By Andy Kanengiser, MC University News Coordinator
CLINTON, Mississippi — Awesome worship services, a deeper understanding of the Bible and a marathon of fun games were all part of the agenda during a recent FUGE camp at Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi.
Sizzling temperatures on the Clinton campus in mid-June went with the experience for 42 kids and adult chaperones from First Baptist Church Arcadia. The 157-mile journey from their hometown between Shreveport and Monroe to the Baptist-affiliated university was well worth it, students say.
“Not only do you grow closer to our Lord, but you also have the opportunity to encourage others in their faith at different sites around the area,’’ says Madison Hoffman, 18, of Arcadia. “God is evident and moving!’’
“I love being surrounded by new people in my Bible study class,’’ says Sydney Moore, 18, of Arcadia. “Even though we are all different, we can come together with our common love for Jesus! It is such an encouraging time to be surrounded by so many kids my age who are unashamed to admit their faith.’’
An estimated 6,000 children from 15 states utilize the campus in June and July to not only sharpen their sports skills but more importantly step up their Christian walk.
Connecting with the spiritual environment at America’s second oldest Baptist college (it was founded in 1826) impacted Kaelyn Sherman, 18, of Quitman. “Thank you. I love being able to come here, see the campus and learn more about Jesus.”’
On the tree-lined campus showcasing sculptures by nationally-celebrated Christian artist Sam Gore of Clinton, FUGE campers from numerous Baptist churches across the South are able to encounter God’s blessings.
“We love FUGE so much,’’ said Kara Thompson, youth pastor at First Baptist Church Arcadia. “It really is phenomenal worship here.’’
For five days, camps like FUGE give kids a deeper understanding of the truth of the Gospel. It’s something teens continue to talk about once they pile into the van and return to their home church more than two hours away.
“Yes, we definitely want to bring the concepts back that we learned while we here at camp,’’ Thompson said.
For the group from the Bienville Parish, it was their second visit to Mississippi College in five years for the group of 7th through 12th graders. Their stay ended June 18.
“We feel a real sense of community here,’’ Kara said.
