Camp meeting attendees gathered on the grass at the front of the campground for the annual Saturday night sing-along. At the end of a hot summer day, the weather was perfect for sitting outside and enjoying music and fellowship.

To kick things off, an ensemble of musicians playing guitar, banjo, mandolin, stand-up bass, and harmonica performed a series of songs. “Life’s Railway to Heaven,” “I’ve Been Washed in the Blood,” and “Keep on the Firing Line” were crowd favorites. Susan Asaya then sang “Mansion Over the Hilltop” and “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior,” accompanied by the musicians, with many in the crowd joining in.

A Midwest ladies’ trio—singers from St. Louis and Worth, Illinois—sang “I’m forgiven, now I’ve got a reason for living.” It was a favorite special from camp meeting services and seemed even better the second time! Next, the “Youth for Christ” group from Yakima, Washington, sang “Step By Step,” outfitted in matching shirts. They followed with “Yes, Lord, Yes,” sharing that at a recent youth weekend they had talked about learning to say “yes” to whatever the Lord asks. They led a call and response, asking, “Will you?” The crowd shouted, “Yes, Lord, yes!”

At the annual drawing for a beautiful quilt, handmade by Wendy Chasteen (of Roseburg, Oregon), the winner was Yeon Hee Park of Seattle, Washington. A new tradition may have begun this year as ten camp meeting tote bags were also given away. Following the give-away, Sola Adesope lit a tiki torch in honor of every country represented at camp meeting this year. Attendees from each country stood as their torches were lighted.

It has been challenging for some to testify during church because so many people have been eager to share their blessings. However, everyone at the sing-along had the chance to testify during the chorus “Glory, Glory, Glory,” where people stand on the day of the week they were saved. Later, Kim Lewis of Washington D.C. joined Lavon Brown of Pensacola, Florida, in leading several spirited songs, including “Victory Is Mine” and “Jesus on the Mainline.”

A young men’s quartet from Portland sang another throwback from earlier in the week—“Stepping on the Clouds.” Then Caleb Copko led a series of songs to warmup for youth camp, which is right around the corner: “Stand Up and Shout It,” and “V is for Victory.” Curt Cook followed with his legendary youth camp song, “Bullfrogs and Butterflies.”

As the evening came to a close, Al Sifagaloa of Port Angeles, Washington, softly sang, “He’s the only reason I live, and no other reason.” Then all joined him in singing “Just a Closer Walk with Thee.” Once again, the sing-along's easy atmosphere of church family and worship was a wonderful prelude to closing day of camp.