08/22/2026
Aug 19–20 | Miramichi Bible Camp Visit
I had a great time visiting Angela and Joel Ettinger, their family, and the whole Miramichi Bible Camp team this past week! Angela serves as Executive Director, and Joel is the Maintenance Manager.
I arrived Wednesday evening, and Joel met me at camp. We spent some time catching up and walking the grounds together, and it was great to see all the improvements that have been made over the past year. One major project was some much-needed repairs and upgrades to the rock climbing wall, making it even safer and more fun for the kids. One of my favourite additions was a rubber chicken that the kids can squeeze when they reach the top. So fun!
I also got to spend time with some of the summer missionaries who were staying overnight. Miramichi primarily runs a full summer of day camps, with an optional overnight each Thursday night. The next morning began with devotions, where Angela reminded the team why we do what we do and encouraged them to rely on God’s power each day. I was so encouraged by her reminder of what an amazing opportunity camp ministry is to reach the next generation.
After devotions, the campers began arriving and jumped right into free play. Once everyone was there, I joined a group for a morning hike to Wilson’s Point, a beautiful historical site featuring an old Presbyterian church, cemetery, and walking trails. We walked along the water and through the forest, spent time on the beach, and even walked out onto a sandbar. It was definitely a highlight for the kids! On the way back, we stopped at the historical site, and it was encouraging to see how positive and welcoming the tour guides were. You could tell they loved having the campers visit each summer.
When we returned to camp, I spent some time at the rock wall watching the kids climb and chatting with Angela, Joel, and some of the other leaders.
After lunch came chapel. Angela led the campers in some high-energy, gospel-saturated songs followed by a Jesus-centred message focusing on Jesus’ words that “narrow is the way that leads to life, and broad is the road that leads to destruction.” I was so encouraged to see Angela clearly pointing the kids to Jesus as the way to life.
After chapel, it was time for the beach! The campers enjoyed swimming and playing along the shore, and eventually a game of belly-flopping broke out. It was hilarious and entertaining, especially when some of the leaders joined in! The kids were having a blast, and it was so good to see the leaders engaging with them, having fun, and building relationships.
After beach time, the campers headed back to change into dry clothes and wait for pickup. They finished the day with free play and tuck time—always a favourite part of the day at camp!
Because I was visiting on a Thursday, it was also the optional overnight. A couple of cabins of campers stayed for the night, enjoying supper together followed by an evening chapel. On this final overnight of the summer, they headed down to the beach for one last round of Jet Ski rides, swimming, and beach time. The campers were very excited!
Overall, it was such a great visit. I really appreciated the opportunity to connect with Angela and Joel, their family, and the rest of the senior leadership team. My visit came during their final week of camp, and it was incredibly encouraging to see them finishing the summer strong, with enthusiasm for gospel ministry.
This year, Miramichi Bible Camp increased their weekly registration capacity to 75 campers, and they were practically full for all eight weeks, with some weeks even having a waiting list! I am so thankful for how God is working in the Miramichi Valley.
Please join me in praying for Angela and Joel, their family, and the entire summer ministry team as they finish up the summer and enter a time of rest and restoration. I am so grateful for all of our summer teams and the way they serve so faithfully to reach the next generation with the gospel!
