Pinebrook

        For as long as I can remember, my family would spend a week each summer at our church camp, Mizpah Grove, in Allentown.  There we would live in a tent with a wooden floor and straw filled beds.  We would go a central location for showers and to use the restroom.  We would cook our own meals to save money and most of our days were spent attending services - morning, afternoon and night.  Other than shuffleboard and softball there was really nothing else to do.  I also worked there several summers in the camp store, getting the camp ready and tearing it down.  It wasn't very luxurious, but we loved it and it was a big part of our Christian growth.
         When we were married we continued to go there until the Grove was finally sold and our denomination purchased the old Pinebrook Bible Conference facilities near Stroudsburg.  That camp was actually started in 1933 by evangelist Percy Crawford.  In its early days it was the place to go and top speakers, such as Billy Graham, were part of the program.  Thousands came to know the Lord there and many dedicated their lives to His service.  We continue to meet folks whose lives were changed by the ministry there over the years.
         But upon Percy's sudden death, the camp was closed and put up for sale.  During those years the facilities really deteriorated.  Plumbing and electricity were bad.  Buildings were old and in need of repair.  And so when the Bible Fellowship Church bought it in 1968, it really was in terrible shape.  Over the years many, many improvements have been made but many more are still needed.  But today most of those things are very expensive to do.
         When the BFC took over and began to run programs, we began going there in the summers and have done so ever since.  For about 25 years we provided the children's ministry there for up to three weeks each summer.  We often had 100 or more children, K-6, for two hours twice a day.  Then, for many years, Dianne played the piano or organ for the adult services and I often served as worship leader.  We continue to attend there two weeks each summer, now as part of our vacation.
         In recent years we have led 40 different hymn sings at Pinebrook on Fridays in the Spring and Fall.  Since 2003 it has been our joy to also serve as worship leaders for the week long Senior Saints Retreat each October.  This has become our favorite Pinebrook event and all seniors should join us for a great week.
         Like most Bible conferences today, Pinebrook struggles to keep going.  It is very expensive to staff and run such a program all year. New facilities are terribly expensive. Pinebrook depends on booking retreats throughout the year as well as on contributions from friends and churches.  Unfortunately, the Bible Fellowship churches have not supported the program very well in terms of both finances and attendance.  Part of this poor support is because today folks would rather go to Disney or to the shore than to a Bible conference.  Today people have money and other desires for their family vacations. A Bible conference is not a priority for younger generations.
        Another problem is that the rooms are not Marriott quality.  Many improvements have been made over the years.  But since the majority of the year the rooms are used for youth retreats in particular, it limits what can be done with the rooms.  All rooms do have private baths and AC, but many also include several bunk beds which are needed for the retreats.  And teens are often very tough on the rooms.
        But there are many things which still make Pinebrook a favorite with us.  We have made so many good friends there over the years, especially from Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Connecticut.  We look forward to seeing them year after year.  Having good Christian friends is a real blessing, something you won't get at Disney.
       Our boys are now grown, but it is a tremendous place to bring your children.  There are special programs geared to all ages.  The grounds are safe with much to do.  And what a pleasure to expose them for a week to Biblical teaching and fun.
       Each summer week also offers excellent Bible teaching for adults.  But the program is not so structured that you must attend each service if you wish to visit the many area Pocono attractions or go shopping on your vacation. 
       There are also many social and recreational activities provided for those who wish to participate in them.   In addition to swimming, shuffleboard, basketball, softball, volleyball and pickle ball, there are hikes to the Delaware Gap as well as talent shows and other events.
      And the food is excellent.  Three great meals are provided each day and there is a final banquet.  The only bad thing about the meals is that you are bound to gain weight throughout the week, unless you are very disciplined.  And if you go elsewhere you could easily spend over $900 a week just to feed a family of four for three comparable meals each day.
      Finally, Pinebrook is very economical.  A family of four can attend for a week, with full meals, for about $1,250.  Bible Fellowship Church members  can take their family for less than a $1,000 a week.  I checked some comparable rates ar other well known Bible conferences in New York, Maryland, and New Jersey.  For the same family size their rates are about $2,400, $2,720 and $1,790.   These are significant differences but I guess there are reasons that many folks are willing to pay the differences in charges to attend there.  Sometimes I guess tradition can make a big difference in what one chooses.
      Anyway, we love Pinebrook and enjoy going there.  And as long as the Lord allows us to do so, we hope to continue being involved in this special ministry with its rich heritage for thousands of believers.  We'd love to have you join us!