrest (August WN).
Inspiring messages and tremendous friendships helped to keep the community focused on SEP's mission--to promote Jesus Christ and his way of life. Twenty-five young people were baptized during the first session.
Inspiring testimonials during both sessions demonstrated the power and presence of our
Lord. Camper after camper commented that they found peace and freedom by becoming lost in
Jesus.
Sadly, many of those giving testimonials struggle every day with debilitating circumstances. Many campers had not experienced spiritual joy until coming to SEP.
"SEP is the best place to meet God," said second session camper Jesse Marquez. "At SEP, we make friends for life," chimed in a friend. And, when you put those two thoughts together, you arrive at the fundamental reason SEP exists--to meet your new best lifelong friend--Jesus Christ.
Pastors who came to camp expressed how inspired they were by the young people.
"I came to camp expecting to minister and make a difference," said Greg Williams, pastor of the Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Dillon, South Carolina, congregations. "But I feel like these young people have ministered far more to me than I have to them."
The second session saw another 45 baptisms, bringing the summer total to 70 baptisms. Several who were involved in the baptisms said they had never had an experience quite like it. With the entire camp on the shore of Pelican Lake and some 20 to 30 campers and staff walking into the water simultaneously, camp baptisms are simply indescribable.
Henry and Jean Berger of Fort Worth, Texas, served on the staff this year. Mr. Berger served as the business manager and Mrs. Berger helped in the camp laundry. "You cannot describe SEP to someone else and do it justice," they commented. "And when you experience it, it is one of the most inspiring things you can ever be involved in."
During the final banquet, Floyd and Mardell Kielczewski, along with their family, were lauded for their tireless efforts with SEP over 35 years. The Kielczewskis retired, but still plan to live in the area. Tom and Sandy Kennebeck, formerly of Big Sandy, Texas, will serve as the new facilities managers.
"The one word that describes the Kielczewskis is dependable," said Kermit Nelson, former camp director, on hand for the retirement festivities. "When it was time for camp to open, it was always ready, due to the tremendous contributions of the Kielczewskis."
Mike Feazell, director of denominational publications, was on hand as well. "A hero is one who does the extraordinary at a time when the extraordinary is needed. Floyd and Mardell Kielczewski are heroes," Dr. Feazell said.
Several parents have shared what the Summer Educational Program has meant to their children. Parent Mary Lynne Walton from Richlands, North Carolina, wrote: "I know the church has had to make so many cutbacks be cause of finances, but I hope the one thing they won't have to cut back is SEP. If our church is going to have a future, we have to continue to invest in our youths now.
"Most importantly, we need to continue to teach them how to have a personal relationship with Jesus. I wish everyone could go to SEP at least once to understand how wonderful it is. I know that these experiences are ones that last a lifetime."
Plans for SEP 2000 are under way. If you would like to have your name put on the Friends of SEP mailing list, send your name and address to SEP Office, Box 2211, Frisco, Texas, 75034, telephone 1-972-712-5737, e-mail sep.orr@wcg.org See page 7 of this Worldwide News for camper award winners.
ORR, Minnesota--Following are the major awards for campers and staff at the Summer Educational Program. (See articles pages 18 to 20.)
Session 1
Robert Fleming--full tuition refund for recruiting five friends
Outstanding Participant Awards
Archery: Justin Morgan and Rachel Nichols
Riflery: Aaron Cotter and Amber McLaughlin
Basketball: Justin Morgan and Suzi Brown
Volleyball: Adriel Schmidt and Kristen Whitehead
Water Polo: Darren Hanway and Jessica Berg
Windsurfing: Brad Guss and Katy Mancewicz
Sailing: Travis Abels and Jasmine Jackson
Canoeing: Nick Kirby and Jessica Berg
Dance: Brandon Harper and Jessica Berg
Challenge Course: Jesse Lafforthun and Claire McDaniel
Softball: Shaun Nix and Rebecca Smith
Christian Living: Stephon Watson and Jamie Rivers
Dorm awards (Outstanding Participant): 1G--Shaina Starks; 1B--Jesse Lafforthun; 2G--Delyse Center; 2B--Stephon Watson; 3G--Layla Matthews; 3B--Seth Matthews; 4G--Kelly Gregg; 4B--Brad Guss; 5G--Kristen Whitehead
Outstanding High School Volunteers ($50 cash award): Robert Wheatcroft (softball staff) and Christy Krumm (laundry staff)
Extra Mile Award: Ronnie McCartney, Brad Guss, Layla Matthews
Inspiration Award: James Dooley, Monique Etienne
Director's Award (automatic acceptance to SEP 2000 as staff): Seth Matthews, Shaina Starks
Session 2
Jonathan Davis--full tuition refund for recruiting five friends
Outstanding Participant Awards
Archery: Brian Miller and Jenn Redmond
Riflery: Dan Greider and Holly Hofer
Basketball: Joseph Underdue and Amanda Eysallenne
Volleyball: Brad Ackerman and Desirea Daniels
Water Polo: Andrew Fredrickson and Janae Parman
Windsurfing: Ben Bjurstrom and Allary Hofer
Sailing: Cory Brewer and Layla Matthews
Canoeing: Richard Yoder, Katie Whitney, Layla Matthews
Dance: David Peitz and Dana Umbarger
Challenge Course: Scott Orban and Sara Daugherty
Softball: Justin Butler and Sharon Techiera
Christian Living: Jonathan Gross and Jennifer Moore
Dorm Awards (Outstanding Participant): 1G--Jennifer Moore; 1B--Joseph Underdue; 2G--Hollie Barnes; 2B--David Monzon; 3G--Camille Barnes; 3B--Jesse Marquez; 4G--Heidi Jutsum; 4B--Jason Underdue; 5G--Rachael McCormick
Outstanding High School Volunteers ($50 cash award): Natalie Wendt (softball staff); Kimberly Gregg (dance staff); Brent Eicher (windsurfing and sailing staff).
Extra Mile Award: Jason Underdue and Crystal Cocomise
Inspiration Award: Joseph Underdue and Chelsea Ceaser
Director's Award (automatic acceptance to SEP 2000 as staff): Katie Whitney and Jesse Marquez
SEP LEADERSHIP--From left: pastors Greg Williams and Jim Blackwell, SEP director
Jeb Egbert and Kermit Nelson, former director.
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 1999