Life in His Sanctuary was the theme of Central California Conference's 124th camp meeting, held at the Soquel Conference Center from July 15 to 24. The campground filled with more than 4,000 full-time campers with waiting lists for all areas. Weekend crowds swelled to more than 10,000.

A special highlight at this year's 10-day event was Messiah's Mansion, a full-scale replica of the sanctuary built by the children of Israel under God's direction. Built and manned by Oklahoma Academy staff and students, the exhibit tours were open for campers, weekend guests and the public, exposing new audiences to camp meeting.

Community pastors from Carmel to Santa Cruz were invited to a special VIP tour on Wednesday, July 14. More than 50 pastors from various denominations toured the sanctuary. Posters advertising Messiah's Mansion were mailed to more than 300 community churches and posted in public areas. Newspaper ads and radio spots also spread the invitation.

Approximately 4,250 people took the 75 minute tour, which began every 15 minutes and was offered in English and Spanish. More than 1,000 from surrounding communities came. "Tourists" were given a camp meeting program and invited to attend seminars and meetings. And many did.

Requests for Bible studies and other follow-up classes offered totaled 1,080.

"The sanctuary is the one totally unique message of present truth that God has called His last day people to proclaim," says President Jerry Page. "We wanted to explore the practical lessons of Jesus' work as our High Priest and how our lives are daily impacted by His unfailing love, mercy and grace."

Camp Meeting Evangelism Offering

Responding to the leading of the Holy Spirit, members contributed more than $907,000 in gifts and pledges to the annual camp meeting evangelism offering, far exceeding the goal of $700,000. This essential offering helps fund the many evangelistic outreaches throughout the conference which now includes 37 Bible workers, 24 new church plants, the dramatically expanding public seminars and series, and numerous new work projects. This total does not include the offerings from the local churches participating via satellite.

Other Highlights

"Life-changing" is often how camp meeting is described. Through powerful sermons by Spirit-filled speakers, 12 seminars and personal testimonies, attendees are encouraged and inspired. Forty-eight new members were baptized during camp meeting, including five youth who braved the Pacific Ocean at 6 o'clock Sabbath morning.

Camp meeting 2005 will be held July 21-30. For an application, contact Wanda Driver at 831-460-9811or the conference at 559-347-3000.