Diane Baughman

“Brother and Mrs. Baughman, this is ______ CB ‘95. I’m sure you don’t remember me but …” It always brings a smile and warms our hearts. Not remember you?! You’ve got to be kidding! Yes, we know each one of you by name and by face…unless you’ve had a major overhaul! We remember your testimony and your struggles, not only at CB, but through the years. You are our life and ministry and heartbeat. We love each of you just as you are although it is our desire to see you be in the very center of God’s Will.

I’ve thought long and hard about what the Lord would have me share with you. Thoughts of Reunion Week June 21 – 28 flood my mind daily. The planning, special events, ‘spoiling’ and encouragement–wanting it to be so refreshing and glorious that when you leave, you’ll be SO glad you came; feeling like you’ve had multiple B-12 shots and can face the world and all it has to throw your way while winning people to Christ. A new outlook, that ‘boost in your jets’…a ‘Wow! I needed that’ kind of feeling!

But then, so do thoughts race about each of you and your roller coaster lives. Some of you have, and are, facing some incredibly tough things in your lives - far tougher than you ever dreamed would come about when you attended CAMP BIMI seeking the Lord’s leading for your life. Life seemed so simple then, didn’t it? Thank you for trusting us enough to share your heartaches and grief and to allow us to pray with and for you.

Others of you face some really difficult things in ministry here and on the field…some dangerous, even life threatening, and needing to remain unspoken to the general public. Most all of you who are missionaries face financial crisis with the devalued US dollar and it is delaying your getting to the field, or staying on the field. Furlough or sticking it out…someone to take your place temporarily...what to do?

Many of you are experiencing the many blessings and joys of Bible College, a SMART trip, internship, survey trips, deputation, language school, seeing the Lord meet your every need in amazing ways! Others are thanking the Lord for the fruit that is coming as a result of faithful sowing wherever. Isn’t it amazing what little encouragement it takes to pull you out of a long run of discouragement?

Roller coasters! Some like them and some don’t. Some get ill and others get a rush of adrenalin. I am reminded that our lives are filled with the anticipation of climbing to tremendous heights, the enjoyment of the view from that vantage point, and hanging on for dear life when we plummet to the depths below. I’m so thankful that, as believers, we have God’s Word full of promises to sustain and encourage us in the toughest and best of times, aren’t you? Isaiah 40:31 Psalms 40:1-5 Proverbs 3:5,6 Jeremiah 29:13 33:3 are only a few that come to mind. Never let yesterday’s disappointments overshadow tomorrow’s dreams.

About that Reunion…who is eligible to come? YOU ARE because the only requirement is that you are a CAMP BIMI alumnus (or married to one). No, you don’t have to be a missionary; or in full time service; or with BIMI; or wearing a halo 24-7; or have the same goals you put on your CB application years ago; or any number of other excuses you can come up with. You are eligible because you are YOU! We love you and would be honored with your presence. There would be no greater joy than to celebrate 15 years of CAMP BIMI * SMART with YOU!