By: Russell Halterman, School Ministries Director
More than just a training ground for gridiron ability, Hume Lake Football Camp serves as a haven for public high school football players, offering them not only the chance to work on their skills but also to come together as a team and hear the Gospel message. For many attendees, this experience marks their first encounter with hearing the good news, adding a deeper dimension to their time on the field and off.
Amidst the drills and team-building challenges, campers are given the opportunity to be challenged on a spiritual level during what we call, “I Dare You.” As these are public school students attending, messages based on scripture are optional. Our speakers offer the chance each Saturday and Sunday morning to hang back after breakfast, daring campers to hear the message of what a relationship with Jesus is all about.
A great story coming directly from one of these sessions happened during our second week of camp. Our speaker gave the opportunity for those who wanted to make a first-time commitment to Christ to stand up amidst hundreds of fellow players and coaches. The first person to stand was a coach, then a second, then a third, and a fourth, followed by dozens of high school students. Witnessing the Holy Spirit at work in these leaders was beautiful and then to see such a great response from the players made the whole week!
As another season of Hume Lake Football Camp draws to a close, the echoes of memories forged on the field fade into the background, but the impact of lives forever changed lingers on, shaping lives and etching a legacy of faith and fellowship that extends far beyond the shores of the lake.