Several years ago I was given a book entitled The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw. The book told of great men and women who accomplished feats far beyond their capabilities. It told of ordinary men who did extraordinary things that changed the outcome of World Wars I and II, great men like Alvin York and Audey Murphy, the two most decorated heroes of those wars. Brokaw measured greatness in many ways. The yardstick may not have always been the same length, but the outcome’even in the face of great difficulty’always culminated with the same results: A measure of Greatness.
THE PAST GENERATION
Several years ago I was given a book entitled The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw. The book told of great men and women who accomplished feats far beyond their capabilities. It told of ordinary men who did extraordinary things that changed the outcome of World Wars I and II, great men like Alvin York and Audey Murphy, the two most decorated heroes of those wars. Brokaw measured greatness in many ways. The yardstick may not have always been the same length, but the outcome’even in the face of great difficulty’always culminated with the same results: A measure of Greatness.
The Past Generation has fought for freedom, both politically and spiritually, at a great price. They have experienced the Great Depression of the 30’s and an Industrial Revolution that has never been matched. Many heard great preachers like D.L. Moody and Charles Haddon Spurgeon. Some experienced the great Welsh revival and the ministries of men like Billy Sunday and Ira Sankey.
The past generation saw a great movement to plant churches. Sanctuaries were filled Sunday after Sunday. The altars were very seldom empty as sinners came to know Christ as their Savior. At the bid of General Douglas MacArthur to send missionaries to Japan, thousands of missionaries left the shores of America, Canada, England and Scotland to serve the Lord in the Far East and remote, often hostile territories around the world. Many packed their belongings in their caskets, knowing that they would die, and were willing to die for the sake of getting the Gospel of Salvation to a lost and dying world.
There was a pioneer spirit that seemed to permeate the youth of that generation that produced men like Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, John Paton, and John and Betty Stam, as well as ladies like Amy Carmichael, Mary Slessor and Gladys Aylward.
With all of its’ faults, it was a passionate generation that desired to see God work. It was a great generation of selfless sacrifice and passionate preaching.
MY GENERATION
Born in the early 1940s, following the great depression and at the outset of WW II, my generation experienced great changes in society, financial success, and the new era of the Independent Fundamental Church Movement. I was 16 when I accepted Christ as my Savior at a Youth for Christ Fall Retreat at Camp Luz in Dalton, Ohio. Immediately, I followed the Lord in Believer’s Baptism at the Canton Baptist Temple in Canton, Ohio. Dr. Harold Henniger was my pastor. The Baptist Temple was averaging 2,500 per Sunday with a pastor, assistant pastor, part–time secretary and a custodian. The people were involved in every aspect of that great ministry that still flourishes today. One year later, during a Sunday night service, God spoke to my heart about serving Him in missions. I went forward and gave my life to the Lord for service for Him.
Now 42 years later, I have watched my generation change. Bigness and being named in the Top 10 or Top 100 moved the church from a “people–driven” ministry to a “pulpit driven” ministry. Numbers were the “Standard of Success.” Issues, whatever they were at the time, were more important than doctrine. Planting another church across town was not in vogue. We’ve lost the fire and passion for personal discipleship, challenging, and commissioning missionaries to go into all the world which brings me to …
THIS GENERATION
What really defines a generation? The past generation can be defined by victory in two world wars, a great pioneer spirit and a mission enterprise unsurpassed. But how can we define this generation? In every generation there is the “Far Left” and the “Far Right” be it political or spiritual. However, the majority are those in the middle of the equation. I have found them through the CAMP BIMI ministry on Christian college campuses, in churches and Christian schools.
The majority in this generation are very indecisive in discerning what the Will of God is for their lives. College seniors are very unsure of what is ahead for them. I find them very insecure, fearful of making the wrong decision, and therefore they have difficulty in making the right decision. We have so pampered them with the value of THINGS that things are what help define them. However, success is not measured by what you do, but by what you are. Fear of the unknown has hindered a great majority of wonderful young people from stepping out with a pioneer spirit and achieving the impossible for Him.
Young people today face temptations that my generation would never have thought about. We had our battles because the old nature is the old nature. And we still have those same temptations no matter what our age may be. The question is before us. It’s unavoidable! If we fail to face the crisis of our missionary forces sent out from our fundamental Baptist churches, then we really cease to exist as New Testament churches. The command has already been given to GO. We need to be called to stay here.
THE GENERATION TO COME
Psalm 71:16–18 gives us the prescription for the next generation. It lays the burden of responsibility squarely upon the shoulders of our generation.
Psalm 17:16–17
1. We are to go in the strength of the Lord…not our own.
2. We are to make mention of His righteousness…not our own.
3. We are to declare His wondrous works…not our own.
Psalm 17:18 “Now also when I am old and grey headed, O God forsake me not:
1. Until I have showed thy strength unto this generation,
2. And thy power to everyone that is to come.”
My heart cries for the power of God in my own life so that those young people and couples that God sends our way through CAMP BIMI and SMART ministries will see His power in me and, in turn, live in such a way that the generations to come might see His power in their lives.
There is a deep cry that echoes from the heart of this generation. They need my generation to love them, disciple them, send them and support them. Whether they are called to go or to stay, we must encourage them to remain true to the Gospel of Jesus...til He returns!
CAMP BIMI’A BRIDGE ACROSS THE GENERATIONS
CAMP BIMI (Basic International Missionary Institute) began in 1993 with a three–fold purpose. The first was to INFORM this generation about missions and how God can use them to fulfill His Great Commission. People make decisions based on the information they receive. At CAMP BIMI, we ask...and attempt to answer...the tough questions. From the outset, we determined to be honest with the students about the pit–falls, hardships and conflicts of missionary life. The students are like sponges soaking up more information. In 1995, we added CAMP BIMI II classes and workshops to fulfill this desire for more information and practical training. CAMP BIMI II helps students create prayer cards, prayer letters and media presentations. We also offer indepth classes on critical issues in missions.
The second purpose was to INFLUENCE them through personal contact with veteran missionaries. Their cross cultural experience, testimonies and stirring messages are used to challenge the students for missions. The third purpose was to INSPIRE them as Nehemiah inspired those who came alongside him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. This generation needs our generation to come along beside them, to pick up the sword and the trowel, and charge the forces of Hell for the cause of lost souls caught in the grip of Satan.
SMART (Student Missionary Apprentice Reality Training) mission trips were developed to enable participants to put into action those things that they learned at CAMP BIMI. They learn to raise support and step out by faith. This will help to prevent casualties or ‘drop outs’ among those that become missionaries. The participants are immersed in a new culture as they learn the language and live and eat with the nationals. We require the missionaries to have a work project and ministry involvement opportunities. Students are required to fill out a daily journal to record those things that they have experienced or observed throughout the day. SMART trips average 30 days in two countries and are credited by some colleges as a part of their mission program.
I often say that SMART is “Our Deposit Ministry.” Many participants have entwined their hearts with the hearts of the people and have surrendered to serve as career missionaries. This year, we will have had the privilege to have taught and trained almost 700 individuals in missions. Many are on the field or are preparing to go. Others are serving the Lord in a full time ministry and influencing others for missions. And our important laymen are faithfully giving, praying, and encouraging others as they serve in their local churches. It’s WIN–WIN–WIN in our book!
THE FUTURE
There are no limitations on the multiple opportunities available for CAMP BIMI and SMART ministries in the future until Jesus comes. Plans are in place to develop a strong website that will provide many services for our alumni and their families around the world. Will you partner with us as we seek to take CAMP BIMI and SMART into the future? Will you pray for this ministry? Would you encourage those who are considering missions to attend CAMP BIMI? Would you contribute to the CAMP BIMI Scholarship Fund to help those who cannot afford to attend? Exciting days lie ahead as we work together to send forth more laborers into the fields that are white unto harvest! Please contact me if I can be of assistance.
