Sebring Holiness Camp Meeting Blog

2010-07-11T03:46:00.000-07:00

Our Adult Bible Study focused on the definition of faith found in Hebrews 11:1—the idea that faith is about the unseen. Bob Flint zeroed in on this truth with a true story about a boy who lived in a large, rambling house in Pittsburgh. His father would read a story to him at night and then would say to him, “Do you want me to leave the light on and go, or turn off the light and sit with you in the darkness for a little while?” The boy said he always chose the latter—describing it this way, “I always chose presence in the darkness, rather than absence in the light.” Faith is about the unseen.

Dr. John Neihof’s morning message, taken from Leviticus 6:8-13, outlined “How to Keep Sanctified” or how to keep the blessing of a clean heart. Quite simply:

1. Keep your ashes empty
2. Keep your fire burning
3. Keep your sacrifice on the altar
4. Keep your garments clean

Dr. Roy Lauter’s evening message was entitled “Beware of the Dog,” spotlighting the story of Elisha and Ben-hadad in 2 Kings 8:7-15, with reference to Philippians 3:2. With an “Ezra and Arze” story, and a true story from his own experience, Roy illustrated that the “dog of sin” bites every time. He closed with this admonition: Beware of the sleeping dogs in the believer’s unpurified heart.

2010-07-10T03:58:00.000-07:00

Life is good, God is better, and his people are something else!

First, thanks to some of God’s people. Thanks to Heidi Shreve and Beth Neihof for stepping up and stepping in to help with our Sebring Camp children on Friday morning while Don and Jessica Specht were away ministering to their family in the event of Don’s brother-in-law’s passing.

Bob Flint began our Adult Bible Study with an excellent overview of the book Hebrews. Roy Lauter’s morning message was a challenging indictment. Roy called it a “lecmon” –a combination of lecture and sermon. His subject was “culpable neutrality,” calling us as Christians to rise up and take a stand in our world and culture for that which is right and godly. Not getting involved—or neutrality—is not an option.

John Neihof’s evening message from Jeremiah 2:22, filled with vivid illustrations from his own experiences, was a tender appeal to the simplicity of the gospel. Young and old alike shall not soon forget, “We have sin problem, and the sinner needs salvation, not soap.”

We’re looking forward to a great Saturday at Sebring Camp. WeatherBug promises mostly sunny, cooler than it has been temperatures, with only a 5% chance of precipitation. We begin this morning with another great passage on prayer—Genesis 32:24-32—wrestling Jacob. Much more certain than WeatherBug is God’s promise to bless!

If you can, join us today on old Quaker Hill in Sebring. If you can’t, pray for us, that God will bless, and touch the lives of children, youth, and adults with His grace.

2010-07-09T03:40:00.001-07:00

First, we covet your prayers for our Children’s Evangelist, Don Specht and family. Don’s brother-in-law passed away suddenly on Thursday evening in Canton, Ohio. Don will be attending to his family and especially his sister, Laurie, as needed. Heidi Shreve will be ministering to our children this Friday morning. Your prayers for her are also appreciated.

We are off to a great start! Roy Lauter preached on “Blind Bartimaeus” last night, highlighting the wonderful good news, “He is calling for you!”

We’ll begin today with a brief devotional and morning prayer meeting at 7:15. One of the great passages on prayer is 2 Kings 6, when Elisha prays that his servant’s eyes will be opened. Lon Woodrum, a wonderful evangelist, who preached many times at Sebring Camp put it this way in his poem:

God Has Chariots, Too
by Lon Woodrum

Elijah stood by the Jordan ford
And said, "Elisha, here comes the Lord!"
A fiery chariot came blazing by—
A whirlwind swept down from the sky.

Elijah rocketed through the air,
And left Elisha—just standing there!
Elisha went in the power of grace,
To speak the Word in Elijah’s place.

His preaching angered a Syrian King,
Who called his general, ordering:
"Go, find Elisha—wherever he be,
And bring that preaching man to me!"

Elisha, sleeping sound one morning,
Suddenly woke at his servant’s warning:
"An army’s coming ~ with chariots, too!
We have no army, what shall we do?"

Elisha rose, and gave a roar:
"So, they have chariots, but God has more!
O Lord, please open this young man’s eyes,
Show him the Captain of earth and skies!"

God’s answer came like a sudden shout;
The young man looked, and his eyes stood out.
Ten thousand horses pawed the sod,
Before the chariots sent by God!

Why count your enemies and start to moan,
Remember, "God is King, He has a throne!
Don’t count your troubles, and lose your nerve;
God has battalions in reserve!

Your enemies may have troops galore—
But the Lord God has chariots, too,
And HE has a whole lot more!

President's Message - 2002 - Still Appropo

2010-07-07T10:18:00.000-07:00

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

Those are the last lines of Robert Frost’s famous poem, The Road Not Taken. That poem has persuaded many of us to stop and reflect on the paths of life we have journeyed. Truthfully, most of us walk on well worn tracks where many others have led the way. However, if you’re part of the campmeeting crowd, you traverse a trail where most people do not tread.

Only a fraction of the American populace attends campmeeting. Not even a majority of the church crowd finds its way to a tabernacle in the woods. In fact, to a great extent, the “holiness crowd” (whatever you conceive that to be) has found other paths to wander in the recreational frenzy of the American summer. Let me thank you for considering The Road Less Traveled.

At the end of his poem, Frost declared that his choice of the less traveled road had made all the difference. I believe choices do make a great deal of difference, and perhaps “all the difference.” This less traveled road to campmeeting can make a difference in your life, and could make all the difference for eternity, for you and others you know and love.

The campmeeting road is a unique experience. If you have walked this way before, I don’t need to explain. If you haven’t, there’s no use trying. You just need to make the trek yourself. You will discover what I’m talking about.

I hope to see you on the road less traveled these next ten days. For those of you who have gone this way before, as it always does, it will give me great joy to see you there again. If campmeeting is a road you have never taken, there’s no finer way to go, and no better place to meet with God and those who love Him. If you do make the journey, I believe you’ll be glad you did. And if you do, I’ll

See you at Campmeeting time!

Charles A. Nutt, President
Sebring Interdenominational Holiness Campmeeting
charlesanutt@aol.com
615-775-4526

2009-07-10T13:29:00.000-07:00

"For more than 100 years the people of God have gathered on this local eminence known as Quaker Hill. For more than 100 years, the message of new life in Christ, and the call to holy living has thundered from this pulpit. For more than 100 years, boys and girls and men and women with a hunger and thirst for God have gathered together here for ten days of glory and a taste of heaven!

We are part of a glorious tradition, and a present that is packed with possibilities! It’s July in Sebring, Ohio, and once again, it’s Camp Meeting time!"

With those words President Charles Nutt opened the 105th encampment.

Dr. Stephen Manley preached from Acts 2:1-4, specifically on the text, "when the day of Pentecost had fully come," describing how the author was linking this event with the Old Testament, and how it was the climax of God's plan.

Bob Flint, Sebring Camp board member and full time evangelist is leading our Morning Prayer Meeting. He began these meetings with Paul's charge to Timothy in 1 Timothy 2:1, that "first of all," (a priority), he wanted requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone.

Dr. Manley opened the Morning Bible Study series Friday morning teaching from Matthew 3, with an intensive look at the meaning of repentance. That is, that it includes not only sorrow and turning from sin, but also, giving a former thought, to embrace a second or new thought.

Friday evening featured a Pre-Service concert by New Hope from Kentucky Mountain Bible College. Dr. Doug Lepter preached from John 14:9 - "show us the Father," emphasizing God's relentless pursuit of us, and how Jesus shows us the Father in Himself.

2009-07-08T09:39:00.000-07:00

Click on the links under Sebring Camp 2009 in the left hand column for a complete Sebring Camp Calendar and Schedule, and for Sebring, Ohio, weather.

Stephen Manley Returns to Open Sebring Holiness Encampment

Dr. Stephen Manley of Lebanon, Tennessee, returns to Sebring Camp Meeting and will be the opening speaker for the 105th annual session, Thursday evening, July 9, at 7:30 p.m. Dr. Manley previously served as an evangelist at Sebring Camp in 1996, 2002, and 2005.

Stephen Manley began his pastoral ministry in 1960. The call to full-time evangelism became clear in the Spring of 1968 and has served as a full time evangelist since that time. He travels approximately 49 weeks annually speaking in churches, camps and conferences. Since 1987 he has trained Evangelist Interns who travel with him during the summer months.

Dr. Manley received his Doctor of Ministry degree in 1981 from Luther Rice Seminary. He has written more than 50 books. For more information about Dr. Manley, visit his website: Cross Style International Ministries.

The encampment runs through Sunday evening, July 19th, and is located at 895 McKinley Avenue in Sebring. For more information visit Sebring Camp Online, or call 330-938-9444.

A Video Snapshot of Stephen Manley - Sebring Camp Meeting Evangelist - 2009

2008-11-20T20:03:00.000-08:00

Stephen Manley will serve as one of our evangelists and our Bible Teacher at Sebring Camp Meeting, July 9-19, 2009. Catch a preview in the video below.

FALL BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

2008-11-02T13:02:00.000-08:00

The Sebring Camp Meeting Board of Management met for the regular Fall Board meeting, Saturday, November 1st, 1:00 p.m. at the Speakman Memorial Building on the campground. Eighteen members were present.

Highlights included:

Election of Officers:

President - Rev. Charles Nutt (by Yes/No ballot - 17 Yes, 1 No)

All other officers were elected by unanimous acclamation:

First Vice President - Rev. Mike Kimball
Second Vice President - Rev. Michael Will
Treasurer - James Nutt
Assistant Treasurer - Elwood Speakman
Secretary - Karrie Varagliotti
Assistant Secretary - Heidi Graybeal
Membership Secretary - Mae Clark
Trustees - Ken Brooks, Todd Howard, Gary Smith, Elwood Speakman, Dave Sweeley

Review of Workers for the July 9-19, 2009 Encampment:

Stephen Manley, Evangelist and Bible Teacher

Doug Lepter - Evangelist

Alan Pike, Music and Worship

Jeremiah Bolich, Youth Evangelist

Other business included review of the Treasurer's report, approval of Association members, and review of the 2008 online Evaluation Survey Results and Comments. The President's Committee appointments were also reviewed and approved. Committees and their appointed Chairpersons include:

Adult Ministries - Tim Keen
Board Development (Nominating) - President Charles Nutt
Children's Ministries - Ken Brooks
Executive/Program - President Charles Nutt
Finance - Treasurer James Nutt
Food Services - Grace Baughman
Missions - Gary Smith
Public Relations - Heidi Graybeal
Resource Development - President Charles Nutt
Trustees - Ken Brooks
Youth Ministries - Quint Bryan

The Camp Trustees recommended allocating $5,000 for roof maintenance of camp buildings. This was approved unanimously by the Board of Management. Building roofs include, in priority order:

1) Speakman Memorial Building
2) Caretaker Cottage

Giving to the General Fund will greatly assist with the completion of these maintenance projects! Your gifts are much appreciated!

Sebring Camp Meeting

P. O. Box 97

Sebring, OH 44672

The Spring meeting of the Board of Management is scheduled for Saturday, May 2nd, 2009, 1:00 p.m., at the Speakman Memorial Building at the campground.

Former Sebring Camp Song Evangelist Tom Kildow Passes Away

2008-09-16T18:33:00.000-07:00

Former Sebring Camp Song Evangelist Tom Kildow passed away Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008, of an anuerysm near his heart, at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, Florida. He was born May 11, 1935, in Bethesda, OH, a son of Walter and Marjorie Kildow, and was a graduate of Bethesda High School. He is survived by his wife, Lois.

In his later years, Tom was an Associate member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, Largo, Florida, and served in lay visitation as a Stephen Minister. A viewing was held Tuesday, Sept. 9th, at 10 am, with a church service at 11:30 am, St. Paul United Methodist Church in Largo. Interment was at Washington Cemetery, Washington, PA.

Tom served as a song evangelist at Sebring Camp, perhaps half a dozen times in the 70's, 80's, and 90's. He served the Lord in many camps and churches for nearly 30 years. He will be best remembered for his big voice, big laugh, and tender spirit.

If you would like to share a memory about Tom, please feel to leave a comment here. All comments to the blog are reviewed and will be posted shortly.

STEPHEN MANLEY - SEBRING CAMP MEETING EVANGELIST 2009

2008-09-03T01:00:00.000-07:00

Stephen Manley of Crossstyle International Ministries will return for his fourth engagement as an evangelist at Sebring Camp Meeting 2009. The following article appeared recently in The Evangelists' Perspective magazine, a publication of Revivalism Ministries.

THE ANTIDOTE FOR DRIFTING

by Stephen Manley
Nashville, TN
Evangelist, Church of the Nazarene

The first recorded business meeting of the early church (Acts 1:15-26) was called to address the issue of the office left vacant by Judas. The reason given for calling the meeting was the Scripture. Peter said to the group, “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas,” (Acts 1:16).

There are several astounding implications from this statement! They believed that the Scripture had to be fulfilled. The Greek word translated had to be is often translated “must” or “ought.” It has the idea of “Divine decree.” The early church believed the sovereign hand of Almighty God was supporting the Scriptures. The document of the Scriptures is as sure and dependable as God is! If the Scripture is not true, then God is not true.

Jesus appeared to His disciples in the upper room. After eating with them, He opened the Scriptures to them (Luke 24:44-49). Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things MUST be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me,” (Luke 24:44). Jesus viewed His life experience through the fulfillment of the Scriptures. He based His purpose for living upon the Scriptures. God’s sovereign hand was active in producing the life of Jesus as God revealed it in what He said, the Scriptures.

A young college student indicated she was taught that only the actual words of Jesus were authentic in the Scriptures. Everything else was questionable because of hearsay, paganism and tradition. If you accept only what Jesus said then you will certainly embrace the entire Old Testament. Jesus speaks of it as the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms. According to Jesus, the sovereign hand of God brings this to pass. Remember the resurrected Lord is speaking these words. He is on the other side of the grave and has a better perspective than you or me. You or I may not agree with the authority and authenticity of the Old Testament, but you must admit the resurrected Christ believed in it.

If you believe the Living Word is actually speaking and directing the Written Word, would you not base your entire life upon it? Would you not search its pages night and day? Would not the Scriptures be at the heart of every sermon, Sunday school class and counseling session? If our children ask us a question, would we not immediately take them to the Scriptures? We would listen to the Scriptures before we would listen to Dr. Phil. If we did this would it not keep us from drifting? The popular whims of doctrine will not affect us as we allow the Author of the Book to continue to reveal Himself to us.

Another strong implication emerges from the statement Peter made at the first recorded business meeting in which the Holy Spirit spoke. Peter proceeds to quote two Scriptures from the Book of Psalms (Acts 1:20). He actually says that the Holy Spirit spoke these words. You and I might question it, but obviously Peter believed the Book of Psalms was spoken by God. In a moment of crisis, the early church (numbering in the thousands) broke into praise. In this praise session they quoted from the Book of Psalms. They cried out, “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, who by the mouth of Your servant David have said:” (Acts 4:24-25). Evidently the entire early church believed God was responsible for speaking the Book of Psalms. Paul was imprisoned in a house in Rome. The Jews came to spend a day with him. During that time he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening (Acts 28:23). The truth of the Word divided the congregation. Before they left Paul had one more word to say, “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers…” (Acts 28:25). He then proceeded to quote from the Book of Isaiah. We argue about the authorship of this book. Some think it was a compilation of two or more authors. Paul, who was closer to its original writing than we are, believed it was spoken by God.

What would happen if you and I believed the sovereign hand of God was behind the Scriptures? What would happen if you and I believed it was actually spoken by God? When you read the Scripture, it is as if the lips of Jesus part and He actually speaks to you! Would we not constantly apply His instruction to our lives? Would we not make His Word the pivot point of every decision? Would this not keep us from drifting?

Drifting always takes place when we make the Scriptures only one avenue of revelation among many. The peak of self-centered carnality is to think my academic opinion is equal to what God has spoken. My thinking made superior to His wisdom and revelation is the pinnacle of folly. Folly still abides in believing God is speaking His Word, but I must interpret it for my day. A thorough knowledge of theology and my culture does not give me the ability to adequately apply truth. The indwelt Author must speak His Word to my life and I must listen intently as He applies it to my living. “Jesus is Lord of my life” means that I bend my entire life experience under the authority of what He speaks through His Word. I am not adequate to interpret it; I must surrender to it!

The Author of the Scriptures will not allow us to drift if we listen to His Word. He will not allow us to miss His revelation of truth for our day, if we will come under the authority of His Word. Is this not the solution for our drifting?

(Published on this site with permission of Dr. Stephen Manley)

Christian Motorcycle Group Revitalizes the Sebring Camp Crosses

2008-08-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

On hilltops all around the country (29 states and the District of Columbia) you have probably seen three crosses standing as a silent witness to Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for us. A man by the name of Bernard Coffindaffer spent $3,000,000 of his own money through his nonprofit organization, Crosses of Mercy - Cast Thy Bread, Inc., now called Crosses Across America, Inc., to plant 1,864 clusters of these crosses. Several years ago, in the 1980's, Art Speakman arranged for Coffindaffer to plant one of those clusters on the Sebring Campgrounds.

A Christian Motorcycle organization from the Canton, Ohio, area, known as Ring of Iron, has taken on the ministry of helping to maintain the silent witness of the crosses around northeastern Ohio. On Saturday, August 2nd, they offered this ministry to the Lord and to Sebring Camp by painting and straightening the crosses on our grounds (See photos below by Jennifer Nutt).

We want to express our thanks to Ring of Iron for this labor of love, and we encourage everyone to visit the web sites of Crosses Across America and Ring of Iron.

THE ECONOMY, THE WORLD SITUATION, AND MY STEWARDSHIP

2008-08-04T12:11:00.000-07:00

You will find below an encouraging article about charitable and religious giving in tough economic times from The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. Thank you for all your faithful stewardship to your church, the causes you care about, and Sebring Camp Meeting!

How Do Crisis and the Economy Affect Giving?

When the economy slows down, churches and other charitable organizations that depend on donations grow concerned. How will the crisis and the economy affect giving? It is a question that is frequently asked, most recently in the wake of the September 11 attacks on America. The question was taken up in 2002 by the AAFRC Trust for Philanthropy and The Center On Philanthropy at Indiana University. Together they examined historical precedents that might affect giving. They examined what happened to the economy and giving in the years surrounding 13 major events of terrorism, war (or war-like) acts, and political or economic crisis. They are: the World War II Fall of France, Pearl Harbor, the Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the U.S. Bombing of Cambodia, the Gulf War, the bombings of the World Trade Center (1993) and Oklahoma City, the Assassination of President Kennedy, the Resignation of President Nixon, the Arab Oil Embargo, the Hunt Silver Crisis, and the 1987 Financial Panic ("Black Monday").

What they found is that the total amount of giving in the U.S. has increased every year but one (1987) for the past 40 years, including through wars, recessions and other crises. While the rate of growth has varied from year to year, each year Americans have given more than the previous year. This is an encouraging finding for churches and other charitable organizations, especially in the midst of a capital campaign or project that requires large financial resources.

2008 is characterized by wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, a political election for President, and an economic downturn. The study provides very positive analysis for what may be expected. In regards to the effect of war on giving, growth in giving rose faster in the years after acts of war than it did in the years prior to acts of war. The one exception is Pearl Harbor, when giving in 1942 rose at the rate very close to the rate of growth for 1940.

The study examined the Black Monday of 1987, the Arab Oil Embargo, and the Hunt Silver Crises. In the year following each of these economic crises, the rate of growth in giving exceeded that of the year of the event.

A press released issued by the study included the following remarks, "Our findings from this evaluation and other studies show that both the stock market and giving are resilient," said Eugene R. Tempel, executive director of the Center on Philanthropy. "While this is a unique situation, in the past Americans have shown a remarkable capacity to recover from adversity, both economically and spiritually, as measured by the stock market and giving."

For more information, view the entire report with supporting data on the Center for Philanthropy at Indiana University website: Update – What Do Crises Mean for Giving?
Data Sources: Stock Market Change: Dow Jones Industrial Average,
Daily Values Gross Domestic Product Change: Bureau of Economic Analysis in a file released March 2001
Total Giving: Giving USA annual editions and historical records from Statistics of Income, Internal Revenue Service

SECOND CENTURY SOCIETY UPDATE

2008-07-28T17:18:00.000-07:00

The Sebring Camp Meeting Second Century Society for unrestricted gifts was initiated at the 2008 encampment. Commitments thus far total $90,480 over the next five years, more than $18,000 per year.

If you have not already done so, you are invited to become a founding member in this inaugural year of the Society. You can find a form to print at the first blog post entitled "SECOND CENTURY SOCIETY," or email President Nutt at chuck@sebringcamp.org to request a form. Listed below are the number of members in each Second Century Society Circle.

Presidents' Circle: $500-$999 per year (July 1 - June 30) for 5 years

12 members

Tabernacle Circle: $1,000-$2,499 per year (July 1 - June 30) for 5 years

Five members

Sebring Circle: $2,500 or more per year (July 1 - June 30) for 5 years

Two members

Anne S. Murphy Endowment: Commitment to leave a bequest to Sebring Camp Meeting
(Anne S. Murphy was a co-founder of Sebring Camp Meeting and writer/composer of the gospel song, "Constantly Abiding").

Four members

Thank you to all those participating!

ASSOCIATION MEETING

2008-07-19T16:58:00.000-07:00

The annual meeting of the Sebring Interdenominational Holiness Camp Meeting Association was held Saturday afternoon, July 19th, at 1:00 p.m., in the Dowler Youth Tabernacle. The primary business of the Association is to elect members to the Sebring Camp Board of Management.

Gary Sylvestri resigned from the Board of Management, and after nearly 40 years of service, Dr. Ed Mitchell accepted Emeritus status.

Newly elected board members included Tim Keen, Coordinator of Ministries at Community United Methodist Church in Circleville, Ohio, and Rev. Matt Smith, Pastor of Lupton Evangelical Friends Church in Lupton, Michigan.

Officers of the Board of Management are elected annually at the Fall Board meeting. Following is the current list of officers and members.

Board Officers

Rev. Charles Nutt, President
Rev. Mike Kimball, First Vice President
James Nutt, Treasurer
Karrie Varagliotti, Secretary

Trustees

Ken Brooks, Chairman; Children's Director
Todd Howard
Gary Smith
Elwood Speakman, Assistant Treasurer
Dave Sweely

Other Board Members

Grace Baughman
Rev. Quint Bryan, Youth Director
Mae Clark, Membership Secretary
Amee Cook
Rev. Robert Flint
Heidi Graybeal, Assistant Secretary
Helen Halverstadt
Joy Hamilton
Tim Keen
Mark Miller
Rev. Matt Smith
Debbie Sponseller
Michaele Spreeman
Lisbeth Stanford
Rev. Michael Will

Emeritus Members

Larry Dowler
Ed French
Wanda Gossard
Tom Howard
Dave Mitchell
Dr. Ed Mitchell
Edwin Mosher
Carl Smith

SECOND CENTURY SOCIETY

2008-07-17T23:30:00.000-07:00

104th Encampment
July 10-20, 2008

Dear friends of Sebring Camp,

Sebring Camp Meeting’s Constitution states that our mission is:

“the promotion and spreading of God’s Word in its entirety with the emphasis on the doctrine of ‘scriptural Holiness.’ Further, it shall be for the spiritual benefit of all denominations, endeavoring to ‘keep the unity of the Spirit’ (Ephesians 4:3) in an interdenominational fellowship.”

For more than 100 years that mission has been faithfully carried out in this place we call the Sebring Campgrounds, a gift of the Sebring family, founders of this community. It was a legacy gift that has paid eternal dividends to all the succeeding generations that have walked here. I believe it is a gift to which we in this generation must give appropriate stewardship, that the generations that follow after us may also reap eternal rewards.

Throughout the years, there have been many people that have given a part of their life to minister to children, youth, and adults. They have preached, taught, and sung the Word of God. They have been the means by which the mission has been promoted and proclaimed. These good folks, and those who will minister in years to come, also deserve our appropriate stewardship.

It is for this mission (the promotion and proclamation of God’s Word) and these means (this place and the people who minister) that I ask you to consider becoming a member of Sebring Camp Meeting’s Second Century Society.

You will find a copy of the commitment form below that you can copy, paste and print. Would you prayerfully ask God what He would do through you to accomplish His will for Sebring Camp Meeting? It is my prayer that every friend of Sebring Camp will consider a significant and maximum gift to this effort. Thank you!

For Christ’s sake,

Charles A. Nutt, President
Sebring Interdenominational Holiness Camp Meeting

Send form to:

Sebring Camp Meeting
P. O. Box 97
Sebring, OH 44672

Sebring Interdenominational
Holiness Camp Meeting

Second Century Society
For Unrestricted Gifts

I want to become a founding member of the Second Century Society:

____ Presidents’ Circle: $500 per year (July 1-June 30) for 5 years

____ Tabernacle Circle: $1,000 per year (July 1-June 30) for 5 years

____ Sebring Circle: $2,500 per year (July 1-June 30) for 5 years

____ Anne S. Murphy Endowment: Current gift of $1,000, or I will remember Sebring Camp in my will. (Anne S. Murphy was a co-founder of Sebring Camp Meeting and writer/composer of the gospel song, “Constantly Abiding”).

I would like to contribute in other ways:

____ Contribute $__________ for _____ year(s).

____ Please contact me, I have other thoughts to share.

____ Please contact me about making my gift with stock.

Signature:___________________________Date:____________

Name______________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________

City _____________________ State ____ Zip ______________

Day Phone ( ___ ) _________ Evening Phone ( ___ ) __________

E-mail Address ______________________________________

MISSIONARY DAY

2008-07-17T07:39:00.001-07:00

Thursday, July 17 is Missionary Day at Sebring Camp Meeting.

Barbara Pinkley of World Gospel Mission is our missionary for 2008. Barbara
has served as a missionary to Kenya since 1981.

For more information about Barbara and her ministries, click on the links above.

Our Bible Study teacher, Dr. Bruce Moyer, is preaching in the Thursday evening missionary service. Bruce and his wife, Ruth, formerly served as missionaries with World Gospel Mission in Bolivia. In addition to his current duties as President of Vennard College, he also serves as a member of the WGM Board of Directors.

Learn more about Dr. Moyer's new book, Those Contemplative Cats.

All offerings received on Missionary Day will go toward the support of Barbara Pinkley unless otherwise designated.

If you would like to support the Missions program of Sebring Camp, please mark your check for "Missions" and send to:

Sebring Camp Meeting
P. O. Box 97
Sebring, OH 44672

Thank you!

DR. MOYER'S BIBLE STUDY - Sunday - Wednesday

2008-07-16T11:25:00.000-07:00

Sunday, July 13

David and Saul, 1 Samuel 18-31

"God's Instructions for Life on the Run"

Aren't you glad God doesn't always show you what tomorrow holds?

Instruction #1 - Stay Flexible

Be ready to move!

Allow God to move us in new directions

God may be ready to do something brand new in your life

Instruction #2 - Stay Humble

Its not about you.

Its always about what God wants to do through you.

Instruction #3 - Stay Patient

David spends at least 15 years running from Saul.

Patience required that he go against the flow of opinion.

Patience required that he not seek revenge.

Instruction #4 - Stay Teachable

- Because he stayed teachable:

The cave dweller became a champion.

Whining turned to winning.

Helplessness became holiness.

Loneliness became a longing for God.

Running turned into rest

Testing resulted in triumph.

Monday, July 14

David and Jonathan, 1 Samuel 18-31

"God's Model for Biblical Friendship"

1. Communion over Compromising, 18:1; 20:42, a faith-based relationship

2. Commitment over Circumstances, covenant, 18:3; 20:16-17; 20:42; 23:18

3. Communication over Chit-Chat (light-hearted talk), chapter 20

4. Courage over Convenience

Jonathan warned David, 19:1-2

To Saul, "You're wrong about David," 19:4

Saul angry with Jonathan, 20:30-33

5. Constructive over Competitive, spoke well of David, 19:4

6. Costly over Comfortable, 18:1, 3; 20:17

Love always carries a price; it always involves sacrifice.

Tuesday, July 15

David and Nabal and Abigail, 1 Samuel 25

"How to Respond Right When Things Go Wrong"

1. Delay Your Response

2. Deliberate With Reason

- To deliberate with those who are responding in anger, respond with:

Humility

Wisdom and understanding

Truth

3. Determine to Leave the Results With God

David kept his reputation as a man of God intact

Kept a clear conscience

Kept the glory of God ahead of his own

David and . . .

1. Saul - Showing Compassion in My Conquests

2. Isbosheth and Abner - Practicing Charity with My Competitors

3. Shimei - Staying Calm, Cool, Collected with My Critics

4. Mephibosheth - Maintaining Consistency with My Commitments

Wednesday, July 16

David and Bathsheba

"God's Instructions for Staying True"

1. It doesn't matter how high you are . . . you can still fall.

Laziness - in bed when he should have been in battle

Lingering - his glance became a gaze

Listening - listened to his passion rather than listening to a person who tried to warn him

2. It doesn't matter what others think . . . only what God thinks.

3. It doesn't matter how you cover up sin . . . there are always consequences.

4. It doesn't matter how bad you've been . . . God's grace can restore you.

New Youth Tabernacle Named

2008-07-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

A great Sunday evening service began with the naming of the new youth tabernacle at Sebring Camp.

Larry and Bev Dowler served the youth program of Sebring Camp Meeting for more than 30 years, as counselors and directors. Their efforts in prayer, time, work, and finances have been monumental and sacrificial. They touched the lives of hundreds of youth during their ministry.

The financial contributions of Larry and Bev, and their extended family have made the construction of the youth tabernacle possible.

In their honor and in recognition of the Dowler family's considerable contribution to Sebring Camp youth ministry, the Board of Management has, by unanimous vote, declared that this structure shall be identified as the Dowler Youth Tabernacle.

Thank you and congratulations to Larry, Bev, Scott, and Amy Dowler, and their entire family!

Saturday, July 12, 2008

2008-07-12T15:48:00.000-07:00

Morning Bible Study, 9:30 a.m.

Dr Moyer continued his study of David from 1 Samuel 17, David and Goliath.

Title: "God's Principles for Fighting Battles"
Key Verse: 1 Samuel 17:47 - "The battle is the Lord's."

Principle #1 - An Unusual Contentment
A. With who you are in Christ
B. Though King-elect, David was content to tend sheep and let God's plan unfold.
C. He was not looking for battles, he let the battles come to him.
D. Some battles are worth fighting, some are not.

Principle #2 - An Unquestionable Cause
A. Something was really at stake, God's honor.
B. Fight for the right reasons.

Principle #3 - An Unshakeable Confidence
A. Let no one lose heart.
B. The Lord will deliver me.

Principle #4 - An Unconquerable Comprehension
A. An absolute awareness that it was God's battle.
B. The battle is the Lord's.

Saturday Evening, 7:30 p.m.

Billy Huddleston preached from Mark 1:2-8.

The prophecy of a messenger, Mark 1:2-3.
John came, v.4.

Jesus said John was great. What made him great?

God really does use strange people.

John the Baptist:
- A strange beginning, his birth
- A strange dwelling, the wilderness
- Strange dress, camel's hair and a leather belt
- A strange diet, locusts and wild honey
- A strange message, he just said it the way it was
- A strange response, the people came en masse

But what made him great?

He had a very strange characteristic: He lived all his life for one moment.

He lived his entire life to point others to Jesus!
"Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29)
"He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30).

Friday, July 11, 2008

2008-07-12T06:17:00.000-07:00

Morning Bible Study – 9:30 a.m.

Dr. Bruce Moyer is leading a study on the life of David each morning, looking particularly at David’s relationships with others. Friday morning’s study:

Relationship: David and Samuel
Text: 1 Samuel 16:1-13
Interesting facts: 1) There are more chapters in the Bible about David than anybody except Jesus. 2) He is the only man described as a “man after God’s own heart.”

Title: “God’s Criteria for Choosing Leaders”

I. Spirituality – God looks at the heart
- Acts 13:22, he will do everything I want him to do
- Obedience is at the heart of having a heart like God’s
II. Servanthood
- David – “the nobody that nobody noticed” (Chuck Swindoll)
III. Simplicity – integrity of heart
- integrity – “having simplicity of life; complete; whole, innocent, wholesome
- Integrity is what you are when nobody’s looking.
- Show me first how you tend sheep.

Friday Morning Service – 10:45 a.m.

Billy Huddleston spoke from Mark 1:1 – “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son God.”

He related this back to Genesis 1:1, the creation story and Adam and Eve’s fall into sin, and separation from God. One of his statements that touched me the most: The most beautiful picture in all of Scripture, except for Jesus hanging on the cross, is God, walking through the Garden of Eden calling out, “Adam, where are you?”

He then told how Mark just starts out his gospel the beginning of the good news, which is Jesus Christ, and how it is all about Him.

He closed with the first line Rick Warren’s best selling book, The Purpose-Driven Life, “It’s not about you.”

Friday Evening Service – 7:30 p.m.

Our youth opened the service singing, “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High.”

Alan Pike led us beautifully in singing, highlighted for me with the great hymn, “Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty,” and the reverent singing of “‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus,” leading us to prayer. Alan sang “Daystar” as his special number.

George Holley preached from Ephesians 2:8-10. He began talking about different kinds advertising and our familiarity with advertising slogans, and told lastly of a recent commercial which says, “I hate your commercials, but I love your product!”

He used this to illustrate that in our culture there is an increasing interest in Jesus, but a decreasing interest in Christianity in the Church.

He then noted three words that Christians are called to be as “advertisements” for Christ to the world around us:

1) Workmanship – Ephesians 2:10
2) Ambassador – 2 Corinthians 5:20
3) Example – 1 Timothy 4:12
- in Word
- in Conversation
- in Love
- in Spirit
- in Faith
- in Purity

Sebring Holiness Camp Meeting - July 10, 2008

2008-07-11T12:34:00.000-07:00

We are off to a great start at Sebring Camp Meeting! Services began Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m.

We have 61 young people in our youth program and there are already 38 children registered, ages 6-11.

Billy Huddleston was our preacher for the evening in the adult service. Billy began with the words from an old gospel song:

Touching Jesus is all that really matters,
Then your life will never be the same.
There is only one way to touch Him,
Just believe when you call on His name.

He pointed out that during this encampment, the only thing that really matters is touching Jesus. He then dramatically related three stories from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus touching the leper, the woman with the hemorrage for 12 years who reached out to touch the hem of Jesus' garment, and the healing of blind Bartimaeus. He stated three simple, yet profound truths about Jesus:

1) He is here.
2) He cares.
3) He is able to do whatever needs to be done in your life.

Thank for your prayers for this 104th encampment! If you are in the area please make plans to come be with us. A complete schedule can be found on the Sebring Camp web site: http://www.sebringcamp.org/.