Camp Elim is Spared from Hayman Wildfire

A Testimony of Faith

The Hayman Wildfire was Colorado's largest in recorded history, destroying 137,760 acres between 6/8/2002 and 7/2/2002.  The area involved in the Colorado mountains was approximately 20 by 15 miles in size.  It was of human origin, and destroyed 133 residences and 466 outbuildings.  Fortunately, there were no casualties or injuries.

Tremendous resources were involved in attempting to contain the fire, but due to extremely dry and windy conditions, the fire was unpredictable and spread rapidly.  In one particularly devastating run, it burned nearly 60,000 acres and ran for 17 miles in one day.  One section on June 17th was observed spreading 1/2 mile in just 4 minutes.  Fanned by 40 MPH winds, flames could reach 150 feet in the air, destroying everything in its path.

Intense Wildfire Fanned by High Winds		Actual Photo of Destruction from the Hayman Fire

Hayman Fire Approaches Camp Elim

Camp Elim is a Christian recreational camp in the Colorado mountains near Colorado Springs. Camp Elim exists to provide a youth-centered retreat environment for evangelism, spiritual growth and training that encourages the practice of biblical values in the home, the world and the Body of Christ.  Year round activities for youth include camping, sports such as volleyball, baseball, and archery, and other activities in a Christian atmosphere.  Thousands of children and youth have attended.

As the Hayman Fire approached the vicinity of Camp Elim, the camp was initially evacuated June 10th due to intense smoke.  However, campers and staff were allowed to return.  Another evacuation was ordered on June 17th, as reported by Jay Brady, director of Camp Elim, in a newsletter published in July 2002:

"It was our second evacuation of the camp, but we all knew this one was different. The first evacuation on June 10th was voluntary, but the smoke was so thick no one wanted to stay another day. This evacuation on June 17th was mandatory. The Hayman Fire was out of control on its eastern flank and fanned by winds to fire heights of 150 feet in the air. Many of us feared as we drove away that it would be the last time we would ever see Camp Elim."

 

Map of Camp Elim		The Lodge at Camp Elim

"At one point when we certain that camp was gone, Geri Faulkner [Food Services Supervisor] approached the Teller County Sheriff and asked about camp.  He responded, "Camp Elim? Oh, it's fine."  What a relief!"

In spite of being driven by high winds, the fire stopped 0.6 miles short of the camp, leaving no structures physically damaged. The following eyewitness accounts of of the fire as it approached Camp Elim, also published in the July newsletter, are testimonies of God's grace and power:

Steve Tapia is the Ranger in charge of the Manitou Experimental Forest which surrounds Camp Elim.  Steve was helping fight the fire, and later related to Shawn Willoughby [Facilities Manager] this reaction: "I was working with a group of firefighters on the eastern flank, and it became obvious we were losing ground fast.  We kept having to retreat in the direction of Camp Elim as 40 mile per hour winds whipped the fire into a 150 foot inferno heading straight towards us.  We were in the process of retreating one last time when all of the sudden we looked around and the fire just disappeared.  We looked at each other and said, 'Where did the fire go?'  They had no idea what had happened, but I knew.   It had to be God.  I had been praying and I knew you were too.  What happened when that fire stopped doesn't happen with fires.  It just doesn't happen."

Another eyewitness report published in the July newsletter, from people working to try to save a nearby business, stated:

"Neighbors who were trying to save Casey's lumber mill near the camp drove to a high point in the forest to watch the advancing wall of flame. The experience forced them to admit, "It looked as though the hand of God came down and stopped the fire.  The fire formed a horseshoe around Casey's and in the direction of Camp Elim and spared both.  That shouldn't have happened because the winds were obviously driving the inferno straight towards them."

During the evacuation, groups of up to 40 firefighters at a time stayed at the camp, sleeping in beds for the first time in weeks. Many were from the elite "hot shot" crews who had only known sleeping in their trucks, sleeping in the ash, and even on the fire line.  They were very appreciative to sleep on mattresses that most of us find "lumpy" and eat food served in the dining room instead of from the back of a truck.

Jay Brady also reported that hundreds of Emails and phone calls from people all over the world were received, telling them that they were praying for the safety of the camp.  Mr. Brady summarized:

"There is one thing that I am absolutely convinced of - God is not finished with Camp Elim yet!  Not only has He protected the camp property, He has done so in a miraculous and unmistakable way.  Even though the flames came within 0.6 miles of the camp, from our property we see no burned areas at all."

Mr. Brady also requests that we lift up in prayer those who have suffered greater losses in the fire, and that we continue to pray for the ministry of Camp Elim.  While no structural losses were sustained, they have suffered financial losses related to 5 weeks of canceled camps and destroyed food. More information can be obtained about Camp Elim at Camp Elim.com.

The satellite images shown below graphically illustrate God's Hand in not only saving Camp Elim, but also allowing it to return to normal functioning rapidly. These images can be also seen and downloaded at SpaceImaging.com.

The image on the left shows an overview of the total fire area, taken June 20th. The pinpoint location of Camp Elim is shown. The enlarged photograph (4 meter resolution) shows in detail where the burn area ends, and Camp Elim begins.

Consider These Verses From God's Word:

--Psalm 35:15-16.

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

--John 1:16-17

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers his lambs in his arms and carries
them close to his heart; he gently leads those who have young.

--Isaiah 40:11

Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low . . . and
the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

--Isaiah 40:4-5

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