Forging Ahead

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. —2 Timothy 4:7, 8, NKJV

I felt delighted when the Alberta Conference in Canada decided to lift the heavy restrictions associated with COVID-19, following local government guidelines, and announced we would have camp meeting in person. Every summer our denomination held camp meeting for nine days, offering programs and activities for all ages.

The highlights, though, are the Sabbaths when guest speakers were invited to share the Word. The camp meeting theme was “Forging Ahead,” and the picture under the caption showed three people in a boat rowing and a fourth one looking ahead through a spyglass. They seemed to be moving through unknown territory, but they forged ahead, nonetheless. Similarly, in the midst of war, fires, floods, mass shootings, and high gas and food prices, we continue to forge ahead. When my husband and I arrived at the camp meeting grounds, we were pleasantly surprised to see so many people. It made my heart glad to be free to worship and fellowship in the country, away from the demands of life. As I surveyed the familiar campground, I recognized some things had remained the same as we had left them a few years before. As I got closer to the main auditorium, I noted something new: a beautiful garden of prayer.

I renamed the tranquil space the Garden of Eden, though it likely paled in comparison. The family who had created the space had taken much care to plant the right flowers and shrubs in the perfect spot. The benches were strategically placed to allow for quiet moments of prayer or to visit with others. The fountain in the middle soothed the soul as the water flowed gently into the basin. Couples and friends took pictures while others chatted and prayed to their heavenly Father. I could not help but reflect on what heaven will be like.

Paul reminds us that “eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9, NKJV). I cannot wait to see what God has prepared for us.

Let us join hands and hearts as we forge ahead to the kingdom.

Sharon Long