REPLICATE NWA 2018

 “God can use whoever He wants, whenever He wants, however He wants, to do whatever He wants — so that means that God is fully capable of using you” said Pastor Chad Poe to students at the Replicate Fall Retreat at Camp Siloam. 

Held September 28th-30th, Replicate is a retreat that is focused on sharing the Gospel and equipping students, student pastors, and adult leaders to reach the next generation for Christ. This year, Replicate included over 400 students, adults, and college leaders. Twenty-four Arkansas Baptist churches sent students to this life-changing weekend. 

“Replicate holds a special place in my heart. It’s where I got saved last year and it’s something I want to share” said high school student Claudia Mercado, a member of First Baptist Church Siloam Springs. She continued: “Replicate is so impactful and I just want people to know it can change someone’s life. This year, I brought my friends and I’m hoping that I’ll be able to bring more in the future.” 

Stories like Claudia’s are the heartbeat of Replicate. At this year’s retreat, eleven students were saved and nine made a decision of rededication and repentance. Every time someone is saved at Camp Siloam, they ring a bell that is heard throughout the campgrounds. The students who attended Replicate will never forget hearing the bell ring as their friends found salvation in Christ. 

The weekend was centered around four main sessions that communicated the Gospel and connected with students. Chad Poe, pastor of Grace Bible Church in Clute, Texas, preached messages during each main session. Students were led in worship by the Logan Walter Band. Flame, a Grammy-nominated Christian Hip Hop artist, emceed the weekend. 

Students participated in break out sessions on topics like missions mobilization, apologetics, leading worship, how to study the Bible, and keeping your faith strong in college. All students participated in a Saturday morning evangelism session led by University of Arkansas Pine Bluff BCM Campus Minister, Tee Uzoigwe. 

Students enjoyed meals in Camp Siloam’s new state of the art dining hall. During recreation time, students participated in activities that included paintball, gaga ball, volleyball, and a giant swing called the Screaminator. Late Saturday night, campers participated in an exciting Camp Siloam tradition called the Crobster Hunt. 

Replicate is a collaboration of the Washington Madison Baptist Association, the North Arkansas Baptist Association, the College + Young Leaders Team and the Church Health Team of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, and Camp Siloam. Additionally, college students from Baptist Collegiate Ministries across the state serve as small group leaders. 

“The Lord gave us an incredible weekend with powerful worship and speaking” said Jack McCarty, pastor of First Baptist Church in Huntsville. McCarty continued, “Our prayer is that more churches will be a part of next year’s retreat and be impacted by the presence of a powerful God, both individually and as ministries.”