Revival

Photo taken a few years ago in the sanctuary

at the Zeba Indian United Methodist Campground

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. (Isa 57:15 KJV)

Last night was the final worship service of the Methodist Camp Revival in Zeba for this year. I have attended the annual camp meeting often over the years and have had the privilege of preaching there for many years including this year. Last night, the guest preacher Rev. Jerry Bishop, pastor at the Baptist Church in L'Anse wanted to know what we were really thankful for. At that moment, among other things, I was thankful that I was there to hear the Good News of what God in Christ Jesus has done for us. Rev. Jerry was speaking in regards to the story of the ten lepers who were healed; but, only the one who was thankful was made whole. An outstanding message; a message to inspire us to look within ourselves, humble ourselves so that our spirits were revived. 

Methodists also apparently like to sing and sing a lot! Many, many, hymns were sung each night as well as special music. Last night Courtney (Clishe) Jones made me cry TWICE! with her sweet voice as she sang "In The Sweet Bye and Bye" and later "Amazing Grace" in English and Ojibwa (or Anishinabe). 

The camp meetings, held annually, began in 1880! Imagine, 139 years ago! They are held at the Zeba Indian United Methodist Campground. The sanctuary is log with open walls and dirt floor strewn with cedar boughs. They have most recently been held during the first week of August at 7 p.m.. Consider joining us next year! 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

There Is Power In The Blood!

My dear friend and brother in Christ,  Pr. John Henry (now retired), 

preaching at the Zeba UMC Campground Meeting in the woods.

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.  (Eph 1:15-23 NIV)

Every August for years, I was privileged to preach at the Zeba Indian United Methodist Camp Meeting. The camp meeting is held by an Ojibwa congregation that meets out in the woods at a chapel without walls during the summer months. Inevitably, every year, sometime during the week long camp meeting, someone asks to sing one of my favorite hymns, "There Is Power In The Blood." There is power in the blood of Jesus!

I often wonder if everyone really understands that power. Do we really get it? The one who was raised from the dead lives! He is our head. He is the head over everything for the church, which is his body. The one who descended to hell, rose from the dead, and ascended to the heavenly realms lives. The grave could not hold him. Hell has no power over him. How much more powerful can one be than that? Trust in his power. Trust in the power of the blood of Jesus.

Lord, God, grant all whom we know and love the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that they come to know and love you; that they might understand the awesome power of the one who shed his blood that all who believe in him might be reconciled to you, dear Lord, and to all of your children, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J