As the last horse trailers rolled out of Mt. Adams Horse Camp, the dust settled on the 25th annual AHA Cowboy Camp Meeting. Those of us who have attended through the years have watched the Cowboy Camp Meeting family grow as the word about good times and blessings has spread. So the “silver anniversary†seems an appropriate time to trace the things that have been most meaningful to me.
The AHA family is what makes Cowboy Camp Meeting special. We have watched children grow to maturity, and adults become senior citizens who spend more time in camp and care for grand children. We have seen seekers become believers, and be baptized in a cold stream or horse trough. And we have seen believers grow in Christ. The annual gathering provides days of fellowship, sharing the blessings God has given each family.
Our equine family is also a special part of the occasion. I have looked forward to seeing new horses and mules each year, as well as seeing those mounts that have trotted their way into our hearts. If “old paint†didn’t come out of the trailer we want to know what has happened and we examine every new equine that is auditioning in front of the AHA family. From Shetlands to drafters – they are all a special part of God’s family.
Safety and protection are often obvious as accidents happen and we can see how they could have been so much worse. We praise God for his watch care every year. On the few times serious accidents have happened, we have our AHA family for comfort and support to help us through.
Beautiful campsites have been the hallmark of our Cowboy Camp Meeting. It isn’t easy to find a location that will provide enough trails to ride and also provide a campsite that causes us to think of heaven and helps us renew our desire to be in heaven. Our organizers have found great places and we continue to look for new ones.
Preaching and music are hooks for our blessings to “hang onâ€. Our preachers tend to be down to earth and filled with illustrations that make Christianity come to life and live in our hearts for another year.
Although many will never understand why we go to the edge of the wilderness for our annual camp meeting, AHA members know why and they are already making plans to be part of the group next July 1-5, 2008. Thank you to everyone who made the 25th Anniversary Cowboy Camp Meeting a blessing!
Charlie Brown
AHA President