$23.00

The other day my total at the grocery store came to exactly $23.00. Suddenly, I imploded emotionally in front of the cashier, who asked me, "Are you alright?" I was tempted to be embarrassed, but I said, "That amount is significant to me because that's what my parents paid to send me to youth camp, where I was saved and called to preach fifty-six years ago. It was located in Big Prairie, Ohio."

With a puzzled look, she asked, "Where is Big Prairie?" I said, "In Holmes County, 15 miles south of Wooster, Ohio."

Wonderful emotions flooded my heart, and I literally fought back tears of joy. The Lord knew I needed this "divine reminder," as my day had not progressed well! He knows what we need, when we need it!

Again, my story goes back fifty-six years, when my pastor's wife encouraged me to attend youth camp. She said, "It will cost you $23.00." I'm the middle of seven children, who grew up in the late 1960s and early 70s. Money for extras was hard to come by, and I hated to ask my parents. Yet somehow, I was driven by a holy desperation. Dad and mom were sitting at the kitchen table, when I approached them, my voice stuttering. I said, "I really want to go to summer camp. Do you think I could?" Strangely, tears cascaded down my face; and somehow I believe the Holy Spirit simultaneously touched them both. Dad said, "Joyce, get the checkbook." I know they sacrificed to send me but the Holy Spirit tugged at their hearts.

Big Prairie Camp changed the trajectory of my life. My calling and assignment were sealed during those five days of "heaven on earth." Camp speaker, the Rev. Don Schorsch, now with the Lord, preached with a heavy anointing during the evening camp services. Holy Spirit conviction was heavy; however, I refused to yield to the Spirit's conviction on Monday evening. By Tuesday night I was completely miserable! Pastor Don preached about the rapture of the Church, and before he gave the official altar call, I literally ran to the altar. For two hours I wept my way into the kingdom of God! And before the evening concluded, I was called to preach the Gospel.

Now do you understand why my emotions were stirred at the check-out counter? Twenty-three dollars doesn't sound like much but it made an eternal difference in my life when I was fourteen-years-old.

My wife and I recently traveled to Big Prairie, and I discovered, to my disappointment and sadness, that the Assemblies of God Campground was no longer there. Only eternity will reveal how many lives were touched and changed by the power of God during its six decades of operation. This I know, my parents' $23.00 investment made an eternal difference in my life. Thanks mom and dad, for your sacrifice.