THE VISION FOR A CHRISTIAN CAMP
Harvey and Genevieve Elder.
High school sweethearts of Nodaway-Holt County, they were wed October 28, 1933. Both equally devoted to one another, and the Lord, they made it their mission to spread the gospel. Traveling, and living across the state, they eventually settled down and raised a family, on the very farmland that Flaming Spirit stands today. Being a minister himself, my grandpa enjoyed nothing more but to spread the word of God to all of those he came across, especially to the youth. After establishing a home in the farmhouse just up the road from camp, my grandpa wanted to create an environment for young people to come and gather, and most importantly, grow closer to the Lord. Setting aside a portion of his own acreage, my grandpa made this environment a reality in the late 1950s.
The certificate of incorporation for Flaming Spirit was created in November of 1956, and a lease drawn up in August of 1957. The lease was written for 99 years, at no cost to the churches that would be using the land for camp during the summers. My grandma and grandpa devoted many of their summers, and much of their time into the heart and soul of Flaming Spirit. My grandma rose early every morning to prepare and cook homemade meals for the campers and staff, while my grandpa tended to the land and continued to spread the gospel. Both were a living example of God’s people, and represented the life He would want us all to live. Though both of them, very humble people, would deny that description were it ever mentioned to them.
Grandpa was laid to rest in August of 1985, and Grandma in December of 1989. Both, in Nichols Grove Cemetery, also up the road from camp. I like to think of them being just up the hill continuing to oversee, and be a part of the ministry. Many things have changed over the years since my grandparents so graciously devoted their land, and their hearts to the camp. One thing that hasn’t changed is the continuing generations of young campers who set aside a week in their lives to come and worship, get to know God, and grow closer to Him
High school sweethearts of Nodaway-Holt County, they were wed October 28, 1933. Both equally devoted to one another, and the Lord, they made it their mission to spread the gospel. Traveling, and living across the state, they eventually settled down and raised a family, on the very farmland that Flaming Spirit stands today. Being a minister himself, my grandpa enjoyed nothing more but to spread the word of God to all of those he came across, especially to the youth. After establishing a home in the farmhouse just up the road from camp, my grandpa wanted to create an environment for young people to come and gather, and most importantly, grow closer to the Lord. Setting aside a portion of his own acreage, my grandpa made this environment a reality in the late 1950s.
The certificate of incorporation for Flaming Spirit was created in November of 1956, and a lease drawn up in August of 1957. The lease was written for 99 years, at no cost to the churches that would be using the land for camp during the summers. My grandma and grandpa devoted many of their summers, and much of their time into the heart and soul of Flaming Spirit. My grandma rose early every morning to prepare and cook homemade meals for the campers and staff, while my grandpa tended to the land and continued to spread the gospel. Both were a living example of God’s people, and represented the life He would want us all to live. Though both of them, very humble people, would deny that description were it ever mentioned to them.
Grandpa was laid to rest in August of 1985, and Grandma in December of 1989. Both, in Nichols Grove Cemetery, also up the road from camp. I like to think of them being just up the hill continuing to oversee, and be a part of the ministry. Many things have changed over the years since my grandparents so graciously devoted their land, and their hearts to the camp. One thing that hasn’t changed is the continuing generations of young campers who set aside a week in their lives to come and worship, get to know God, and grow closer to Him
Submitted by Kimberly (Elder) Sambuco
