During the late summer for the last 23 years of my life, I have gone to Salem Camp Meeting. Some of you may not be familiar with camp meeting (learn more here, here, and here), but the short description is that it is an annual gathering of Christians for one week a year where families and friends worship, sleep, eat, and play in close community. The camp meeting near my house, Salem Camp Meeting, began in 1828 and has taken place each year in the same place except for a pause during the civil war.
I first sat in the Georgia heat as a baby. Over the years, in this heat, I’ve learned Gospel songs and embraced the Gospel message. And along the way I’ve made lifelong friends and been mentored by countless individuals. People often say “you have to experience camp meeting to fully understand it,” and while this may seem like a cop out, when you try to capture it in words — they fail.
Nevertheless, this summer is the first time in 24 years that I have not attended. It has been tough being in Central America thinking about what everyone was doing there each day this week (the schedule rarely changes), and I’ve made phone calls home checking in to see whether the Baptist or Methodist preacher was better.
Earlier this week I received an email from a Methodist minister friend who has been attending for years as well. His words were simple, yet they relay a profound message for all Christians who are seeking to follow God into the specific ministry and place He has called them in life. And they resonate deeply with me as I look towards ordination in a church where itinerant ministry is the norm.
Jonathan,
Sure miss you and the others this week at Salem. Just not the same. Don’t want to share too much and add to whatever feelings you’re already having about being away from this place.
However you are learning a lesson that only life can teach you. Sometimes ministry can keep you from the place and people you really want to be with. It does stink to miss parties and gatherings and connections you have already celebrated because ministry demands you to be elsewhere.
But this is part of Gods calling. We go where sent when we are sent.
Learn to treasure the moment. But also look to find glimpses of what is good about Salem elsewhere.
For many years I have missed family reunions and weekly Sunday lunches with my folks, but it is a blessing to go to other reunions and dine at other tables and see Gods grace working there too.
God bless and be good.
Bubba
During these past few weeks in El Salvador I’ve noticed that here there is rarely AC, it is common for multiple generations sleep under the same roof, seats are always available for unrushed visitors, kids like to run in and out of neighbor’s houses, hammocks abound, I can find a worship service every night, and How Great Thou Art is still being sung. Just like at camp meeting. It is a special gift to be able to see God’s love and grace at work through similar things in a completely different culture.









