Midwest Bible Camp

The time spent at the Lake Darling Youth Center is precious to those young with a strong spiritual commitment.   Churches of Christ, in Iowa are few in number and the churches themselves are usually quite small.  I’ve known many younger church members who’ve grown up in active youth programs, but when I look at the quality of the young people who have come out of the state of Iowa, I’m amazed at how well their faith holds up in the adult world.  Occasionally, I run across someone who has been through my classes at camp, and I’m greatly encouraged by what I see.    Many of those who are active in the work of the church where we worship now,  were campers when I worked at MWBC.

It was (and is) a special experience for those who served as staff members.   Much of the adult staff stayed in a place called the “Waldorf.”  It was called that because unlike the camper cabins, it had paint on the exterior walls.  It was pretty primitive – bunk beds, no AC, no facilities.  Inside the Waldorf, ideas were exchanged, and long term friendships were formed.  I know I’m going to leave somebody out, but I still remain close to many of those who were first my fellow Waldorf residents.   Their number includes:

The late Elmer Little.  We seemed to be progressing (some might have thought digressing) along the same lines, and we loved bouncing our ideas – harebrained and otherwise off each other.  Elmer preached for a church in Des Moines.  We were in touch every week until Elmer left Iowa.   We remained good friends, afterwards, but we didn’t touch base as often.   When Elmer died, we attended the memorial service in Dallas.

Jim Holston. Jim preached a church in Ames.  He was a young preacher just getting started at the time.  I had and still have a deep appreciation for his scholarship.  He remains a good friend today.  Jim teaches in a Bible college in Canada.   I love the way he approaches faith.  In theology, he’s quite orthodox.  In methodology, he’s open to change.

Jim Medlock. Jim Medlock preached for church in Dubuque.  We spent a lot of time together away from camp throughout the year.  He was working on an advanced degree at Dubuque Theological Seminary at the time.  Jim became a therapist, and lived in Missouri.

Steve Cate.  Steve was a California boy, who somehow ended up preaching for a church in rural Iowa.  Steve spent several years as a missionary in Indonesia and still make trips there.   Steve and I loved to go back and forth in sharing, clarifying, and defining the state of our mutual spiritual pilgrimages.  Steve lives in Nebraska, and actively promotes mission work in Indonesia.