By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff writer
PINEVILLE – Described as authentic and stalwarts for the cause of Christ, Samuel and Judith Camp were presented the 2016 Louisiana College Trustees Distinguished Service Awards at the 110th annual LC Founder’s Day ceremonies Oct. 6.
LC Board Chairman Randy Harper presented the award to the Camps, calling them a shining example of two people who love the Lord and the college.
“Sam epitomizes what we call a man’s man,” said Harper, pastor of Bellaire Baptist Church in Bossier City. “He believes in what he says and he means what he says.”
In accepting the award, Camp told students his success is due to a strong faith, rooted in Christ.
“Put God first,” Camp said. “Put Him in the driver’s seat of your life.”
LC President Rick Brewer publicly thanked the Camps for their passion for LC.
“Sam and Judy Camp are stalwarts for the cause of Christ, and they are among some of the most authentic Christians I have ever known,” Brewer told the Baptist Message. “Their public commitment to Christ and the integration of the Christian faith in every facet of their lives stands as an example to our entire Louisiana College family.”
A running back and punter at Tulane University from 1959 to 1963, Camp began his successful career in pharmaceuticals as a medical sales representative with Rucker Pharmacal after graduation from Tulane. He then founded UAD Laboratories which later became Forest Laboratories.
In 1987, he bought Pamlab, moved the corporate office to Covington and began to grow it into the state’s largest pharmaceutical company based in Covington. Today Pamlab has coverage in all 50 states and Puerto Rico as well as a manufacturing plant, Red River Pharma, based in Shreveport.
Since selling Pamlab to Nestlé Health Science in 2012, he has continued to be innovative in the areas of biotechnology and the medical foods industry. The company produces natural medical foods for those suffering from depression, diabetes and high-risk pregnancies.
Camp became a member of the LC board of trustees in 2008.
Following the presentation of the DSA to the Camps, Waylon Bailey, pastor of First Baptist Covington, delivered the message for Founder’s Day in Martin Performing Arts Center. The Camps are members of First Covington.
Bailey told the gathering that in a day when hostility towards the Gospel in America is growing, young Christians should take heart and remember the battle is not over. This generation of Christians has a chance to shine unlike in any other period of history in the United States.
“We live in a different day,” Bailey told students, faculty and guests. “No doubt you are going to be a minority. Because it’s different, you’re going to get a chance to do something no group has ever done.”
Bailey said when he was a college student, he never imagined Christians would be viewed in such a negative light. Citing 2 Timothy 1:8-14, Bailey encouraged the students to remember that while it’s different for them now, all is not hopeless. Furthermore, he said they should get ready to show the world authentic, biblical faith.
“You will get to make the difference,” Bailey said. “You will get to prove your faith by your life.”
In the very near future, Bailey said some people believe 50 percent fewer people will attend biblical churches because of a fear of persecution. However, he reminded students not to be fearful but prepare for the days ahead.
“We have to get ready,” Bailey said. “We have to be biblical Christians. It’s not enough saying we believe the Bible. We must show the world we believe the Bible.”
