As the Contenders cross the halfway point of their summer at Iowa Regular Baptist Camp, we want to take time to give you an inside look into the lives of our six team members.
Please pray for our team! Team leader, Andy Hackley, specifically requested, “Pray that as we are pushed to our own limits that we would not rely on ourselves but rely on each other and the Word!”
Andrew Hackley, 2026 Graduate
Home State: California
Share an interesting fact about yourself:
I have a twin.
Share a Bible verse/passage that has been an encouragement to you this year:
Isaiah 55:11 – because of the impact that the Word of God can have!
What do you enjoy most about camping ministry?
I love seeing the joy of especially the Junior campers.
Cara Simpson, Junior
Home State: Michigan
Share an interesting fact about yourself:
This is the third camp I’ve worked at in three years.
Share a Bible verse/passage that has been an encouragement to you this year:
Philippians 2:3-11
What do you enjoy most about camping ministry?
There are so many things I could say, but I really enjoy the people! I have absolutely loved getting to know the staff and also getting to know the campers! I was able to lead five of the junior girls in my cabin to Christ this past week. Getting to see the joy on their faces is worth all the struggles I’ve encountered. God is so, so good!
Kelsy Welch, Sophomore
Home State: Iowa
Share an interesting fact about yourself:
I started a photography business at 16.
Share a Bible verse/passage that has been an encouragement to you this year:
Psalm 139:23-24. This verse just reminds me that God gives trials and He knows my heart…but I can turn it over to Him and He can lead me in the way of righteousness.
What do you enjoy most about camping ministry?
The people!! Camp provides the opportunity to connect with every generation!
How can we pray for you?
That we would seek to love one another more and grow closer to each other, daily! That we can serve God together and with the same purpose!
Lily Dowden, Junior
Home State: Iowa
Share an interesting fact about yourself:
My birthday, 4/5/06, lines up with the amount of letters each part of my name has! Lily (4), Marie (5), Dowden (6)!
Share a Bible verse/passage that has been an encouragement to you this year:
Proverbs 3:3
What do you enjoy most about camping ministry?
EVERYTHING. I adore teaching. I love getting to know the kids. I have a blast doing skits, and working hard alongside an amazing staff is always encouraging!
How can we pray for you?
That we would point others to Christ.
Russell Rodman, Sophomore
Home State: Montana
Share an interesting fact about yourself:
I once kicked a fish onto shore to catch it.
Share a Bible verse/passage that has been an encouragement to you this year:
Philippians 4:1-8
What do you enjoy most about camping ministry?
Opportunities to disciple and be discipled.
How can we pray for you?
That I would always keep my focus on God and not other things.
Tyler Tulle, Junior
Home State: Iowa
Share an interesting fact about yourself:
I was born without a joint in each of my pinky fingers.
Share a Bible verse/passage that has been an encouragement to you this year:
Habakkuk 1:5
What do you enjoy most about camping ministry?
Seeing hearts change for Christ throughout a week.
You can learn more about the Contenders and their ministry at Iowa Regular Baptist Camp in this article that we posted about them earlier this summer: Contenders Ready for Summer of Service at IRBC
