Evangelist Dan Souza

God has given Christopher Birkholz and Timothy Powell a vision to see New Life Baptist Camp become a reality in New England. This vision along with Central Baptist Church - Southington Ct, Lighthouse Baptist Church - Waterbury Ct and Promised Land Baptist Church - Canaan Ct, led to this Winter Weekend Snow Camp.

An enthusiastic, energetic and dynamic group of young people made this Winter Camp something special indeed. Upon arrival there was NO SNOW. The ground was bare, the air chilly but NO SNOW. Oh well, winter camp rather than snow camp I thought. But the Lord had other plans. Along around supper time it started to snow, then snow and snow some more. Soon we were in several inches of white fluffy snow.


Students from the New England Baptist College provided spiritual counseling and special music.	Special music was also provided by some of the young ladies of Lighthouse Baptist Church.


Brother Don helped in the preaching. It was powerful and convicting to all hearts.

The presents of the Lord was so very evident in all the services, music and activities. Each time I preached I could see the Lord's hand upon each camper, staff and yes myself as well. Holy Spirit conviction was not limited to the campers but reached to all under the sound of the Word of God. In all FIVE WERE SAVED! Some young men were called to preach, young ladies bowed before their God in full surrender to His will. I believe sin was rooted out and a blessed peace replaced a rebellious, hard and cold heart.

Thomas, a young man from Lighthouse Baptist Church and student at Central Christian Academy, gave testimony of his recent conversion to Christ. His deep sincerity and genuine experience was heart warming to those who were saved, yet troublesome to those still faking a true conversion experience.

As many of you know, I have preaching at youth camps every year since 1978. Each one is special to me. I have seen some of the young people fizzle out while others go on enriching their life and the lives of others. After one service on a message of not "Selling Ourselves" out to the world, flesh and devil, I placed a poster board with the words "NOT FOR SALE" on the altar. I didn't ask anyone to come and sign it. Brother Don then preached a great message on staying close to God. Within a few hours young people began to put their names on this promise to the Lord. One here.. then another. Not all signed it and that's ok. But I have placed this poster on the wall in my garage and each day when I enter my car I see it and it become my prayer list for that time.

At the very close of camp, after the testimonies, Brother Birkholz asked all those who responded to the Lord's call and touch in their lives to come and stand on the platform with him.

He then had a prayer of dedication for them commending them unto the Lord to seal the promises made to the Lord during this camp time.

The report from the churches the following Sunday was evidence of the moving of God. Forgiveness was requested and received publicly and testimony was clearly given of a heart felt desire to be true to the surrender of their lives for the Lord.