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 The B.C. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches has
appointed well known minister Merv
Boschman (pictured) as its first director
of camping ministries. This newly-created position seeks to give leadership
and direction to a ministry that serves more than 3,300 campers each summer
and many thousand more throughout the year in the five MB camps around the
province. BCCN interviewed Boschman recently.
BCCN: There are now more
than 100 Mennonite Brethren churches in British Columbia. Can you describe
something of their involvement with camps in B.C.? Why camps?
MB: More than 50
years ago the dream of Christian camping became a God-given burden for Rev.
Abe Wieler, and through prayer with his wife and another committed couple
the seeds of this ministry were planted.
Fast forward to 2009 and the vision for camp ministry
is stronger than ever. Across the decades, people of vision have included
camp ministry in response to God’s invitation to engage in his global
mission. Thousands of faithful volunteers, self-giving staff, willing
workers, prayerful supporters and generous donors have locked arms with
dedicated board members, strategic thinkers and courageous directors.
Today, we are stewards of a great trust as the B.C.
Mennonite Brethren Conference, knowing we are blessed to be engaged
together in the life-impacting ministry of five great camps in this
beautiful B.C.
Each camp has gifted directors and its own local board
of directors. Together with our team of churches the BCMB camp ministries
committee exists to join God in building healthy ministries that transform
individuals, families and communities with his love and truth.
What is your experience of Christian camps? How have
you seen their impact on kids?
Have you ever brushed your teeth with what you thought
was your toothpaste? Yes, the campers had somehow managed to squeeze
‘Bryl Cream’ into my toothpaste tube!
Seriously though, as a former camper, counsellor and
camp director I continue to celebrate the amazing work of God in the lives
of all people who are able to experience some days at a Christian camp.
Camp provides occasion for relational growth, deepened understanding and a
reorientation of priorities. This happens in many ways, and particularly
through what I call long slow talks.
Many a summer camp attendee and camp retreater tell a
personal story which points to positive and pivotal life experiences from
their days at camp. The Good News becomes known through conversation and
creative presentation. Our loving God is given a measure of
tangibility in the way leaders talk, lead and live.
Many campers choose to respond to the love of Jesus.
They find grace and forgiveness, and determine they too want to become
Christ-followers. This floats my boat!
What does this newly created role of director of
camp ministries involve?
Continue article >>
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What a privilege, to share the opportunities camp
ministry affords, to hear and pass on the first-hand accounts of current
users as to the extension of God’s kingdom through camping,
retreating and church camps and so on.
The invitation to this role which I come to from
decades as a pastor/church planter/Christian higher education
administrator/provincial conference executive director is, I believe, of
God.
This is a blessing, to be working alongside the BCMB
executive and staff, the camp ministries committee, our five camp
directors, our college (Columbia Bible College) and the pastors and church
planters in the province.
I want to be an ambassador, encourager and visionary
partner as I work with [them] and, as appropriate, with the five camp
boards.
What is your vision in leading these camps into the
future?
We do well to stay close and attuned to the Lord and
to courageously walk with him. There are several questions that I
regularly ask myself and those I work with. The first is why – if we
are not clear on the why we could well miss the mark and specifically
God’s best for us, for his intention and mission. Scripture says that
in an abundance of counsellors there is wisdom. Our Father is eager to lead
us, and we will seek to follow.
What would you say to a parent who may be considering
sending their kid to camp for the first time?
Once your personal concerns are satisfied (through
website or other exploration) and once your child is game and ready to go
to camp, involve them in making a plan.
Praying about such things as suitable camps and dates,
covering the costs, inviting a friend to take along may make the whole
process even more exciting. Summer camp allows for positive youthful energy
exertion, which is often expressed in boisterous activity, much noise and
contagious laughter.
Remember that along with all this – believe it
or not – there will be moments of quiet and thoughtful reflection.
God shows up. What can be better than that?
April 2009
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