Dr. Ronald Smith

An old friend is returning to camp this summer to preach the Word of God at a pulpit he’s preached from many times before. 

He grew up in Millville, is the president of Wesley Biblical Seminary and holds degrees from Asbury College, Asbury Theological Seminary, Princeton Theological Seminary and  Drew Theological Seminary. 

We know him, of course, as Ron Smith and are excited to have him with us for Camp Meeting June 27-July 3. 

Here are a few more tidbits about Dr. Ronald Smith from his bio on the Francis Asbury Society Web site:

President Smith has been privileged to speak in a wide arena of denominational settings around the world. He has served as a keynote speaker in a variety of regional and national meetings for denominations and consortiums in the broader Wesleyan world.  Ron has also delivered several distinguished lecture series at different colleges, universities, and theological seminaries, such as the notedThomas F. Staley Distinguished Lecture Series.

Ron’s special burden is for students in higher education.  He and his family have hosted a weekly meeting for spiritual growth and study with college and seminary students for many years.

Ron has served on such boards as World Gospel Mission and the Francis Asbury Society and, for several years, served as Chairman of the Board of OMS International.

He has also written and taught professionally on subjects in the field of the History of Christian Doctrine.  His work has focused on Evangelicalism and Modernity; The Intellectual History of the Nineteenth Century; Forging the American Evangelical Tradition, Perfectionism and Pre-Millennialism; and, The Theological Lifework of Dr. Henry Clay Morrison.  He is currently working on a Pneumatology for the Francis Asbury Society’s Systematic Theology Project.

He has written articles for many denominational and missional publications, and has a special interest in producing substantive theological literature for the Church today.

Ron is married to Dorena (Ritzler) and together they have two daughters, Katie and Laura.

Soccer on the sand at Delanco

For anyone who has ever dissed Delanco Camp for its sand soccer field, the existence of a Beach Soccer World Cup is validation. I didn’t realize this until last night, but someone could actually aspire to one day play in a World Cup playing on our grass-less soccer field. How cool is that?

Flu-Like Symptoms include fever plus at least either cough or sore throat. Additional symptoms include headache, tiredness, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, chills, diarrhea, and vomiting. This rule has been issued under a recommendation from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and ACA (American Camping Association).

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Austin, Texas, is a long way from New Jersey. How did you end up where you are now?

 My grandparents live in TX and would always tell us we should move there. We always blew it off. But we would sit at home in NJ and think, we need to get out of here! Price of housing and taxes were outrageous! The tri-sate area is run by the mob. We were just tired of it. Well one day we decided that instead of just talking about it, we should do something. So I put my resume on monster.com and found an opening in Austin. Got the job, sold, the house, and as they say, the rest is history. A short history, but history none the less.

You’re active in your church right now playing in worship. How did you get into playing music and what would you say is the biggest blessing you’ve experienced being part of worship in this way?

I started playing guitar back in highschool because of Josh Hallahan and Thad MacFarlane. It was something I wanted to do so I bought a cheap acoustic from the Berlin Farmers market and taught myself. I always had Josh to play with and through youth group/church I got the chance to do worship. Josh and I played for youth group, church and started a band called SPAM. Even after I left SUMC I always led in worship in some sort of way.

The biggest blessing I’ve experienced is just being able to worship on my own. Just me, my guitar, and my God. And second to that would be that I’ve been able to take part in some awesome times of corporate worship. I’ve played with many great musicians who have helped me become who I am today, but to be able to unite and help lead people to the throne room. That’s what its all about.

How did you start going to Delanco, what was your first memory of the camp and how long did you attend?

I started going to Delanco because my dad was the activities director for a camp meeting. I dont remember much of that year but I do remember I loved it and kept going back. That was probably in sixth grade. The last year I “attended” camp was the year I was on Perm. Staff. That was back in 2001 I think. Man I’m getting old.

Do you have a favorite Delanco Camp memory/memories or anything that you find yourself recollecting about?

I think back a lot about the things we did. Bible smugglers was always fun, the food was great, and the lessons I learned there have shaped me. But I think the thing I miss most are the relationships. The conversations we all had as friends. The staff just being able to hang out with each other. One reason why I love Facebook so much, even living in TX I can still keep in touch.

What would you say the impact of your time at camp has been on your life, particularly now that you are married, have a family and remain active in the local church?

Camp has definitely taught me a lot of things. Sermons, devotions, and any other chapel time we had is pretty obvious. But its the smaller things you learn from others that I think have had a big impact as well. Just the fact that it surrounded me with other Christians has shaped me. I’ve learned to lead others, teach kids, and learned what things are really important in life. Those are the things that translate into everyday living. Especially when you have a family or church.

What advice do you have for young people who want to get into doing music in church or ministry settings?

Be humble. I dont care how good you think you are, its not about you. Its about serving others, and ultimately God, through the talents he has given you. Be faithful. That means dont get to practice on time, be there early and ready to go when its time. Be excellent. Practice and give God only your best. Learn some theory. At least the Nashville numbering system (if you dont know what that is…it looks like you have some homework). And lastly, worship God in spirit and truth. Those are the worshipers He seeks.

What would you say your top five favorite worship songs are at the moment?

1 – God of this city – Chris Tomlin
2 – Hearts of Servants – Shane and Shane
3 – The Anthem – Planetshakers
4 – Facedown – Matt Redman
5 – Revelation Song – CFNI version
6 – From the Inside Out – Hillsong

Is there a particular passage of scripture or book that God’s been speaking to you about or using in your life lately?

Matt 6:19-21 I guess. I’ve been trying to stop thinking about and spending my time on things that have no eternal value and start putting my time, money, and effort into things and relationships that are.

That being said… You know Delanco is special.

You have your own reasons why Delanco is special to you. (hint – there’s a comments sections down there) For me two things stand out.

First of course is all that God has done in me, my family, and my friends through camp. There is no question that the Holy Spirit has radically changed lives, and for that I say thank you Lord Jesus.

“The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day, and there may I though vile as he wash all my sins away.”

“The blood flowed and covered me and washed me whiter than snow. I cleansed me so that I could be holy as God is holy.”

The second most special thing for me about Delanco Camp is the way it catches and holds on to people. You know you’ll always be a Delanco person. Once you fall in love with camp, camp won’t let you go. Sure you might need a break after a week or two or a whole summer or twenty summers. But you’ll be back. You know you love it.

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The deans (our university-inspired name for program directors) for the summer 2010 camp season were approved last night by the camp’s board of directors. Please be in prayer for each of these leaders as they plan and prepare for a week of camp this summer. You may not realize this, but deans begin the hard work of putting together a staff and planning themes/activities in November for a camp in July or August. 

Camp Meeting > June 27 – July 3 – Jonathan Falcone and Laurie Rambo

Junior High I > July 4 – 10 - Steve LaMotte

Teen 1 > July 11-17 – John DiGiamberardino

Junior Camp > July 18 – 24 Linda Dugan and Wally Kappeler

Junior High II > July 25 – July 31 – Mike Ralph and Dan Ulrich

Teen 2 > Aug. 1-7 – Jennifer Nieves and Stephen Tucker

Junior High III > Aug. 8 – 14 – Mike Bill and Tricia Hatten-Jamison.

Middler Camp > Aug. 15-21 – Becky Jones and Brandon Cobb

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Our friend Rebecca Cicione has a wonderful article she wrote on Tenth Avenue North up on her blog. While giving the band its due, she also gave us props:

They went for years as an indie band, traveling to play small places like Delanco Camp– a summer camp where the kids can almost claim Tenth Ave as their own, due to the many concerts
they’ve had the pleasure of hosting and attending for many years.

Read the rest of the article and several other band articles and interviews at Rebecca’s blog: http://rebeccacicione.wordpress.com.

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Need a staff Christmas party to go to? We will be having the first ever Delanco Camp staff Christmas party on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Retreat Center. Who is “staff” of Delanco? Anyone who has ever served Delanco in any way shape or form (volunteer staff, permanent staff, work day volunteer, prayer partner, financial contributer, etc). Past and present are invited to come. Spread the word and come out for a night of fellowship and celebrating the Christmas season with people we love.
There will be a “white elephant” gift exchange for anyone who wants to participate ($5 limit). We will also have a time of caroling out in the community on the hay wagon. Should be a great time!

Any questions email me (joshhallahan(at)gmail.com)