I spent the summer of 1979 at King’s Arrow Ranch in Lumberton, Mississippi. Ostensibly it was a summer camp for kids. But those who ran the camp had a dual motivation. They took college kids from around the country… taught them how to study the Bible… encouraging them in evangelism while they were counselors for the summer. I was one of 40 other students from Louisiana, California, Florida, Mississippi, and a few other states.
It was there that Dave Simmons (Former NFL Linebacker and Campus Crusade staff) taught me and all the other college kids how to walk closer with God. It was there that I encountered God as I never had before. It was there that I had a burning bush experience.
That summer was tough for me. I had just had knee surgery and my college football career was in doubt. Southern Mississippi had signed a QB named Reggie Collier who was a much better athlete than I was and I knew I’d rarely if ever see much playing time. I had decided to quit football… move back home… transfer to another school… start from square one in life… and I was scared.
But the big issue for me was the number of my fellow counselors and mentors who kept telling me I should be a preacher. They encouraged me to consider that God might be calling me into full time ministry. I guess it was because they got something out of what I taught from Scripture when it was my turn to present a Bible Study every so often.
I blew them off. The idea of being a pastor nauseated me because I had experienced things as a preacher’s kid that I didn’t want to go through or put my family through. But God reminded me that wasn’t my decision to make. I couldn’t blow God off so easily.
Eventually the only thing that dominated my mind from that summer on was being obedient to God’s call into the ministry. King’s Arrow Ranch is where I had an encounter with God. Even though I didn’t see Him… or actually hear His voice… or feel a literal earthquake, I might as well have because I felt His hand powerfully upon me. The only rational and logical choice I had was to be obedient to His call.
Since then I attended seminary… have served several churches as pastor… and have walked through a lot of valleys and fire as a result of being in the ministry. There have been many times I thought about quitting. But there was one thing that kept me from leaving… I knew as sure as my salvation is secure… that GOD called me. My life was not my own to do with what I want, but to follow the Lord wherever He led.
It was my burning bush experience with God at King’s Arrow Ranch in Lumberton, Mississippi that has given me assurance, hope, strength, and perseverance. It is an even I will never forget and one I remember with tremendous thankfulness to God.
Where was your burning bush experience?
Have you ever encountered God in a powerful manner?
If you haven’t… turn aside and look. The bush may have been burning and you haven’t taken the time to notice it…
Hey Ron, I googled up Dave Simmons to make sure I spelled his name correctly and happened upon your article and blog site. The words “summer of 1979” caught my eye and grabbed my heart. I too was a counselor at King’s Arrow that summer (along with my best friend Marcello Venturini). And I too was powerfully impacted by the experience and ended up becoming a pastor. What is your last name? I’d like to know if we remember each other. Thanks for reminding me of the “burning bush” in Lumberton, Missisippi.
I was googling Dave Simmons, too, after finding a group for KAR on facebook. I was a counselor that summer also and remember the burning bush. I, too, was wondering your last name. Greg, your name sounds familiar. I do remember Marcello, as we taught swimming lessons together. I was Nancy Hendricks, from Laurel and went to USM. My e-mail address is…
Thanks for the info about King’s Arrow being on fb. Who knows, maybe it would be something worth doing to have a reunion of sorts for all the counselors who spent a summer at KAR! Blessings Nancy and I hope to hear from you again soon.
Ooooo, I like your idea, Ron. I was at KAR in 77. I’d love to see some of those guys again. Anyone know how I can find Dave and Sandy?
From what little I know, Dave & Sandy seperated. Dave passed away from a heart attack and car wreck. I think Sandy has remarried but I’m not sure where she lives. Sorry… wish I knew more. Blessings!
Hey, I just had Dave Simmons come to mind so I googled him too and I too was a counselor at KAR the summer of 1979 after I graduated from Tulane. Brings back a whole lot of great memories, like the fellowship, sharing, camp fires which I’m reluctant to say because I was in charge of starting the fire at the last minute and I almost burnt the whole forest down. Lol. It would be great to exchange e-mails and check on everyone! Everyone have a God blessed day !
I was a kitchen mouse at KAR in Lumberton, MS two summers in a row. But, that was the early ’80’s. 1983 and 1984, I think. I will never forget my time there. It was the best memories of my childhood. I loved it. And my relationship with God grew to new heights. I would love to see some of the college counselors I met while there.
KAR was a great summer in my life Mellisa. It was there that God used Dave & Sandy to call me into the ministry. I pray all is well and good with you!
I was at KAR in ‘85. Wonderful memories!