FRENCHTOWN, N.J.—Three years ago the Garden State Fellowship of Regular Baptist Churches began holding its September meetings at New Life Island the Sunday before Labor Day. Norm MacKenzie, director of New Life Island, explains, “The churches move their evening service to the camp and hold a joint service there. The day has become the largest event of the year for the Garden State Fellowship.” This year nearly 190 people came together for fellowship, activities, food, and worship.
Lex DeLong, chairman of the GSFRBC Council of Six and pastor of Washington Baptist Church, Turnersville, N.J., says, “Each year Norm and Cherie MacKenzie welcome the GSFRBC to the island for an afternoon of all the activities the camp has to offer. Families can participate in everything from kayaking and canoeing to archery, knife throwing, rock climbing, and sports. Of course some come just to sit with a warm cup of coffee, enjoy the beauty of God’s creation, and visit with the myriad of believers that come from across the Garden State as they watch the Delaware River flow by. Following that time of fellowship, all in attendance are welcomed into the lodge for a barbecue dinner prepared by the MacKenzies and staff.”
- See a slideshow of the Garden State Fellowship of Regular Baptist Churches’ Labor Day weekend at New Life Island.
This special day ends with corporate worship, led by a group from one of the fellowshipping churches, and a guest speaker. This year’s worship theme was “Following God’s Prescription for Your Life,” based on Galatians 5:16–24. A team from Washington Baptist Church led the worship, and Nigel Black of Winslow Baptist Church, Sicklerville, N.J., delivered the message from God’s Word. The worship time includes an offering, which is given “in its entirety to the camp to bless the camp ministry that has so blessed the churches of the GSFRBC,” says DeLong.
The next statewide event is scheduled for Jan. 15, 2013, at First Baptist Church, Hackensack. Dr. Richard Van Heukelum of Shawnee Baptist Church in Shamong, N.J., will preach on the theme “The Power of the Word of God.” Pastor DeLong says, “In addition to the afternoon and evening services with dinner in between, we are pleased to welcome Rick Grantham [of the] ministry development department of Logos Bible Software.” A men’s session will feature an hour-long inductive Bible study demonstrating the capability of Logos software. During that session, the ladies will have a special time of their own. More information about this event can be found on the GSFRBC website.
Pastor DeLong says, “From Hackensack to Cape May, God has nourished the Body of Christ with monthly fellowships, statewide youth events, and the camping/retreat ministry of New Life Island through the ministries of the Garden State Fellowship as it seeks to serve its member churches. We pray God will continue the spread of the gospel of Christ through the efforts and events of the Garden State Fellowship of Regular Baptist Churches.”
- New Life Island will celebrate 40 years of ministry on Sept. 28 and 29. This camp is one of many associated with the National Association of Regular Baptist Camps. Find a camp near you.
