Ron Johnson – Uncompahgre National Forest, Colorado … The 23rd annual Cowboy Camp Meeting was held July 12-16 near Silver Jack Reservoir in the Uncompahgre National Forest, Colorado. An average of 50 campers gathered for morning and evening worships with 85 worshipers attending on Sabbath morning. Enthusiastic praise music from a team of musicians led by Tiffany Marsh resounded through the valley surrounded by mountain peaks, setting a spirit of receptive energy for each service.

This year’s weather, at 9,000 feet elevation, was the best—warm, sunny days and cool nights with no rain, strong wind, or afternoon thunderstorms, a blessing for the car, tent, and hammock campers.

Jesus saves. “We have heard a joyful sound, Jesus saves, Jesus saves; spread the gladness all around, Jesus saves, Jesus saves; Bear the news to every land, Climb the steeps and cross the waves, onward, ‘tis the Lord’s command, Jesus saves, Jesus saves.”

This is the mission of Adventist World Radio (AWR). Bob Peck, ambassador and coordinator with AWR, was the morning and Sabbath worship service speaker. Bob led us on a captivating journey as he shared stories of extraordinary miracles that show the power of God working around the world though AWR. Stories like when a chicken farmer’s hens stopped laying but produced more eggs than ever when he started playing the AWR to them. Or the story of how a Maasi tribesman cattle herder was blessed after tithing more than 100 head of cattle.

Bob stated that the church is to be a witness making God known to the world. This is done through the power of the tongue in four ways: through words of praise, through the tongue of prayer, through the voice of prophecy, and through the tongue of preaching.

Jesus saves through the power of conflict resolution. Ron Price, an evening speaker, gave members of the audience a number of texts illustrating how God wants us to treat each other, His children. He gave one of the three books he has written to the person who could come up with one of the most important eight-letter words in human relationships: humility.

Being humble is not putting yourself above others because of your unique God-given abilities nor taking offense because someone else received the credit for work that you did. “If you don’t heal from those who hurt you, you will bleed on those who didn’t touch you.”

Ron talked about perceptions; how a person might misjudge another person because of incomplete or inaccurate information about them. President Abraham Lincoln said, “I don’t like that man, I must get to know him better.” When interpreting the actions of others, one should apply the practice of “AGI—Assume Good Intent”. Or to say it another way, practice H of G—Hermeneutics of Generosity.

Throughout his presentations, Ron delighted his audience with humorous, point-making stories and illustrations.

When asked What do you like about Cowboy Camp Meeting?, 10-year-old Ellie Miller from Fruita, Colorado, said, “everybody getting together and having a good time enjoying each other.” Caleb Cook, a young adult from Broomfield, Colorado, commented, “I like the simplicity and down-to-earth agenda and environment.” Steven Marsh, another young adult from Montecello, Utah, said, “the Cowboy Camp Meeting environment spiritually, mentally, and emotionally charges me to be ready for another year.”

We hope that you will join us at next year’s Colorado Cowboy Camp Meeting.

—Ron Johnson is the co-organizer and treasurer of the Cowboy Camp. Photos by Ron Johnson.