God sometimes works in unknown ways along the journey…..ways that become providential after the journey is over.

“My story about Indian Springs Camp Meeting is an example of the many miracles that God performs in our lives daily. The world often insists these events are luck or coincidental. God so seamlessly directs the paths of our lives that we usually don’t see what He has provided until after we have reached a resting point …that is, if we take the time to notice at all. Look how He works……

My family was transplanted from Indiana to Georgia because of my husband’s work. We were involved in several churches and enjoyed them all, but missed our old tradition of going to camp meeting every summer. Being raised in a family generations deep with camp meeting heritage, my family traveled back to our camp in Indiana as much as possible. But time and money for camp meeting travel were soon required for other family needs.

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Prayer changes things…..but God changes things in His own time.

My husband and I prayed earnestly about finding a camp meeting closer to our home than the camp in Indiana over 600 miles away. We desired a camp to help us grow spiritually as a family, and give us rest at the same time.

We tried a few camps here and there; nothing really worked for the entire family and we were discouraged. We were involved in a new church and had become friends with a wonderful older couple, Hoyed and Mary Ellen Davis (faithful attendees of Indian Springs for over 50 years). Soon the Davises were like family to us; our lives blended with the Davis family, as our children and their grandchildren were the same ages and shared many of the same activities.

One summer, Hoyed mentioned that his family attended a camp meeting near Flovilla, GA, and said that the camp needed help with the Nursery teaching. He asked if I was interested in helping, and apologized for such short notice. A small salary would be paid and supplies would be provided. We prayed about it and agreed that this would be an opportunity to see another camp and have a little family time.

Well, to sum it up, we fell in love with the Indian Springs Camp Meeting, the people, the children and the ministry. That all took place in 1984 and we haven’t missed an encampment in 24 years!

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God is faithful to bless us with the fruits of our efforts and service.

Since that time ‘The Porch Ministry’ at Indian Springs has grown in so many ways:

Physically: We started with about 30 children on just a porch, which was challenging. The porch grew to a whole cabin, then a playground was fenced, and now we have two buildings. The greatest recent improvement was providing the older children and younger infants separate care givers, playing and learning areas. When we expanded, my daughter began directing the infant nursery while I continued teaching the Bible hour on “The Porch”, as it has become known. So my own personal ministry grew to involve my own daughter and we share the joys of working together.

Numerically: We have grown from about 30 total children; this year, we anticipate having approximately 50-60 infants, toddlers and children.

Spiritually: I have had the blessing of the Nursery Ministry long enough to see many of the children I have taught to grow, marry and bring their own children to learn about Jesus on “The Porch”.

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God provided a place to belong, to serve and to grow.

We finally bought a cabin last year after realizing that the third generation of our family was now looking forward to camp meeting every year, just as they would Christmas. Indian Springs is a novel place that stands out in the World. It is a restful, restorative place that is hidden away.

As my story continues, we have moved back to Indiana where we used to long to go back for camp meeting….but my childhood camp ground is being sold. Members consider it a thing of the past and are no longer interested enough in it to keep alive. So, we will continue to journey from wherever we are to Flovilla, GA, and be blessed by the gift of belonging and serving that God gave us.

Striving toward His will,
Marcia F. Pavey

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About Macia Pavey

Marcia is the District Director of Wesleyan Women in Central Indiana, serving as its prayer leader. She served on the District Board of Directors for the Wesleyan church in Georgia and is now on the District Board of Directors in Indiana. One of her ministries has been as a Children's Leader in Bible Study Fellowship.

Marcia is the proud mother of two children and nine grandchildren. "They keep my life filled with the love for their honest, pure and beautiful spirit."

Click to learn about “The Porch Ministry’ for children from birth through five years and nursery services available for all Worship Services in the Main Tabernacle.