Mission Louisiana, the upgrading and rebuilding plan for our campground facilities, is a priority to us. We are experiencing a greater number of children and youth as well as adults who desire to be a part of our district events. One of the most profound yet simple principles of church growth says, “The more guests you have, the greater potential for conversions and growth”. Correspondingly, we know that the more children, youth, and adults who attend our district events, the more there will be who experience the life-changing power of the Holy Ghost! Mission Louisiana is certainly about the upgrading of our facilities because we know the quality of our buildings must be maintained. But Mission Louisiana is essentially about enabling more people to experience the beautiful presence of our great God… just like thousands and thousands of others, and so many of us, have over the years.

Looking back at our youth camp history - our very own Sister Thetus Tenney, at only 15 years old, was leading a Bible Club at her home in Monroe, LA where as many as 30 children gathered to hear her teach. It was so impactful and well-attended that her father, Brother Caughron, who was a Presbyter, told her he was going to recommend to the District Board that they allow her to start a children’s service during Louisiana Camp Meeting. So it began. Sister Tenney started an outdoor children’s service at Camp Meeting, which about 12 children attended. Each year saw substantial growth.

Eventually, our Prayer Chapel was built for children services as well as youth services during Camp Meeting. In one of those services, Brother T. W. Barnes prayed for a young girl whose legs were of noticeably different lengths. All who were present testified to the grand miracle that happened that day when they saw the girl’s shorter leg grow until both legs were equal in length. Amazing miracles have been a part of the atmosphere of our campgrounds from the beginning.

By this time, so many young people were in attendance at Camp Meeting that there was a push to start a Youth Camp. There was some opposition to this idea, including from the District Superintendent, Brother Wise, who was concerned it would affect Camp Meeting attendance. But the idea was agreed upon and the Youth Camp was finally approved. At the first Louisiana District Youth Camp (ages 12 – 18) there were 300 in attendance.

It wasn’t long before the Youth Camp outgrew the auditorium (which was our present cafeteria), so it was split into a Junior Youth Camp and Senior Youth Camp. The concession stand was just outside the auditorium (present cafeteria). It was quite rustic, constructed from lumber collected from around the grounds. Eventually, since the youth camps were such a success, a Children’s Camp was started. Our wonderful leaders built new buildings trying to keep up with the ever-increasing attendance, adding dorms for both boys and girls.

The last public dorm was erected over 50 years ago, yet attendance for Children’s, Junior, and Senior Camps has continued to increase. Our public dorms, especially the boys’, have been at capacity for many years.

When we complete our New Boys’ Dorm with its 280 beds, I believe we will immediately fill it. It is such a great need. Nearly 53 years ago, I attended my first camp and stayed in the Public Boys’ Dorm. I cannot tell you how many life-changing moments I have experienced on these glorious campgrounds.

Our District Secretary, Bro. Stroud, was recently cleaning out his office closet and doing some filing when he ran across a very interesting file which included minutes from a meeting which took place back in August of 1996… 28 years ago. Bishop T.F. Tenney, our superintendent at that time, had appointed a subcommittee to assess the condition of our existing buildings and map out a plan for adding needed new buildings. (Does this sound familiar? Sounds much like the goal of Mission Louisiana.) The committee was made up of ministers and leaders from across the district. During the meeting there was much discussion of building a new tabernacle, converting one of our existing buildings into a larger cafeteria, repurposing our existing tabernacle, adding a recreation facility, building a hotel-style facility, and more. Again, this took place in 1996.

In that meeting in 1996, the chairman of the subcommittee made this statement: “Our decisions affect our children and grandchildren, and we need to think beyond the moment; to think ahead. We must build for the future, which requires sacrifice and commitment. We must be focused to this purpose.”

My point is… realizing the value of our magnificent campgrounds, for decades our leaders have endeavored to keep our facilities in excellent condition, and there was always a desire to facilitate ever-increasing numbers of attendees from around our state.

I pray that every Louisiana pastor, minister, and church member will get involved in supporting Mission Louisiana. It is our responsibility to ensure that generations to come have the opportunity to see, hear, feel, know, and experience God Himself, as each of us has… here on these campgrounds.

To date, a grand total of $1,484,419.89 has been given to this vitally important purpose!

Our New Boys’ Dorm estimated building cost is around $2.5 million. Let’s believe together that the remainder, just over $1 million, will come in soon and we can begin construction of our this most needed facility.

Here’s what makes this new building even more special:

• Flexible Setup: The dorm will be designed to accommodate both male and female groups with a designated side for each, if needed. Perfect for church events, leadership or youth retreats, and more!
• Dividable Quarters: Several sections can be closed off individually, so groups can have their own space. For example, at events like Ladies Conference, one section can house tech staff, another can house volunteers, etc.

Thank you to all who have supported the vision to upgrade our campgrounds. I believe your investment will turn around and bring great blessings to your local church and your personal lives.

Section Conferences

January 2025 begins our Section Conferences. By now you should have received our first mailer concerning the location of each of our thirteen conferences. All conferences will begin at 9:00AM with coffee and breakfast snacks. I am asking all ministers who are able to be present to please plan to join us. I look forward to sharing vision for our great district, and then closing our meeting with the election of section officers. Our conferences will adjourn by lunch time.