By Kathy Robinson Hillman
Paisano Baptist Encampment

Brewster County

Join first-timers and lifetime attendees for Paisano Baptist Encampment beginning July 19 with Sunday supper at 6 p.m. and ending with Friday lunch on July 24. For 110 years, Paisano has been deeply rooted in holy ground as the cowboy camp meeting brings together families, friends and churches for worship, fellowship and a break from the world’s busyness at the grounds located on West U.S. Highway 90 between Alpine and Marfa.

Preachers include Howie Batson, pastor of First Baptist Church Amarillo, and Matt Snowden, pastor of First Baptist Church Waco. Steve Wells, pastor of South Main Baptist Church in Houston, will lead the adult Bible study. Dan Baker, a native Texan and minister of music at First Baptist Amarillo, will lead worship for the first time with Paul Bright and Russel Gunstream on the piano and organ.

Missions Focus will include Pam and Dib Hamilton on Monday and Thursday, Cobi and Judd Porter on Tuesday and Friday, and Vela Edwards on Wednesday. Karen and Kelly Barnett will host Family Time.

Nursery, preschool, children’s day camp and youth programs will occupy those from birth through high school in the mornings while young adults and adults have their own experiences. Men open the day with prayer at 8 a.m. while family and missions sessions begin at 8:45 a.m., Bible study at 9:45 a.m., and morning worship at 11 a.m. Evening services start at 7:30 p.m. with choir practice at 5 p.m. Supper is served at 6 p.m. Nursery, preschoolers and children have their own evening activities except on Wednesday when the entire family joins in worship, and the children’s choir sings. Communion is part of the Thursday evening service.

Afternoon recreation, sports tournaments and visits to the Paisano Museum exercise the body, mind and spirit and create deep friendships that last generations. Paisano encourages family togetherness and spiritual renewal.

In August 1916, West Texans gathered, and George W. Truett preached the first Paisano sermon standing on the bed of a wagon with a wooden barrel as the pulpit. Families camped in tents or slept under the stars. Attendees picnicked or cooked over campfires. The tradition of family and faith continues with the addition of a tabernacle, dining shed and cabins. The beauty of stars in the evening has not changed, and all are still welcome.

Paisano Baptist Encampment is located in Paisano Pass between Alpine and Marfa in Far West Texas. For more information, visit the website at www.paisanoencampment.org.     Â