By Delanda S. Johnson/Special to HCN
On Saturday, July 22, Rev. Rickey Barnes, Pastor of First Baptist Church in Malakoff and several adults from local area churches embarked on an advantage to a week long youth summer camp in Golden, Missouri.
Rev. Barnes stated, “being the new kid on the block, I’m just an old country preacher who came to Malakoff and I love being here. I thank God for the challenges that we have met and for the way HE has answered all of our prayers for being in this area.”
Rev. Barnes said, “Kids Across America is one of the best kept secrets. It is an urban youth camp that houses approximately 8000 young people per sessions. The sessions are seven days that are Christ centered; non-denominational were the young people go there to worship Christ in their own way; to a better relationship with our Lord and Savior. We teach the youth how to worship; how to be a warrior for Christ; plus; there are different types of sports and games activities. Kids Across America make the children experience fun and their pull out all of the stops to make their stay unforgettable.
Rev. Barnes stated that he has been going on this trip for about 17 years, however, this is his second time as First Baptist Church new Pastor. He stated that on this trip there are about 15 young people that have previously gone before, however, this year the trip has increased. This year’s trip not only include youth from Henderson County area churches, but youth from Tarrant, Parker, Pal Pinto Counties and California.
“This week long summer camp I feel the youth will come back with positive reinforcements of who they are and who Christ is in their lives. One of the events at this camp is an reenactment of the crucifixion of Christ. They also preach the gospel to the young people and there is a bell in the center of each camp where every time a person receives the salvation of the Lord; rededicate his or her life to Christ; there such a celebration and praise unto the Lord,” said Rev. Barnes.
For more information about Kids Across America 2018, contact church secretary Mrs. Edna Tarver at 903-489-0356.
