Every Fourth of July, horse lovers, those who like ATVs and friends from around the Northwest gather for camp meeting under a big tent out in God’s second book, nature. This year camp meeting was held at Cabell Meadow in the Blue Mountains of Oregon, just 2 miles from the mining ghost town of Cabell City and right next to the John Day Wilderness. Campers (and those who came just for Sabbath) enjoyed Jeremiah Smart’s evenings and Sabbath devotional talks as he spoke on repentance and the grace of God. Smart is a pastor of a church in Des Moines, Iowa. He attended Cowboy Camp Meeting as a boy, and his stories of the memories he shared were enjoyed by all.
This was a wonderful time with lots of singing, friends, kids, visiting, riding horses or ATVs on the beautiful trails, and exploring old mining sites. The five days included scheduled activities such as an auction, scampfire singing, a hidden painted rocks hunt, potluck, membership meeting, children’s church, kids parade, and more. Past activities have included Dutch oven cooking demos, horse training clinics, 5-mile trail challenges on horses, and a kids’ day when the kids have different events to accomplish on their horses in the meadow.
This was Cowboy Camp Meeting’s 36th year. Five charter members were present: Charlie and Marjorie Brown, Loren and Ruth Fenton, and Gene Jacobson. Their idea of having a camp meeting with horses certainly has grown.
Next year the camp meeting site has not been chosen (it’s different every year), but the dates are July 2–6, 2019. Anyone is welcome: Adventist or non-Adventist, a camper or a day visitor, with a horse or ATV or not. Mark your calendar and plan to come for a blessing and making new friends.
To sign up for the newsletter or to find out about next year’s camp meeting location, email christiantrailrider@gmail.com. And you can always check out the AHA website at www.adventisthorsemansassociation.com or find us on Facebook.
Greg Middlestetter, AHA president, tells a story about fireworks and his angel’s protection.
Those who found one of the 21 painted rocks show them off. The rocks were hidden along a 2-mile trail to Cabell City.
Dennis Strickland and Greg Middlestetter enjoy a ride.
ATVs were welcome at Cowboy Camp Meeting this year.
The Kids Parade is always a favorite.
The Kids Parade is always a favorite.
Dakota Pierce rides in the Kids Parade.
The Kids Parade is always a favorite.
The Kids Parade is always a favorite.
Yanita Smark rides in the Kids Parade.
The meeting tent shelters camp meeting attendees in Cabell Meadow near Granite, Ore., in the Blue Mountains.
Pastor Jeremiah Smart came from Des Moines, Iowa, to be the guest speaker.
Five charter members of the 36-year-old Adventist Horseman’s Association attended cowboy camp meeting: (seated) Ruth and Loren Fenton, Gene Jacobson, and (standing) Marjorie and Charlie Brown.
