A Final Summer, an Enduring Ministry

As another summer at Camp AREV comes to a close, our hearts are filled with gratitude for all that God has done. Each summer reminds us that camp is about far more than games and activities. It is a place where the distractions of everyday life become quieter, God’s Word comes alive, and young people are invited to make a personal decision to know, love, and follow Jesus Christ with all their hearts.

Throughout Scripture, God often revealed Himself to His people on the mountaintop. Moses encountered the Lord on Mount Sinai and received His commandments. David wrote of the mountains as reminders of God’s power, protection, and eternal nature.

Peter, James, and John witnessed the glory of Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration.

Yet these mountaintop encounters were not ends in themselves. They prepared God’s people to return to the work, trials, and opportunities that awaited them below. They came down from the mountain renewed in faith, strengthened in purpose, and prepared to live in obedience to God.

In many ways, Camp AREV has been a mountaintop experience for hundreds of campers this summer. Here, they have shared in genuine fellowship and heartfelt worship, formed friendships that may last a lifetime, and, most importantly, spent meaningful time in God’s Word.

Through our summer theme, “Heroes in Action,” campers learned that the heroes of Scripture were not extraordinary because of their own strength or abilities. They were ordinary men and women who trusted God, obeyed His call, and persevered through hardship. As Hebrews 11 reminds us, they lived by faith in God’s sovereign plan. Their lives point us beyond human achievement to the faithfulness of God and, ultimately, to Jesus Christ.

One of the greatest joys of Christian camping ministry is witnessing the quiet yet powerful work of God in the lives of young people. Scripture reminds us: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Transformation is ultimately God’s work. We faithfully plant the seeds of the gospel through teaching, mentoring, worship, prayer, and relationships, but it is the Holy Spirit who changes hearts. We rejoice whenever a camper experiences that transforming work, and we pray that what God began at Camp AREV will continue in their homes, churches, schools, and communities.

Whether hearing campers sing together during worship, watching a counselor pray quietly with a young person, or seeing friendships form among campers from different

churches and communities, we were reminded again and again that God continues to work through this ministry.

None of this would be possible without the extraordinary community God faithfully brings together each year. Our counselors, pastors, speakers, worship teams, medical staff, kitchen staff, maintenance crew, volunteers, parents, donors, and prayer partners each play a vital role. Countless sacrifices take place behind the scenes, often unnoticed by others but always known by God. Thank you for serving with excellence, humility, and joy.

This summer also carries special significance for me personally. After fourteen unforgettable years of serving as Executive Director, this was my final summer at Camp AREV.

It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to serve alongside such faithful staff members, board members, churches, volunteers, and supporters. I have watched thousands of campers walk these grounds, heard countless testimonies of God’s faithfulness, and experienced His blessings time and time again. Looking across the campgrounds and hearing the voices of campers worshipping, laughing, and growing together has reminded me once more of the enduring importance of this ministry.

As I prepare for the next chapter God has for my family and me, I leave with a heart full of gratitude and praise. Camp AREV has never been sustained by any one person. It has always belonged to the Lord.

He has been faithful in the past. He is faithful today. And He will continue to accomplish His purposes in the years ahead.

Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of what God has done through Camp AREV. My prayer is that this ministry will continue to be a place where young people encounter Christ in a deep and personal way, lives are transformed, faith is strengthened, and generations come to know and follow Jesus Christ.

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

—Ephesians 3:20–21

Rev. Razmig Minassian

Camp AREV Director & Minister to Youth WR

High School - Week 1

Juniors

Junior High

High School - Week 2