Our History

As is the case so often in an effective youth oriented ministry the way has not been easy.  There have been countless hurdles to overcome which have included everything from a lack of finances and staff to overt racism.  Through all this and more the hand of Jesus has been on the efforts of Larry and Jean, Camp Living Water has grown, adjusted and thrived.

The result is that for more than thirty years each summer Camp Living Water has gathered in Native Canadian children from the First Nations all over Alberta Canada (and more recently in British Columbia Canada) and given them a week of friendship, fun and Christian fellowship.

Reaching Native Children & Youth for Christ

Camp Living Water

In the early 1980’s a couple had a vision that some buildings they owned would be used of God.  So Larry and Jean Stewart of Rocky Mountain House Alberta started seeking the Lord’s guidance through prayer and the advice of spiritual leaders.  They were led by the Holy Spirit into a burden for the lost Native children of Western Canada.

Larry & Jean Stewart

Slowly and with much faith and persistence, a location and a team of like minded Believers were found. A young man, Larry Keegstra totally committed early on to the project and has effectively taken hold of the leadership of Camp Living Water. His dedication and desire to understand the culture of Native Canadians has helped to make Camp Living Water a viable tool in God’s plan to bring Christ’s salvation to the First Nations people of Western Canada.

Young Native Canadians from different villages are brought by their parents or gathered into our bus to come to camp.  It seems every group is dealing with it’s own distinctive needs and spiritual struggles.  Over the years many, many children have experienced the love of Christ through the ministry of Camp Living Water and now some are even returning to share in the work and to pass what they have received from God onto the next generation.

The spiritual warfare involved in such a work is at times unbelievable and to see God set young lives free from bondage and darkness is a miracle that every Christian should know first hand.