Rain or shine, the Thousand Oaks Gospel Camp served up faith-based fellowship and delicious food over the weekend to folks from all over North America. Featuring musical performers from as far as La Crete, Alberta, along with groups from the Pembina Valley, Sunday’s rain didn’t damper anyone’s spirits.
Abe Teichroeb is a part of the Thousand Oaks Ministries board and spent the weekend in charge of the products and merchandise sales. Having been involved with the board for over 15 years, he has worked in many roles. “My best friend and I... helped with parking and stuff like that when we were younger and kind of grew into it.”
As for Teichroeb’s highlights of the camp, he looks forward to groups from all over. “You never know who you’re going to get... but they always do a great job, and we enjoy it.”
One such member of a group from out-of-province is Art Block, a member of the Gospel Echoes Canada West Quartet based out of Saskatchewan. Block himself is from Paradise Valley, Alberta, and has enjoyed coming to Winkler for events like the Gospel Camp.
Key to running the Gospel camp is the work volunteers put in, especially in the canteen. Debby Wiebe has been volunteering her time at Thousand Oaks for 25 years and has seen the camp move from Stanley Park to Winkler Park. While times have changed, Wiebe’s love for the camp hasn’t. “I love working with people, I love Jesus the most” shared Wiebe. “That’s why I love volunteering here... I love the way we work together.”
For Wiebe, the experience of the camp being held outdoors is just as important. “What’s better than sitting in God’s creation, enjoying His music?”
