When was the last time you attended an "old-fashioned" camp meeting? [In July], I am speaking at an event between London and Paris, Ontario, Canada — about an hour southwest of Toronto.

I can't say it is "old fashioned" because the tabernacle is modern, complete with PowerPoint®, a great sound system and carpet. But the surroundings are "old fashioned." Scores of cottages are filled with families who have taken their vacation to be here.

Some days, there are three services, and the day begins with a prayer time. Kids are everywhere — teens are finding the loves of their lives; seniors are finding their minds filled with memories of long ago — before PowerPoint®. Pastors have a chance to let their hair down and, of course, the dining hall is "the place to be" for meals and after the services.

It really is the people who make a camp meeting what it is. There are lots of seminars, and the offering plate is being passed in every service, but it is the presence of the Lord that pulls it all together. You could have a bunch of people in a specific area anywhere, but it is when the congregation gathers that a camp meeting comes alive.

The spirited singing, the genuine emotion, the "nailing down of one's faith," the casting aside of emotional and physical baggage, and the varied styles of preachers and singers all go together to make a camp meeting very special.

I'm not sure I could survive — as some speakers do — on the circuit. But for this one week, it was a trip back in time to simpler days, and a chance to see how God can take the efforts of a flawed and imperfect messenger and ask that one to deliver His Word. I'm amazed at what He has done. Now — that sounds like "old-fashioned" talk, doesn't it? Well, so be it. There is sadness in leaving, but next year these folks can do it again and, I will have my memories. Like they say a lot at camp meeting — "Praise the Lord!"

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord" (Ps. 150:6 NIV).

Be blessed and be a blessing.

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