By Mark Hopper

I pastored only two churches over a span of 40 years. It was a privilege to lead and serve these two congregations. There were many memories of marriages and new babies. We celebrated the completion of several buildings and participated in many missionary adventures.

But one of the favorite things I remember were the church picnics and family campouts. Picnics at a local park were always a lot of fun. There were games to play for children and adults. Typically the food was potluck although in later years it was easier for the church to provide the food and just ask people to bring desserts to share.  

Family campouts were also wonderful times. In Arizona we camped on Mt. Lemon high above Tucson and also in the White Mountains near the border of New Mexico. In California we camped near the beach above Santa Barbara and also in some inland mountain areas.

It was so relaxing spending a week or a weekend with other church families. The kids played, the dads fished and the mothers talked. I liked getting to know people better in this more personal setting. It was interesting to see family dynamics in a less formal atmosphere. Some people drove large motor homes or pulled travel trailers. Others like my family used a Coleman tent, a Coleman stove and a Coleman lantern and slept in sleeping bags.

I also liked to watch people make new friends at picnics and campouts. Most attended the same church but many attended a different church service. Camping people were usually friendly people. Introductions and conversations were the seeds which blossomed into lifelong friendships. Singing songs around the campfire were memorable too.

One of the most famous books of the Bible recorded a forty-year long camping experience. The book of Exodus tells about the journey of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the promise land. As you read it yourself you will see many similarities to a church picnic or a church campout.

Let me encourage you to make a plan and set a date for a picnic or a campout with some church members, your own family or some friends. You will be glad you did and they will too.

“You can read more stories by Mark Hopper in his new book “Let Me Encourage You More – An Encouraging Story for Every Day of the Year”. Order your copy today at markh@efreedb.org. The price is $25 per book or two books for $40 plus postage ($5). Purchase one for yourself and give one to a friend. You will be glad you did!