In Robinson, a remote suburb of Blaine, Maine there is a small parcel of real estate that has been mightily blessed be the Spirit of God for many years. What Riverside Camp lacks in high tech facilities, it makes up for in the high commitment to the power of the Spirit of God abundantly ministering to staff and campers alike.

Riverside Camp is about more than just Family Camp, and more than just four weeks of camp for children and youth. There is a synergy at work which creates an amazing spiritual atmosphere. As I reflect on Riverside Camp 2004, I cannot help but praise God for what He has done and what He accomplished throughout the whole summer.

We had five camps operating this year during four weeks. The first week, Kids’ Camp I, included a children’s day camp for those who might be too young to spend the night, as well as an overnight camp for grades 1-3. The second week of camp, Kids’ Camp II, was for grades 4-5. Junior High Camp was next, and the summer camping season finished up with Senior High Camp. We thank God for the directors, speakers, counselors, support staff and the many volunteers who made each week possible!

Riverside Camp is known for being a place where people are brought to salvation, are challenged to grow deeper with Christ, and to be challenged to live a life of service. This year was no exception. Throughout the four weeks, we saw campers accepting Christ as their Savior, growing in their relationship with Him, serving Christ in the surrounding communities, and accepting calls to full time Christian service. It was an honor for me to pray with one Senior High camper who has decided to go to Bethany Bible College and pursue ministerial training in response to the challenge he received during a service. The spiritual atmosphere of Riverside Camp is inspiring.

This year’s Family Camp was yet another spiritual experience. We were challenged during every service. From the concerts to the special guests, from the excellent ministry of Rev. Anthony Graham to the profound ministry of other guest speakers, Christ was present, and His people responded in faith.

Our week started out with an afternoon concert by Golden Harmony, and in the evening service Rev. Mel Norton was the guest speaker. On Monday evening, The Greenes, who appear on the Gaither Home Coming series, were supposed to minister to us in concert, however, illness made this concert impossible. Through the direction of the Greenes, we were able to secure gospel trio True Vine to travel through the night and minister through a very powerful concert.

Rev. Anthony Graham began his ministry to us Tuesday evening, and was accompanied by our music evangelist Rev. Mark Cooney. These two men ministered together very effectively, and God used each of their gifts to draw His people closer to Himself.

Rev. Graham’s focus for the week was “What are you thirsty for?”. Each night we were challenged to be a people who hunger and thirst after the things of God; to spend time with God; to meditate upon His Word; to truly worship God; to live the life of a disciple; to leave the things of the world behind; to live a life of extreme passion and trust in Christ. Night after night the challenge was issued and night after night God’s people responded. Each evening saw the altars lined with those seeking for the heart of Christ. Jesus met many needs and there were significant spiritual victories solidified!

Rev. Graham, with his passionate support of Riverside Camp, helped raise over $10000 in less than five minutes. This plea was unrehearsed and unscheduled. It was awesome to see what God had in store as His people simply obeyed His will. Riverside Camp will triumphantly go forward into the future as God’s people continue to respond to Him.

Throughout the week, the ministry of Rev. Graham was enhanced by some special guests. On Tuesday evening the Puppets of God (P.O.G.s) from Easton Wesleyan Church ministered to us with a variety of tools including a couple of very moving stick dramas. On Wednesday and Thursday we had a gospel-artist-in-residence. Diane Muise ministered to us in song, and even kept the interest of most of the senior teens.

Rev. Graham was unable to stay for the duration of the camp, so a couple more guest speakers ministered to us. The Saturday evening service was very special with the emphasis being on healing. Pastor Doug Taubin preached and led the healing service. Sunday proved to be another spiritual highlight through the ministry of The Campbells in an afternoon concert, and The Kinney Trio were with us in the evening service. A thought provoking and deeply probing message was delivered by Rev. Rick Kavanaugh in our final service of 2004. His teaching on sanctification will provide nourishment for some time to come.

Riverside Camp 2004 has come and gone, but the impact will live on. We saw people challenged, souls saved, people called into the ministry, victories won, and much, much more.

As a final note, I would like to say that we will miss Rev. Ralph Sabine, a summer Riverside resident, who fell and subsequently passed away while in the area. He was worshipping with us on Friday night, was in the hospital Saturday morning, and was in glory just a few days later. Ralph was a Riverside supporter and will be missed by anyone who knew him.