Last year I had the privilege of co-hosting the East Texas Campmeeting in Phalba, Texas. (it is not a “church camp”, it is a campmeeting) This meeting is held in style of the old time campmeetings that at one time were very common across the nation. As it was in the early days of the Sulpher 4th of July Meeting, the attendants bring their tents and camp out at night, play games and sing during the day and in the evening gather for an outdoor worship service.
Folding chairs were set up on under some trees on brother Charles Usury’s land and an old flatbed pick-up truck was pulled up in front of the chairs. A pulpit stand was placed on the back of the truck and a light rigged up so that brother Nathan Battey and I could see our sermon notes as we preached into the evening.
It was a taste of the old-times and a grand experience for all. I was thrilled to be asked back this year to hold the meeting again with brother Cullen Smith of Farmerville, Louisiana who now labors with the church in Strong, Arkansas, but this year it was a little different.
Heavy rain storms prevented those who attended the meeting from camping in their tents and there was no outdoor dinners or activities until late Saturday when the rain was dried up. When news of the storms came to me I became a little concerned for the effect it might have on our attendance and as folks began to cancel who had planned on coming I had little hope in my own mind of the meeting being very large.
The rain did little to affect the meeting. Crowds of 100 or more were common throughout the weekend. The singing was wonderful, and a joyous times was had by all in spite of the weather. Several services were attended by community visitors and although there were no visible results, the meeting seemed to be quite successful in its own way.
I was certainly encouraged by the large number of young people who made great efforts to attend, in spite of the fact that the fun and frivolity had been washed out. It goes to show that the Lord’s church today is full of young men and women who love to hear the Gospel preached! I enjoyed delivering sermons alongside brother Smith who gave an excellent lesson on Saturday evening regarding the “Principles of Clothing” for Christians.
I want to encourage parents to take their children and the young folks of their congregations to this meeting. You will enjoy sound doctrinal preaching, beautiful singing, and good Christian association in a Christian environment were the folks act, talk and dress like Christians. It is a wonderful retreat from the cares of the world, and at the same time a great effort to reach the east Texas community with the Gospel of Christ. – CED