Camp meeting is a time to unite as one big family to worship God.
On Wednesday, July 10, 2024, Mount Ellis Academy's campus came to life as church family members arrived for Montana Conference Camp Meeting. This year's theme was "Come, Rest Awhile," based on the story in the book of Mark when Jesus told His followers to rest from their busy ministries.
John Bradshaw, It Is Written president, shared relevant messages for Adventists to be sure of their salvation and to be filled with the Holy Spirit daily as they walk in the newness of life.
Terry Johnsson, Adventist Health Portland mission integration executive, shared his unreal testimony of how God placed him in the honor guard to serve under three different U.S. presidents. The audience was captivated by miracle after miracle God performed to intervene in someone's life. Johnsson ended his session by praying for anyone who wanted to surrender their big obstacle to God and for God to do something miraculous in their situation.
One thing that makes Montana Conference Camp Meeting unique is the wholistic living workshops. The number of offered workshops was doubled compared to last year.
Yes, people could sit in an auditorium all day listening to various speakers, but the desire is to enhance the quality of life. Some of this year's workshops included learning how to study the Bible, digital evangelism, marriage and family, metal detecting, watercolors and plant-based cooking. 450 people attended more than 30 workshops in just two days.
The Chow Court was a new addition this year. It was created to help Pathfinder clubs and schools raise money for the International Pathfinder Camporee, building projects or class trips. It gave the cafeteria a break, allowing people to choose various foods. Falafel bowls, burgers, chimichangas, acai bowls and poutine were just a few of the items to choose from. Everything was delicious! The most challenging part of mealtime was deciding what to eat.
The children's division focused on the "Armor of God," while the earliteen division discovered "God's Great Adventure." The youth division was led by the Here I Am Send Me 360 team again this year, and their theme was "The Greatest Love." The youth also spent time doing street evangelism in downtown Bozeman.
Saturday evening closed out the weekend with another unique addition, Montana's Got Praise. This program featured musical talent from church members across the state. It was such a rich program of praise and worship that it could be an ongoing tradition.
Camp meeting is such a joy. It's a time to come together as one big family to worship God, to be reminded of our mission, to learn something new and to make lifelong connections.
Save the date for Montana Conference Camp Meeting 2025 — July 16–19!
Jim Jenkins, Montana Conference vice president of administration (left), and Ken Norton, Montana Conference president (right), interview Alex Bryan, Walla Walla University president (middle), on Sabbath during camp meeting.
Credit: Stephen Carlile
The Youth Choir sings a special music for church on Sabbath morning.
Credit: Stephen Carlile
John Bradshaw, It Is Written president, speaks at the evening meetings.
Credit: Stephen Carlile
