Volunteers, pastors, and churches united across Mississippi to restore a beloved camp and preserve its ministry for future generations.

By Carl Stagner | Read Time: 4 minutes

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Some things fall into disrepair when they fall out of relevance. Other things fall into disrepair simply because seasons change, people come and go, and time takes a toll. The latter may need only a spark of support to sustain something shown to yield consistent harvest of the spiritual sort. This is precisely what has happened in Neshoba County, Mississippi, over only the past few years. Camp Dixon demonstrates what can happen when teamwork and tenacity find fuel in the sovereign activity of the Spirit on sacred ground.

Linda Jenkins, longtime secretary and ministry assistant for Parkview Church of God in Yazoo City, Mississippi, has enjoyed a front-row seat to the revitalization of Camp Dixon. She sees in this story from the Deep South a dose of encouragement pastors and laypeople desperately need, especially during times of difficulty at large. When everyone “gets on board for a common cause,” she observes, amazing things can happen.

Whether mere correlation or cause-and-effect, attendance at Camp Dixon events had declined greatly as facilities fell into disrepair. On the outside, structures desperately needed a facelift, while on the inside, air conditioning no longer worked, mattresses were dilapidated, and kitchen appliances no longer functioned. The choice came down to whether to close the camp and sell, or make some changes. Leaving things the way they were was simply out of the question.

A Decision of Determination

In August 2023, state leadership voted to determine Camp Dixon’s fate. Knowing it would take much prayer, financial investment, time, and hard work, the decision was made to attempt restoration. Under the banner of, “Let’s all pitch in an put new life into Camp Dixon,” people rallied together under the leadership of Parkview Church of God pastor Ken Lynch, who had been a longtime counselor and leader at the camp. The Parkview Church would also prove instrumental to the revitalization process.

“Pastor Ken’s church is blessed with a strong emphasis on missions,” Linda explains. “An active, dedicated missions committee has members with varied skills, and they are willing to work! They give time and effort to any project they undertake, even using days off and vacation time to devote to the work at hand.”

Honduras and Allen, South Dakota, are among the places the team has travelled to put their hands toward a common cause. Vacation Bible Schools, construction projects, and other work with local missionaries have all benefited from the boost of these Mississippi ministers. So, at the thought of losing the sacred campgrounds to years of neglect, they opted instead to work. And work very hard they did.

Toil and Grit

“In May 2024,” Linda recounts, “the missions team committed to a Camp Dixon work project in preparation for what Ken proposed as “I Love Camp Dixon Day,” on Saturday, October 12, 2024. The crew, joined by other volunteers, did construction work, clean-up projects, repairs, painting, grounds improvements, and other refurbishing over a three-day period.”

Compiling an updated list of pastors, lay leaders, families, and descendants of former Camp Dixon supporters, these Pastor Ken and his secretary communicated via a “flurry of letters, phone calls, emails, and personal contacts” about the effort. That Saturday was marked not only by physical labor, but also by praise and worship, fellowship, and a telling of the story of Camp Dixon.

Then, again in May of 2025, the teams returned to Camp Dixon for yet another major day of renovations. As a result, the property now has a completely renovated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a brand-new amphitheater, an enlarged dining area to handle crowds, and an innovatively designed “Bible trail.” In 2026, the outdoor tabernacle got a new roof, a basketball court was readied for use, new lighting and air conditioning was added, and much more. A fund for a softball field was established, as well.

Verified Victories

Attendance is up for the camp’s events and, in the words of Linda Jenkins, “the grounds have once again become the vibrant, bustling camp it was in its earlier history, providing a haven for children’s camps, youth camps, prayer retreats, and family reunions each summer.”

Providing additional sustainability, Camp Dixon is rented out when not reserved for use by Mississippi Ministries of the Church of God. Other church groups, denominational gatherings, and families have thoroughly enjoyed the property as a retreat site for meetings, camping, picnics, and recreation. Groups want to rent the property especially now because of its upkeep—because of its new life!

“Ken will be quick to say he is not the primary leader of this new life at Camp Dixon,” Linda clarifies. “First of all, all glory goes to God! Then appreciation is due to the numbers of men and women who have given of themselves, their money, time, talents, and energy over these past months to save Camp Dixon for future generations!”