The Sirbaugh's - Fall 2026 Update

Summer Recap: Battle Ready

We praise the Lord that 11 campers trusted Christ as their Savior! There were also countless others who made decisions to follow Him more closely or deepen their relationship with Him. We are thankful for the privilege of serving 9 straight weeks with our dedicated staff and volunteers that help make camp possible.

After 25 years of ministry here at New Life, there has been a notable difference in the battles that young people face have changed over time. In earlier years, we often dealt with questions about assurance of salvation, divorce in the family, anger, alcohol, eating disorders, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, loneliness, and depression. In more recent years, anxiety has become much more common, along with cultural questions surrounding identity, gender, sexuality, and what young people are being told to believe by the world around them. As I thought about our Battle Ready theme this summer, I was reminded that an enemy does not always attack the same way. In a battle, you look for weaknesses and opportunities, and then you strike. If one strategy does not work, you adjust. You look for another weakness and attack from another direction. Over the years, I have watched the battles facing young people change, but our answer has not changed -- They still need the truth of God’s Word. Our responsibility is not simply to tell young people what makes them feel good or even what seems right according to our culture. We want them to know what *is* right according to God’s Word.

Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Looking Toward the Fall: Retreat Season

Summer camp may be over, but ministry at New Life continues throughout the year with retreats and other ministry events. We have been blessed to host several groups and it has been encouraging to continue serving and ministering to people who come through the camp.

• This weekend we will be hosting a family retreat group from Stephens City, Virginia, and I have the opportunity to speak during their chapel sessions. This weekend’s theme will be: IMPACT: Living a Faith That Reaches Beyond You. We will be looking at how our lives can impact the next generation, beginning in our own homes with our children. Deuteronomy 6 reminds parents of the responsibility to teach the truth of God diligently to the next generation by the way we live. We want to raise a generation that not only knows what they believe, but knows why they believe it and is prepared to stand for Christ when that faith is challenged.

• We also have a number of Hosted Retreats this fall beginning with our Mother-Daughter Horse Retreat, followed by our Father/Son Adventure and then our Teen Retreat in October.

  
  

Ministry Beyond Summer Camp

We also recently held a Celebration of Life service for my dad, who passed away in April. I am incredibly thankful that I had the opportunity to speak for his memorial service—not only to share memories about who my dad was, but also to very clearly share the Gospel with the family and friends who were there. There are family members I have prayed for over many years, asking the Lord to give opport

unities to share Christ with them. This was one of those opportunities that I was able to be very clear and bold about the Gospel and about how Jesus Christ can change a person’s life. I pray that God will continue to use the truth that was shared that day to work in hearts long after the service itself has been forgotten.

Thank You

Finally, we simply want to say thank you. Thank you for investing in us. Thank you for encouraging us. Thank you for praying for our family and for the ministry here at New Life Bible Camp. Thank you to those of you who support us financially. Your partnership is a tremendous blessing to our family and allows us to continue investing in the lives of children, teenagers, families, and staff. More than anything, please continue to pray that the Gospel will go forward, that God’s Word will change lives, and that the young people we minister to will be open to God’s Word.

Prayer Items

-Spiritual Growth of Campers & Staff

-Homeschooling 5th and 7th Grade

-Retreat Season

-Financial Support*

* We are continuing to pray that God would provide additional regular supporters—both individuals and churches—to partner with us in this ministry. If you feel led to partner with us or even give a "One-Time Gift", you can do so on the Camp's Donation Page.