Camp Meeting Leads to Multiple Baptisms

Story by Daeshawn Gray, Associate Youth Director

Youth services resulted in multiple baptisms on the last Sabbath of the Allegheny East Conference (AEC) Camp Meeting. The Youth Ministries Department, guided by the theme, “Basic,” and inspired by Matthew 22:36–40, aimed to strip away complexities in order to focus on the essentials of faith.

In the teen tent, two siblings who had been attending the Emmanuel-Brinklow church in Ashton, Md., indicated their interest in being baptized. Plans were made to accommodate their desire. At the conclusion of their baptism, Ramone Griffith, AEC youth director, opened the opportunity for others who felt called to take a stand. Two additional young people indicated their desire to be baptized on the spot.

Meanwhile, in the young adult tent, guest speaker Myron Edmonds delivered a message on Mark 10:46–52, reminding attendees of Jesus’ readiness to go out of His way to engage with those who call upon Him. Following the message, Griffith felt compelled to make an appeal for baptism. “I heard God say, ‘Today someone needs to make a decision,’” shares Griffith.

Kevin Poole was the first to respond to the call. “God told me today was my day to return home,” says Poole, whose move sparked a series of responses, leading Edmonds to issue a secondary appeal, resulting in 14 more young adults who gave their lives to Jesus.

At the conclusion of the Sabbath, a total of 19 individuals made a decision to follow Jesus. Reflecting on the service, Griffith remarks, “God met us under the tent and moved in a way that transformed lives for eternity.”