We stayed up late that last night at camp. We had 5 baptisms that last night. Probably more than that which I didn’t attend. One particular girl did not want anyone else when she was baptized. She didn’t like crowds. Whatever it takes.
Afterwards Tim gathered together a bunch of food for the guys in the cabin. We pretty much ate and stayed up late…maybe 1AM or 2AM. It’s hard to remember now. Sat around listening to classic rock from Daniel Williams’ CD collection. All of which was first published at least 10 years before he was born. Daniel is a good guitar player. He has a good repertoire…probably every Skynyrd song imaginable.
Tim has a good thing going. He’s gained the respect from the rest of camp. Campers affectionately call him “Toast.” Here’s how to win the hearts and minds of MCC campers: Beat on a toaster. That’s all. And during the most recent performance, the toaster fell over dead. The string holding it around Tim’s neck broke. The 2nd hand used toaster fell over dead after years of abuse. Plastic pieces had broken off from the toaster. Tim was injured ever so slightly on his hands from the performance. Heywood Banks would be proud.
Fireworks at the Sexton’s farm went well. My main concern on the 4th is getting good pictures of fireworks. This has turned into an obsession of mine, yet I’d rather not brave the crowds at Riverfront park. So it’s off to private gatherings with fireworks. I am amazed at the amature fireworks you can buy at those roadside tents these days.
I did have some problems getting the hang of my new camera. But once I found the good options, I was able to get some good shots. The problem is that my new camera sometimes takes a long time to write photos to the card. So basically I have one chance to capture the set of fireworks.

I think we had 15 or so baptisms at camp this past week. It was a very spiritual week. The theme was CSI: Christ Saves Individuals. Jerry Elder did a good job the last night of camp when he conducted a devotional which included a crime scene investigation of the cross.
Still, I’m torn between being genuinely happy for those converted and at the same time wondering if the conversions might have been slightly due to emotionalism. And if it is emotionalism, what happens when the emotionalism disappears after camp is overwith? I trust that whoever provided spiritual counseling to the now newly converted asked the right questions and said the right thing to them. The folks at Maury Christian Camp have been doing camp for a long time and could probably see the poor potential for any decision based soley on emotionalism instead of partially due to thorough study of God’s word and a genuine committment for excellence. Christianity isn’t something that should be based soley on emotionalism, although emotions can be the stepping stone to something greater. Committment to Jesus is forever.
I hope they’ll be at church this Sunday and every Sunday after that. Because church attendance is just as important as those first steps they made toward the baptistry. And if their committment is truely genuine, then there’s nothing to worry about. Sure, there will be road bumps in the way. But if they look toward Him for guidance, they should be just fine.
And I am happy for them. I don’t know them personally, but it didn’t stop me from attending the baptisms with the rest of the camp and taking some superb pictures. I just don’t hug them afterwards. Alkward moments. Ya know?
And it is Independence Day. Our nation declared independence from Great Britian. Similarily this week many young people at MCC declared their independence from sin.
The only downer toward the week was the lack of fireworks. I think there was some safety concerns last year…ie someone almost got burned…so they nixed it this year. I can understand. I was hoping to get some good shots with the digi camera. But that’ll have to wait til tonight.

Tomorrow is Maury Christian Camp. Actually its been going on since Sunday, but the party won’t start until I actually get there. Sure, they’ve probably had ten funerals for dented ping pong balls already. (Inside jokes, folks)
MCC is steeped in tradition. Year after year they have the reoccuring skits. From getting the kids to do the “stare” while some hard rock music is played….Spiderman’s “Hero” was played last year. Tim McHenry will do his toast song again. It is interesting that Tim has become his own superstar at this particular camp. Since he was camp director, he had to play bad cop at TCC. But now everyone seems to like him.
I expect pre-4th of July fireworks one night. Taking my digital camera just in case. I figure a slow shutter speed plus a tripod equals good pictures of fireworks.
Anyways I’m looking forward to it. The Maury folks have been nothing but nice to me. Very friendly people.