Approximately 600 people attended the 26th annual Southcentral Alaska Camp Meeting held near Palmer June 15–19. This was the first time camp meeting was held in June rather than the traditional August date. A full schedule of age-appropriate programming was provided for all.
Main auditorium evening speakers Stephen Chavez and William Johnsson from the Adventist Review spoke on "Infinite Grace." Morning and afternoon workshop presenters included a variety of topics. Gary Hopkins spoke on the research and practices of keeping kids in our church. Janie Ritter reminded attendees of the importance of a healthy lifestyle, while Noelene Johnsson provided ideas to create a family-friendly church. Merlin Burt pointed listeners to the history of Adventism and the evidence of God’s leading.
Herb Larsen, a businessman and lay revivalist from Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada, challenged the collegiate young adult attendees by telling of the incredible opportunities he has had to lead people from all walks of life to Jesus. “We are the hands, feet and heart of Jesus,” Larsen said. “Landing a multimillion dollar business deal is nothing compared to the incredible joy of helping someone accept Jesus.”
Les Zollbrecht, Portland Adventist Academy chaplain and Bible teacher, was the speaker for the teen department. Teens handed out invitations for Bible studies at the local Wal-Mart and performed clean-up activities around Palmer’s Pioneer Home, a state-operated retirement facility.
In an effort to serve the community, the Blood Bank of Alaska conducted a blood drive and a five-kilometer fun run was organized to benefit Kids Are People, an organization that provides safe houses and counseling for at-risk teens in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley.
Attendees enjoyed a beautiful setting for southcentral Alaska's camp meeting. (John Kriegelstein)
Two young friends from Nome enjoy Alaska camp meeting in their native kuspiks. (Gary Waterhouse)
Stephen Chavez, Adventist Review managing editor, shared the platform for the evening meetings with his editor William Johnsson. (John Kriegelstein)
Businessman Herb Larsen shared with collegiate young adults his passion for leading people to Jesus. (John Kriegelstein)
