Passing the Torch: A New Chapter Unfolds at Springs of Life Camp

How God Filled a Need

In the late 1970s, Avant missionaries Murray and Marti Dewar saw the tremendous need for a Christian camp in southern Spain. They had been active in church planting in the region of Andalusia, particularly in the province of Malaga. In 1980, after much searching and prayer, God provided an incredible mountainous location just 40 minutes north of Malaga. The former farm named “Los Chorrillos” (The Little Springs) was appropriately renamed Springs of Life Camp due to the five freshwater mountain springs on the property.

The camp was gradually remodeled, updated, and made available to the evangelical community, with the first camps held in 1982. By the time the Dewars resigned and returned to Canada, the camp had grown exponentially, hosting dozens of guest groups and more than 2,500 campers annually. I assumed the position of director of the camp in 1993.

A Life Transformed: Isaac's* Journey

In 2009, Isaac* came as a teen summer volunteer. Although he was a Muslim, he was recommended by his high school teacher, an evangelical believer. Typically, we only accept believers on our staff, but I made the decision to let Isaac come. After a week of washing dishes and cleaning bathrooms, he proved to be a good worker. When Isaac said he was returning home, I invited him to be a camper the following week. During that camp, God touched his heart, and Isaac placed his trust in Jesus.

Years later, he and his future wife, Miriam, were baptized at the camp. Both had served as volunteer summer staff members, with Isaac dedicating five summers to the camp. He then joined Word of Life as a career missionary and spent time ministering in Muslim countries. After their marriage, they spent two years at the Word of Life Institute near Budapest, Hungary. They increased their ministry experience by directing teen summer camps at a camp near Madrid. During this time, they were also working in an evangelical church near Seville, Spain.

A New Chapter for the Camp

In 2020, Sue and I sensed our time at the camp was coming to a close, largely due to our ages. But also because we knew it was important to have a younger director at the helm. There were several possible replacements, but none of those worked out. I contacted another former volunteer who ministers in Rome with Word of Life. He didn’t feel called to change ministries but suggested I contact Isaac about joining the ministry of Springs of Life Camp.

From our first conversation, Isaac and Miriam felt the Lord leading them to take on the directorship of the camp. Due to their history with, and love for, Springs of Life, the decision came easily. Spring 2024, Isaac, Miriam, and then three-year-old daughter moved on site, and we had our first orientation meeting. The next year was one of transition, training, and learning. They are passionate about the camp’s future and its potential for further growth.

Avant made the decision to donate the camp to Word of Life. The transition continues as we work to legalize and sign the final paperwork. The former Muslim teen came full circle through a long process and is now the director of Springs of Life Camp! We praise the Lord that the camp will continue reaching Spaniards for Jesus!

Prayer requests

• Pray for the ongoing learning process for Isaac and Miriam as the new directors.
• Pray for the volunteer staff for the summer 2025 camping season.

*pseudonym used

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