After Camp message from Dave Smith
07/01/2022

Greetings Stu and my new Hollow Rock family.

It is now the Monday morning after camp. As I was reflecting over the glory of those 10 days, a thought came to mind. Years ago (yes, way back in 1992); the Christian music artist Daryl Coley wrote a song entitled, "When the Music Stops." The opening line goes like this,

When the music stops, that's when I live my song…
When the band goes home, that’s when I live my song…
When we’ve said AMEN and the crowd begins to fade away, 
that’s when I live the life that I sing about in my song.

Yes, the music has stopped, the morning and evening services are now sweet memories, and the Bible Study is done for one more encampment. BUT, the Lord is asking us to daily walk in the freedom we received and to live out the Biblical commitments we made. This seems so easy to do while basking in the glory of Word and the presence of His Spirit. Yet it often can become so hard in the mundane routine of Monday through Friday once we return home from camp.  Nevertheless, His Spirit flowing into us, directly from the love and heart of the Triune God empowering us to say, YES to the Kingdom realities right before us. 

As I think about our time together, I am focused on the word, “Thankfulness."  A very special thanks should go to everyone who made Hollow Rock camp possible. First, I want to thank Stu Smith for the invitation to be here. Second, the leadership team created a culture of Love which pervades the entire Hollow Rock community. Yes indeed, the board at Hollow Rock is surely a “working board.” Oh, what a delight to work alongside Rev. Dr. John Juneman. His passion for Jesus and the word was palpable in each service. Then, praise to the entire volunteer staff. You are amazing, tireless, and washed the feet of everyone who stepped onto those hallowed grounds. And the worship team(s) of Brock, Jeff and Beth took us to the throne each service. Next, to the youth and all the folks who served them so well (and Rev. Dr. Caleb Friedeman was a rock star). They richly set the tone for each evening service with their choir. Finally, to all that prayed for us before the camp began, during each Spirit-bathed session, and will continue to pray for everyone “after the music stops” … thanks. 

Now, since I wrote to you all before camp began, it seems appropriate for me to write after our time is over. May I give you a few parting words of encouragement as you read and ponder the most wonderful book we call the Gospel of John?  

First, as you read John in the dyas and weeks ahead, begin with prayer. ALWAYS. Use Samuel’s model for us, “Speak Lord, for your servant is Listening.” Maybe add to that Mary’s prayer, “May it be to me according to your Word.”

Second, I humbly say one final time, try to read John as a whole. Or, to read in larger sections that just one chapter. Think about “binge-reading” the Gospel of John. It will help calibrate your Spiritual Compass according to John. Once you get done, why not go back to the beginning and start again. Marinade your soul in John for up to a month, maybe even making John “Your Gospel” for the entire year. Many of the topics that may have seemed confusing or Jesus’ hard teaching will begin to unlock as you process them over and over. One final thought that helps many people is to read John (or Mark if you so choose) is to read the passage aloud. Bathe your home with the Word. Even imagine that you are being baptized in Word as you engage with the Bible on a regular basis.

Third, after reading John a few times, begin to answer the text’s questions with a good study Bible. In answering the “Where” question, look at a map to see the precise location where the story takes place. Second, examine the study Bible’s notes at the bottom of the page to see what cultural or historical issues are at play that are so different from our time and culture. Also, the Bible Project (www.TheBibleProject.com) is another wonderful resource (and free) to get a video guided tour. Take a few minutes and click thru it. Some valuable work is already done for you!

I offer to you my workbook on Bible Study True^North: Disciple-making in the Word. I am so sorry that I did not bring more copies. But who knew of your hunger for the word. This workbook is a step-by-step process on reading-interpreting-applying the word. A digital copy is available on the link above. It is all free and downloadable. Soon, this web site will be updated with videos to help you become better “in-formed” so you can become “trans-formed” by the renewing of your mind. I am even working with Kingswood University to provide an online True^North class for churches utilize…yes, even it will be FREE.

Finally, after you have done some of your own “heavy lifting” in the study of your passage, I want you to think about the application of the Scripture to your life. And as most evangelical churches offer, this is best done in a community or small group. If one does not exist at your church, “start one!” Now, application is not simply about “knowing something new.” No, it is about “becoming someone new.” So, try pondering this question, “What new truth is John calling me to obey?” The best way to apply John to your life is to listen to the instructions that Jesus’ mother Mary gives to the servants at the Wedding in Cana, “Whatever He [Jesus] says to do, do it” (John 2:5). In the words of our encampment, “Just say YES.” 

In closing, I sensed something (no, sorry, I sensed Someone) at work in our midst. It was the Spirit’s presence in that sacred place. He was and continues to be on the move…and we get to participate with Him. May each of you permit HIM to speak into your lives as you hear Him declaring, “As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” My friends, this year, I beg you to “Live Sent”. If you do, the Lord will be fashioning stories for you to tell of His glory and grace next year at Hollow Rock 2023.

In Jesus' joy,
Dave and Angie Smith

Prof.Dave.Smith@gmail.com
www.ProfDaveSmith.com
Cell: (740) 616-3150

PS. If you have questions, my email is just a click away ☺

Greetings from Rev. Dave Smith, June 2022

My current and soon-to-be-friends @ Hollow Rock Camp, 

When I attend conferences, such as the upcoming Hollow Rock Camp (July 21-31), I feel as if I am just a bit under-prepared. I often do not know much about the evangelists or teacher. Nor do I have any insight into the overall thrust of the topics they will be sharing. So, I asked Stu Smith if I could send you a more detailed introduction to help take care of this dilemma.  

First, my name is Dave Smith. I’ve been a professor of Bible for the last 3+ decades. But the truth is I am a pastor masquerading as a professor. Students in my classes start each semester thinking that I am primarily focused on teaching their heads. But in actuality, I am seeking to impact their hearts to fall in love with Jesus and His Word. That will equally be so at Hollow Rock!

Since I have only met a few of you. I thought it might be helpful for me to share just a few words about myself. For you will not understand my sermons or any private conversations we might have without this background. I am a sinner saved by grace. No; I mean I was a really good sinner. Drugs, alcohol, and all the other issues which flows from that kind of lifestyle comprised the first 25 years of my life. You can probably hear my brokenness in that simple sentence. Then a woman introduced me to the man named Jesus. She miraculously became my wife, Angie. So, I get to do life together with the one who led me to the Lord. All I do and all I say, flows directly out of the gracious work of the Lord in my life. He also created peace with so many that I had wronged over the years. That reconciliation and unity with others has become a value in my life second to none. I pray that that will become clear to each of you as we walk together through the Biblical text this coming July. 

For the last 40 years, I have been married to Angie. She is a home-maker and a mentor of young women on the Indiana Wesleyan campus. We have two grown children, Joshua (married to Laura) and Hannah (married to Brian), and five grandchildren.  My wife and I love to watch old movies together.  I love the movies.  She loves cuddling during the movies, which I have never complained about.  To relieve daily tension, I love to read and lift weights (though to look at me you might be surprised.  I did however, look more like it at age 25 than the present day). 

Angie and I have pastored two churches; our last role was as solo pastor of a Free Methodist Church in Cleveland, Ohio for five years.  We loved it.  It was a great incubator for me to develop a practical philosophy of ministry. More so, serving in the local church is a prerequisite for teaching current and future pastors at Indiana Wesleyan.

To give you a bit of my professional and academic training, I am a second career pastor-professor.  I spent 10 years as a Computer Systems Analyst with Nationwide Insurance in Columbus, Ohio.  So, my languages are not just Hebrew and Greek but I also talk "computereze." My undergraduate training was done at Circleville Bible College (Circleville, Ohio, now called Ohio Christian University) and Asbury University (B.A.; Bible).  I then went to Asbury Theological Seminary for an M.A. in Biblical Literature (Old Testament). After several years of pastoring, we returned to Asbury Seminary to work on an M. Div. and then move on to Durham University (England not N.C.) for a Ph.D. in New Testament Studies.

I am passionate about the Gospels and Paul's letters. But I have also done extensive study and teaching in the Hebrew Bible. Angie and I have traveled around the world teaching and doing leadership development. Most recently we have been working in local Church-based Community Development in Malawi, Africa through Circle of Hope, International. Finally, we have also started a new ministry this last year called True^North through which we train laity in local churches how to read, interpret and apply the Scriptures as the key act of Discipleship. Check it out. It is all FREE.

Now, how about our time together at Hollow Rock Camp? As I prayed about the material to share, I sensed the Spirit leading me towards this topic, “Holiness Housed in a Prayer.” My primary focus be John Chapter 17, Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer. But of course, John 17 is wonderfully nestled in the larger context of John 13-17; Jesus’ Final words to His disciples. Thus, I will move throughout those 5 chapters of John. If you feel so inclined, I might suggest that you read John 13-17 in preparation for our time together. May I humbly ask you to read 13-17 a few times? Maybe even more than a few times. If you enjoy the process of biblical storytelling, maybe try to read it aloud. If you are married, may I suggest that you read the passage aloud “over one another” as if your covenant partner is being baptized in the spoken Words of Jesus. Moreover, the way you pronounce the words of Jesus is your initial entrance into the living Word. You will never regret reading Scripture this way. I pray that in our time together, I will show you many new ways to hear John 17 as if Jesus is right in the tabernacle with us in July…BECAUSE HE IS!

Friends, it is my hope and prayer that you will encounter the Gospel of John in new and fresh ways BEFORE we get together. In our time together in just a few months, I equally pray that the Spirit will refresh, renew, awaken, and speak with clarity the depth of the call upon each of our lives. May we realize that He is not just our Savior who forgives sin but He is the Lord God of the Universe, who desires to reconcile all things unto Himself. (Sorry, that is the Apostle Paul in Col 1:20 and not the Gospel of John). May we never forget just how big our God is and how transformative His Gospel message can be. Complete Re-Creation is His Mission (Yes, that is goal of John…but found in the Book of Revelation Chapters 21-22).

May we settle for nothing less than the full salvation He offers as His Easter gift to each of us as His children and to all of us as the Temple of the Holy Spirit.  

Lord, hear our prayers. 
In Jesus’ joy,
Rev. Dave Smith 
Prof.Dave.Smith@gmail.com

WWW.ProfDaveSmith.com

Greetings from Rev. John Juneman

Dear friends and fellow seekers of Jesus at Hollow Rock:

How overjoyed we are to get to be with you in just a few short weeks!  It was such an honor and privilege to share with you “virtually” a couple of years ago.  How we now treasure the opportunity to see your faces and to share together in person!

For those with whom I am not yet acquainted, my name is John Juneman.  I am a full-time commissioned evangelist in the Church of the Nazarene.  I also serve as Evangelist in Residence at Trevecca Community Church as well as faculty adjunct in the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN.  In addition to this, I teach live weekly online Bible classes to high school students around the world through an online school named The Potter’s School.  I have a passion and calling to write books that help disciple people in the truth of scriptural holiness.  Perhaps my greatest passion of all, though, is campmeeting ministry!  Our family loves and believes in campmeeting, and so it is a special privilege to get to be at one of our greatest holiness camps this year: Hollow Rock.

One reason campmeeting is so special to me is that I did not have the opportunity to grow up in such a wonderful environment.  My family attended a church when I was young, but I did not know a lot about a personal relationship with Jesus or the difference He can make in our lives.  After some family brokenness led to our family not attending church at all for a time, a holiness church reached out to my mother, my sisters, and me.  Those people loved us with the love of Christ.  It was after two years of being drawn by the love of Jesus through those people that I finally surrendered my life to Him, followed shortly by a call to preach.  How kind and long-suffering is the love of God in Jesus Christ!

I met Trina two years later at college, where I went to pursue my calling.  We were married before our senior year of college, and we have been walking this wonderful road together for 34 years now.  My family is the joy of my life and my highest calling in ministry.  Our daughter was married two years ago, and she and her husband just welcomed our first grandchild into the world.  Charlotte Louise (Charlie Lou) is such a treasure to us!  They live about 45 minutes from us in the Nashville area, and it is a gift to be able to be able to be a part of their lives.  Our son is beginning his final year at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut.  Next May he will graduate and be commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard.  Discipling my family is my primary calling, and campmeeting is a special and important part of our family’s life.

In addition to regular teaching responsibilities, my main calling is traveling to preach and teach the Word wherever the Lord provides opportunity.  I believe so strongly in the preaching of the Word.  It is my deepest conviction that it is through the Word that Jesus reveals Himself by the power of the Holy Spirit, and it is through the power of His Word that He sanctifies us.   We believe that scriptural holiness is not a side issue in Scripture, but it is the heart of the message of God’s Word.  I believe that if we are to have the revival we so greatly need in our day — in our lives, our family, our churches, and our camps — it will come through a return to a focus on Jesus and His Word.  This is the message I would prayerfully convey in our time together, in the services in which I am privileged to share.  Over this past year, I have been deeply impacted by Paul’s writing in 2 Timothy chapters 3 and 4, and is from here that I will be preaching in these days.  The following is the material on the back of the new book we have written on this material, and it conveys the heart of the message I hope to share with you:

“If we knew our days here on this earth were short, what would we want to share and with whom would we want to share it?  This is the atmosphere of Paul’s final written words on this earth to his beloved son, Timothy.  Composed and sent from the dark, cold lower chamber of Rome’s maximum-security prison, Paul not only encourages Timothy but also strongly admonishes him.  Like a father with his hands on his son’s shoulders and looking him straight in the eye, Paul lovingly and firmly speaks about the things that truly matter.  In 2 Timothy chapters 3 and 4, he passionately urges his son to remain singularly focused on Jesus Christ and His Word.  He warns Timothy that ‘perilous times’ will come in which there will be distraction from the truth of the Word and an attempt to replace it with a ‘form of godliness.’  But it is the Word that is needed more than ever.  Jesus will empower and change us through His Word.  This is the torch that Paul has carried for these years . . . the fight he has fought, the race he has run, and the faith he has kept.  Now it was Timothy’s turn to be the torchbearer for his day, to allow the light of Jesus and His Word to shine brightly through him for those who would come next.  Who will take up the torch in the perilous times we now face?  Who will be the torchbearers for our day?”

This is my prayer for us in these days together, as I believe it is our great need.  It is my great need, and the need of my family.  Thank you for allowing me the privilege to share with you at Hollow Rock.  I am humbled and grateful, and I am alongside of you and on my knees, seeking Jesus for all He would do in and through us in these days to bear the torch of holiness.

Yours in Him,
John Juneman