Lives are being transformed this summer at the University of Mobile, where more than 2,400 middle to high school students are arriving for MFuge — week-long camps centered on missions, worship and spiritual growth.
Youth groups and leaders from 103 churches across 13 states are taking part in the summer camp program at UM operated by the Southern Baptist Convention’s Lifeway Christian Resources.
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Last summer at UM, the impact was clear: 90 salvations, 66 recommitments to faith and 41 calls to ministry were recorded, according to Melina Baird, event coordinator for MFuge.
A legacy of ministry and missions
The Southern Baptist Convention’s FUGE Camps youth ministry program started in 1979 and now includes two primary tracks: MFuge, which incorporates opportunities for service with worship and Bible study; and Centrifuge, which focuses on recreation, Bible study, worship and topical tracks.
The University of Mobile has been hosting FUGE Camps since 1981. In 1996, UM became one of the first sites to host MFuge and today is the longest-running MFuge location in the nation.
The camps are held on 24 university campuses and 11 retreat/conference centers across the United States.
Serving the city through hands-on ministry
MFuge introduces students to real-world ministry opportunities throughout the Mobile area.
Campers choose from four types of service: painting, construction and yard work; children’s ministry; games and recreation; and social ministry sites such as soup kitchens, clothing closets and nursing home visits, among others. Children’s and recreation ministries are held in area parks and at organizations such as Boy’s & Girl’s Clubs. Each night, they gather in Ram Hall for worship.
“This summer during daily Bible study, students will learn about how to own their faith and not just ride the coattails of the parents’ faith,” said Joe Hicks, FUGE Camps manager. “Then in the afternoon, they will learn how to put this faith into action as they serve the greater Mobile community.
“Our desire is that FUGE Camps are truly a life-changing camp for all who attend this summer.”
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Kathy Dean and originally published by the University of Mobile.
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