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God Uses Camp in Colombia

Bob Trout, Executive Administrator for Spanish South America

Berean Baptist Camp and Conference Center

Children's camp at Berean Baptist Camp and Conference Center in Colombia

What do you think when you hear about Colombia? Violence, drugs, guerrillas, and kidnapping? Here is a story that will change your mind.

Nestled at the foot of a mountain just about 40 minutes from Bogota, Colombia, is Berean Baptist Camp and Conference Center. Over 800 volunteers from more than 40 churches came together to make the facility possible. In 1998, construction began, and to date it is almost completely constructed. Over 5,000 people come to use the facility each year. It is a quiet, beautiful place where people get away from the rush and pressure of Bogota, a city of 10 million people.

There are many different programs conducted throughout the year including programs for children, youth, leaders, men, women, and families. The 22 ABWE churches of Colombia sponsor their annual church fellowship gathering at the center where over 800 people gather to enjoy fellowship and preaching of the Word.

Children’s camp always brings many children together to enjoy games and teaching centered on God’s Word. One year, 120 campers were registered to attend, but 220 campers and workers showed up for that week of activities.There were two children to a bed, since five of the ten cabins were still under construction.

Children’s camp only costs families $20, and the Colombian pastors ask churches to help with food donations. Normally camp fees are $40 per week, which includes transportation, room, and board.

Camp is always greatly used of God. At one church in Bogota, testimonies are shared after each camp program. Volunteer counselors serve the campers with fun and counsel from God’s Word. One counselor was moved to tears as he shared, “When I arrived at camp to help the children attending camp that week, one seven-year-old girl shared a startling testimony. Prior to coming to camp, she had contemplated suicide. Camp made a great difference in her life.” Other counselors shared similar testimonies.

Is camp worth it? The answer is obvious. All the volunteers, $800,000 invested, ten years of construction, all those who attend—yes, it is worth it. We praise God for the way He works at camp. We thank those who have sacrificed to make the Berean Baptist Camp and Conference Center possible.