MAINE – This year’s theme, “The Way Life Should Be: Blessed, Renewed, United” came to life at Lakeside Family Camp. Campers of all ages gathered for a week of worship, fellowship and renewal as they drew closer to God and one another.
Rev. Dr. Glenn Rice led chapel services with devotions from the Sermon on the Mount, reminding everyone that character and influence matter in the Christian life. Rev. Andy Rice served as this year’s evangelist, preaching from Matthew 5–7 with a challenge for all to “resubmit themselves to Jesus as King and live as citizens of his kingdom.” Rev. David W. Davis guided Bible studies through Matthew 24, asking participants to reflect on three key questions: What did Jesus say? What does he want us to know? What does he want us to do? Carrie Rice used her musical gifts to lead campers in heartfelt worship at each service.
For many, Lakeside is more than just a camp. It is a spiritual home.
- Peter Maxwell (15) shared, “Lakeside is like a second home to me; a place to get close to God and other people. I gave my life to the Lord here. I felt like God was calling me, and I walked into the Tabernacle and asked the evangelist to baptize me. I’ve never regretted it, and I can never do enough to thank him!”
- Danielle Rukundo (39) said, “Lakeside means everything to me and is where I feel closest to God. Every year he gives me many epiphanies to sustain me. This year was challenging, but God answered prayer so I could be here with my family and my Christian family. Being surrounded by people who love Jesus is so uplifting!”
- Blaise Rukundo (42) added, “Assembling at Lakeside is like Psalm 42:7, ‘where deep calls unto deep.’ We gather to hear the word of God with like-minded people and respond to him.”
- Chris Shuman (77) traveled from Santa Maria, CA, with her husband Bernie, who grew up attending Lakeside. “We think of it as our ‘Advent Christian fix,’ since there’s no local church where we live. The close relationships keep drawing us back year after year.”
- Clark Cole (89) recalled giving his life to Jesus during youth camp in the late 1940s under the ministry of Gil Dods. “Every time I come, I leave inspired and blessed,” he said.
Once again, God worked powerfully at Lakeside drawing people to himself, strengthening lifelong friendships and renewing hearts for his kingdom.
