The tower that will one day serve as the start of our zip line is nearing completion. Before next year is over we hope to have the five lines functioning — taking campers 950 feet across Snow Valley to the landing site.

July 23, 2008, Our sixtieth anniversary (in one way)

Camp Barakel is a non-profit corporation. Being a non-profit does not define who we are, but it is true that on July 23, 1948 the papers were filed with the state of Michigan—so this month is another one of camp’s birthdays. I say “another” because our founder, Johnnie Johnson, actually started camping in August of 1942 and by the time the papers were submitted, he and the other Gospel-lovers of his generation were renting sites at Muskegon State Park and Ocqueoc State Park. Our current home on Shear Lake was obtained in February of 1952.

In July of 1948 the newspapers were fretting about the Soviets—who had blockaded Berlin Germany, resulting in the famous Berlin airlift. Gasoline was 26 cents a gallon. The Korean conflict was two years away. Uncle Johnnie was 35 years old when he entered the office on the 8th floor of the Bank of Lansing Building in the state’s capital. Just another Friday for those office workers—just another set of paperwork.

In the past 60 years the Central Michigan Christian Camping Association (the group of churches who own Camp Barakel) has faithfully provided the framework for this ministry. Barakel’s staff has been involved in a lot of people’s lives. Tens of thousands of people have heard the outward call of the Gospel—God alone knows how many embraced the Savior. We are grateful on this anniversary for your part in the ongoing work. We earnestly desire to be faithful bearers of the Gospel torch in this generation.

The first picture is of a tribe of young ladies at Muskegon State Park in 1948. The second picture is the camp director, Uncle Johnnie, and his son David that same summer.

Since December 15 we’ve traveled 3328 miles reconnecting with former summer staff and talking with students about Barakel. That’s a lot of pizza, ice cream and donuts. Here’s recent pics from our mini-reunions. What fun to be reunited! Continue your prayers for the summer staff search. We have many openings yet for summer staff. If you or someone you know would be eager to serve here this summer, direct them to our College Age Staff page.

Alisha and Melissa have joined the Winter Seasonal Staff at camp. They will be working all winter to help host our guests, and keep the behind-the-scenes tasks going. Remember to pray for them and the entire Barakel staff as each season we press on to exalt the Lord.

We are pleased to let you know that Kieth and Susan Boeve have been accepted as candidates for the Resident Missionary Staff. They have a real heart for food service, and show their love for the Lord by serving people. Over the past five years they have sensed that God is calling them to work at Camp Barakel — and now that desire is becoming a reality.

If you would like to receive the Boeves' (It's a Dutch name pronounced boo-vee, slight emphasis on "boo.") letters, email them at kssjam@i2k.com The need for them to be here organizing the kitchen is immediate, and they will be fully involved as soon as they are financially supported. Jeremiah said "There is none like you, O LORD; you are great, and your name is great in might." When the Boeves' financial support comes in, and their house sells, they will move up right away.