Neighborhood Gospel Missions (NGM) conducted its annual summer camp(s) July 7-12, 2008, at rented facilities in Lizella, Georgia. NGM must continue to use rented facilities until its own camp and conference center is develped at NGM Camp Bethesda in Oglethorpe County.

Again this year, two camps were conducted simultaneously at the Lizella facility one for Teens and the other for Preteens. A total of 300 campers and staff participated, some from several new churches. When NGM has its own facilities, smaller summer camps will be conducted over a three or four week period.

Many life-changing decisions were made during the camp this summer, with 41 decisions for salvation. Campers and prospective campers will be given the opportunity to complete a free Bible correspondence course during the school year. Those who complete a Bible course will be awarded one-half off their regular camp tuition fee of $115 for the week next summer.

The enrollment of Bible correspondence students continues to increase through the NGM Discipleship Ministries department at the NGM Camp Bethesda mission home office. Free Bible lessons for all ages are available in both English and Spanish. Send your request to:

NGM Discipleship Ministries
602 Bethesda Church Road
Lexington, GA 30648

Posted: August 3rd, 2008 under Progress.
Comments: none

Some time during the night of March 19, the two outside heating and air conditioning units were stolen from the NGM Camp Bethesda office building. Wires, tubing, and duct work had been ripped out, and the 2-ton and the 3-ton package units were taken. We filed a report with the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office, but the investigating deputy offered little hope that the perpetrators would ever be found and the units recovered.

NGM has insurance with a $1,000 deductible. Both units were replace on March 31 and April 1. We are thankful for some special gifts that were given to NGM to help with the replacement costs of the units. The amount of these gifts not only covered the deductible amount, but it allowed us to pay for security fencing to be installed around both units.

Posted: June 4th, 2008 under Progress.
Comments: none

On March 8, 2008, in spite of cold, windy, and snowy weather, about 90 families, young people, and adults visited NGM Camp Bethesda during the Open House and Annual Alumni Fellowship Meal. Those who attended these events were able to see the work that has been done on the grounds and the renovations that have been completed on the existing building (office and office annex). In spite of the severe drought conditions in this part of Georgia, the lake on the property is almost full.

In the Alumni Meeting following the Fellowship Meal, NGM Board President Rev. Butch Lee and NGM Executive Director Rev. Dave Newell gave reports and updates concerning the ministry of Neighborhood Gospel Missions. Special recognition was given to Miss Sarah Patterson, Miss Elizabeth Archer, and Rev. Jesse Mealor for their many years of involvement in the NGM ministry. Miss Sarah was presented with a plaque acknowledging her active service in NGM (May 21, 1996-December 31, 2007).

During the meeting, NGM Special Representatives Cecil and Janet Parsons from Huntington, West Virginia, shared their testimonies and gave a visual presentation about the Mission.

Posted: June 4th, 2008 under Progress.
Comments: none

The original church building at NGM Camp Bethesda and the unattached fellowship hall have been tied together. This project was completed on October 24,2006, and interior renovations were completed in 2007, and a heating and air conditioning system was installed in the fellowship hall (now referred to as the office annex).

Vinyl siding has been put onto the entire office building (church and fellowship hall). This vinyl siding project was completed on December 5, 2007. The work was done by a vinyl siding contractor who provided the materials at his cost and gave NGM an excellent price for the work his crew did. The NGM office looks great inside and outside now that these major renovation projects are finished. This will allow us to concentrate on new construction in this new year of 2008.

Posted: January 8th, 2008 under Progress.
Comments: none

A work team from a church in Winder, Georgia, came to NGM Camp Bethesda on October 20, 2007, to begin the project of underpinning the office annex building with metal sheets. The work team returned to finish this project on November 10, 2007, just before colder weather arrived in this part of the state. We are grateful to a contractor who provided the materials at his cost which was a great help to NGM. A special thanks to all who helped with this project.

Posted: January 8th, 2008 under Progress.
Comments: none

We have been trying to update the official NGM Website for many, many months. Changes are now being made by a friend of NGM who is serving as our Webmaster. Much of the text has been revised, and we are in the process of replacing and updating pictures on the site. You can view the progress at: neighborhoodgospelmissions.com

Please continue to be patient with us as reconstruction and construction is made.

Posted: September 12th, 2007 under Progress.
Comments: none

September 12, 2007

Today, the current student enrollment reached 3,000 through this ministry at NGM Camp Bethesda. One year ago, the student enrollment was just over 2,000. We are now sending Bible study lessons from our offices in Lexington, Georgia, to students in 42 states and 14 foreign countries.

Posted: September 12th, 2007 under Progress.
Comments: none

Close to 300 campers and staff attended the NGM Summer Camp which was conducted again in Lizella, Georgia, July 9-14, 2007. It was a great week as two separate programs were held for Preteens and Teens. The Lord answered prayer, and life-changing decisions were made by many campers. Praise the Lord that twelve made decisions for salvation, two for missionary service, and two for full-time ministry as preachers.

The theme for camp was “My Anchor Holds” based on Hebrews 6:19a: “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast….”

The campers were challenged spiritually through the daily Theme Times, Bible Classes, Missionary Hour programs, and Campfire services. And they were challenged physically through the Recreation activities, Surprise Hours, and Swim times.

By the close of the week, the missionary offering given by the campers and staff totaled just over $5,000 and was given to Bruce Berry and his wife who will be returning to Brazil this Fall.

Posted: September 12th, 2007 under Progress.
Comments: none

NGM will conduct its summer camp program July 9-14, 2007. The Teen and Preteen camps will be run simultaneously, as in previous years, at a rented camp ground in Lizella, Georgia (near Macon). About 300 campers and staff can be accommodated at this facility.

Posted: June 19th, 2007 under Progress.
Comments: none

On June 9, 2007 a heating and air conditioning system was installed in the Office Annex building (formerly used as the church fellowship hall). With temperatures now reaching into the 90’s, this is a great blessing and relief.

The next step is to get the building underpinned to protect the ductwork and to prepare for the winter months.

Posted: June 19th, 2007 under Progress.
Comments: none