The Bates Family

The Lord brought Johnnie and I together while attending Bible College in Florida, which is where we heard about the summer staff opportunities at Camp of the Woods.  I was sure my friend Crystal and I would volunteer that summer, however long story short Johnnie was the one who spent his summer serving at COTW. The summer was 1997 and it was quite an unforgettable one for him. Johnnie returned after spending eight weeks as cabin leader and maintenance staff and could not stop talking about Canada. He returned for winter camp that December and stayed on till March to help with several projects around camp. One thing I need to mention is that he ask me to marry him the day before he left for winter camp, I said “YES” of course! Johnnie returned in March and went back to work for the family construction business and our wedding was that June. All through our relationship we had been praying about where God would have us serve Him, both of us knew God was leading us to be missionaries, we just did not know where. After we were married, we worked for the family business (Johnnie full-time, me part-time) and also helped with the youth programs at our church while continuing to pray about our future. Johnnie constantly talked about his time at COTW and wanted to go there as a couple for a week in the summer or fall to help where needed.  In July, we received a phone call from the Director of COTW asking us to pray about coming and helping for several months that fall. We prayed about it and felt the Lord leading us to go. This would be my first time in Canada and Johnnie was excited to be going back and taking me with him to meet the staff and experience camp. That trip changed our lives! While at camp we both helped out in various activities and camp ministries and connected with many people in the surrounding communities. God was definitely at work in our hearts and we fell in love with this place and the people of this area. It was a beautiful fall that turned into winter and I had never seen so much snow in my life! December came and it was time to head back to South Carolina. When we returned to the states, we still were not sure where God wanted us serve Him. Should we continue to work and serve in the town Johnnie grew up in or was there somewhere else we should be? We reflected back on our time at Camp of the Woods and also prayed about joining a mission where we could travel and help other ministries with projects and short term staffing. The answer came in February. The Director at COTW contacted us and asked us to join the full-time staff that summer. We prayed and knew that this was where God was leading us. He confirmed that answer when He provided the necessary financial support and prayer partners through various churches and individuals. In May of 1999 we moved to Ontario and joined the staff here at camp. That was 20 years ago this year.  There have been many adventures and amazing memories made during our time here at COTW. All four of our kids were born here and have grown up living in the bush and love it too! The stories are too many to tell in this post. So you will just have to come visit and experience it for yourself.

Becky Bates

The Bates Family 2016

From Left to Right: Emma, Aubrey, Becky, Johnnie, Luke, Kayleigh