This summer, hundreds of young people will fill LifeChange Camp, which covers 80 acres of Ozark land, with laughter, songs, and life-changing experiences. Many of them will make the life-changing decision to follow Jesus while there, either through the influence of their counselors or a speaker.
LifeChange is the kind of camp ministry that directors Bill and Carol Anderson envisioned in the 1980’s, so they prayed and waited. Then, in 2003, while on staff at Harrisonville Community Church in Harrisonville, Missouri, 80 acres in the Ozark Mountains became available. They shared their vision with FEC leadership, and within two years, LifeChange Camp began hosting retreats and summer camps. Since 2003, LifeChange Camp has grown to include 11 buildings, a pavilion, a lake, and a pool. During the summer months, the camp welcomes 80-100 campers to the facility each week. Age groups are divided into children (3-5th grade), junior high (6-8th grade), or senior high (9-12th grade).
No matter the age group attending the camp, the goal remains the same: Share the life-changing message about Jesus and provide an atmosphere for the campers to respond. To that end, the campers participate in worship and listen to a speaker each morning, followed by a counselor-led discussion in their cabin. Each evening, campers gather again for worship and a campfire. In the campfire environment, surrounded by their new friends and leaders, the campers often share personal needs and seek out prayer. In between the spiritual lessons and challenges, the campers are offered a wide variety of activities. Afternoons are filled with activities like swimming, kayaking, archery, and hiking.
Sharing the good news about Jesus isn’t the only mission of LifeChange Camp each summer. During the senior-high camp, they look for young leaders who can return as counselors for younger campers next summer. Through the counselor program, they envision developing young leaders for ministry areas beyond the camp.
In most cases, the counselors who lead the children’s camp also attended LifeChange Camp as children and made the same life-changing decision to follow Jesus while there. When they share their testimonies, they have a big impact. This summer, during the children’s camp, two counselors shared their stories around the campfire on the first night of camp. Afterward, a 10-year-old girl raised her hand, stood, and said, “I’ve never accepted Jesus into my life, but I’d like to.” Her counselor took her aside and prayed with her as she placed her faith in Jesus. Then, a second little girl stood and said the same thing. That week, the staff saw at least ten children place their faith in Jesus.
