by Natalie Shiels
Central Bible Leadership Institute (CBLI) stands as a symbol of regeneration in the territory. Each year, age-related tracks dive into Scripture. They engage in worship through music, light-hearted competitions, Bible studies and intense conversations. This year was no different. With the theme “Building Up,” each track studied the book of Nehemiah, highlighting passages and themes that applied to its demographic.
The teen track, led by Melanie Mowers and a host of volunteers, followed the theme of building one’s faith through prayer, praise, community and observing the Sabbath. Teens were given Bible study tools, prayer models and more throughout the week. Pastor Mike “Mischa” Hulett emphasized the need for Christ as the foundation of our faith. He spoke on the prayer in Nehemiah 1, saying, “We rarely act on anything unless it breaks our hearts.”
This statement tied in perfectly to guest speaker Stuart Hall’s teaching that evening in the united meeting that focused on Nehemiah 1:4, which describes Nehemiah’s devastation at hearing the state of Jerusalem. Stuart asked a similar question: “What breaks your heart enough to do something about it?” He touched on this throughout the week, asking what things tugged at our hearts, the things God is calling us to work at or through. He said, “Because whenever we stop trying to do what seems impossible, we settle for a version of life that God never intended for us.”
Worship in the evening programs, as well as teen track, was led by Dave Hudgens. Campers praised the Lord with their whole hearts throughout the week, and just before the final evening program, 60 teens filled the lodge patio and sang praises to God in an incredible display of faith and dedication.
Staff noted a hallmark of this year’s camp was the teens’ involvement and enthusiasm; they consistently asked questions, trying to understand as much as they could in their short time together. Counselor Blain Wandling described the teen track as being “joyful, eager and unique.”
The middle school track followed in Nehemiah’s footsteps as they worked through the book. Leaders guided students through conversations about prayer, inclusivity, integrity, holiness, glorifying God, and accountability. They picked up a new topic with each of the 13 chapters.
Middle school track leader Major Catherine Mount described campers as “enthusiastic, content, and Spirit-filled.” Many participated in worship and prayer times alongside the teen track in afterglows like “War on the Floor.”
The young adult track, organized by Peggy McGee, joined the teen track in morning worship and then was led in Bible study by Justin and Courtney Rose. They focused on Nehemiah’s central themes and historical context and how that shapes the story, the difference between mending and rebuilding, and the importance of rooting ourselves in the larger story and knowing our history. Key verses include Nehemiah 4:6-10, which show perseverance in the face of opposition and standing firm in prayer. They also spent time writing and singing songs to express their experiences and how those might shape their faith. This year’s group of young adults, ages 18-20, were in high school when the pandemic hit; now they are actively involved in their faith communities. Courtney described them as being “authentic, curious and open.”
The adult track focused on the project and building aspect of the book of Nehemiah. Steve and Melissa Roemer led worship while Major Tim Pascoe led Bible study using the stages of project assessment, planning, opposition, construction and operations, and dedication of the completed project. He highlighted the intentionality with which Nehemiah approached the project, prayerfully ensuring that the “great work” mentioned in Nehemiah 6:3 was honoring and glorifying God in every way. Track leader Mark Bender described the track as “life-giving, God-honoring and soul-refreshing.”
Two highlights of the united sessions were a concert by the Chicago Mass Choir and the welcome of Colonels Thomas and Julie Anne Louden, chief secretary and territorial leader for leader development. A charge from Territorial Commander Commissioner Evie Diaz to them to be authentic and keep Jesus first was appreciated by everyone gathered, and the Loudens’ warm, faith-filled response was encouraging. At a reception, campers personally welcomed the colonels to the Midwest. (Read more about the Loudens on pages 6 & 7).
Afternoon recreation, from traditional sports like volleyball to a homerun derby and a bellyflop contest, provided fun and fostered community. The Salvation Army Outdoors (TSAO), led by Jeanie Dobney, offered a multitude of options, visited youth tracks to provide learning experiences, and encouraged all campers to be good stewards of God’s creation by recycling.
As always, during CBLI everyone worked hard at raising funds for World Missions, this year specifically for the Manyatta Corps in the Kenya East Territory. Efforts were far-ranging from a virtual 5K to a shop where campers could make tote bags out of upcycled t-shirts, to an ice cream truck that sold treats during a student versus staff soccer game (which campers won 6-4, much to the staff’s dismay). With a match by Territorial Headquarters, a total of $8,382.38 will be sent to help rebuild the roof and the walls of the Manyatta Corps.
As the week drew to a close, God’s Spirit was palpable. The final meeting, which featured celebratory worship led by the emerging band E37 based in the North & Central Illinois Division, served as a powerful testimony to CBLI’s purpose.
This year stands as a symbol of CBLI’s enduring influence which turned 80 this summer. From its beginning, CBLI has aimed to inspire and equip campers for spiritual growth and leadership. The enthusiasm and dedication displayed for building up the Kingdom, coupled with the successful fundraising for the Manyatta Corps, showed CBLI still has a profound influence here in the Central Territory and throughout the world.
