I CAUGHT THE VISION

By TOM VARISH

I would like to thank the Middle Creek Bible Conference and all of those associated with it for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the vision that started many years ago.

After graduating from Gettysburg High School in 1979, I was not sure in which direction I was going to go in preparation for life’s work. It seemed only natural that a good place to start would be to work for someone else. It didn’t take long, however, for me to realize that this put limits on what I desired. It was a learning process, but I knew I had to go into business for myself.

My father, a school teacher, built his own home, and in the summer worked with other teachers in construction. They seemed to not only do well, but also enjoyed what they were doing. This caught my attention. After 2 years of working for others and building my own home, I decided to take the big step and go into the construction business on my own. In the last 12 years, starting with single-family homes, then moving up to commercial construction, I’ve been able to develop the skills needed to expand.

In the latter part of the 1980s, I had attended a Freedom Township Meeting when Rev. and Mrs. Robert Crowley presented a proposal for a Bible conference center in the community. I was impressed with their dream and rather shocked when there was opposition. I was not even mindful of being a part of that vision at the time.

Over the years, with many setbacks and adversities, the whole project seemed to happen in God’s time. When God was ready, I was prepared and skilled enough to become a part of the vision. At present I am attending the Gettysburg Baptist Church, and this experience is giving my family and me a better understanding of how ministry is important in the lives of people. All those I’ve been associated with have been an inspiration, and the community is fortunate to have this project as a neighbor.

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7TH ANNUAL BIBLE CONFERENCE AT MIDDLE CREEK: SEPTEMBER 3-5, 2004

Please make plans now to join us in the Tabernacle for the 7th Annual Bible Conference at Middle Creek scheduled for September 3-5, 2004. We’ll begin at 7:30 on Friday night with a message from Dr. Gerald Cowen, Dean of Southeastern College at Wake Forest. We welcome Dr. Cowen, author of Who Rules the Church?, to Middle Creek for the first time. His message will be followed by an Old Fashioned Hymn Sing led by Paul and Marjorie Ferrin.

On Saturday morning, Pastor Robert Crowley will begin the day with a message from Deuteronomy, followed by another message from Dr. Cowen and one from Dr. Ergun Caner of Liberty University. Dr. Caner, co-author of Unveiling Islam, is returning to Middle Creek for the third time. (Some of you may remember him as the originator of the term, “she-bull.”) Enjoy singing and hearing your favorite hymns and praise and worship music with the Ferrins between messages. Lunch is provided at no charge at the end of the morning program.

Saturday afternoon is free for sight-seeing in Gettysburg and Fairfield. Or you may prefer shopping at outlet malls in Hagerstown or Gettysburg. You’ll certainly want to tour our new Lodge and Tabernacle and the grounds of Middle Creek.

We’ll reconvene in the Tabernacle at 6:00 p.m. for supper, also at no charge. This delicious meal, prepared in our new Middle Creek kitchen, will be followed by another message from Dr. Caner. After his sermon, we’ll be treated to a concert by Sue Dodge, Larry Ford, and Bob and Jeannie Johnson.

On Sunday morning, Dr. Ken Coley will lead a Bible study which will be followed by a message from C.B. Scott, our new Development Director. C.B. will be sharing his testimony as part of his message. Lunch will be served at Middle Creek following the morning worship service.

For children grade 5 and younger, a full program of activities will be available: On Friday night, childcare will be provided in the Loft at the Crowley Tabernacle. All day Saturday, the kids can enjoy the facilities at Summit Lake Camp where lunch will be provided for them. You can rejoin them for whatever afternoon activities you want to share—touring the battlefields in Gettysburg or just enjoying the pool and paddleboats at Summit Lake. Supper will be provided for them at Summit Lake at 5:00 so you can return to Middle Creek by 6:00. Childcare will be available until 10:00 p.m.

For youth in grade 6 and older, a full program is planned at Summit Lake. Dr. Bruce Ashford of Southeastern College at Wake Forest will lead the youth program, assisted by musician Jesse Fortson and his band. If your church youth group would like to participate, please call Kathy Coley at 888-770-5338 for more information. This program is provided at no charge. Your group need only provide chaperones for their own participants.

As you can see, there’s something for everyone in the family. If you would like to spend the night at Summit Lake (if you have children) or at Middle Creek Friday and/or Saturday night, please call Kathy Coley as soon as possible to reserve a room. We can’t wait to see you!