Four churches and a company from Upper Columbia Conference gathered for a regional campout with the theme “I Want to Go to Heaven." Tucked away in Wilderness Gateway Campground of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, the weekend meetings drew campers from Aug. 13–17, 2025.
Morning and evening devotions challenged campers with the aspects of preparing for Jesus’ coming. Topics included discerning and defending the truth of God's word, experiencing God's mercy and extending that mercy to others, understanding the importance of our cooperative response to Christ’s sacrificial death, and the need for continued growth after making a decision for Christ and being baptized.
Up to 150 members and guests from as far away as Arkansas gathered for Sabbath worship. The keynote speaker, Steve Rogers, district pastor, encouraged campers to stay connected to God's church for nourishment and for protection from those who would try to deceive and draw them away.
Acts 20:29 says, “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.” This admonition from Paul echoes Jesus’ own warning from Matt. 24:4–5, “Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in My name ...”
Following a haystack lunch, members from Kamiah, Orofino, Weippe and Grangeville churches, Kooskia Company and other guests gathered on the shore of the beautiful Lochsa River for five baptisms.
John Stinson, from Weippe Church; Joshua DePaula, from Kooskia Company; Joshua and Caleb Prado, from Orofino Church; and Angel Padilla, from Kamiah Church, followed through with their commitment to Christ as Rogers baptized them.
As the campout ended, members soaked in the beauty of God’s creation, reflected on God’s mercy and returned home with five words in mind: “I want to go to heaven.”
Friedrich Hart and other musicians provide accompaniment to favorite hymns at the baptisms.
Lochsa River serves as the site for five baptisms.
Baptismal candidates accept the charge given by Steve Rogers, pastor.
