When asked to define the Pentecostal faith, many people would probably know just enough to say it’s a mystical religion that involves lots of singing, speaking in tongues, and sometimes even snakes.
But to thousands of people across the United States and countless other countries, it’s much more.
“We’re not a cult by any means,” said Terry Dworaczyk, an assistant pastor at Revival Tabernacle church in Old Town Orcutt. “We believe in the Bible. … We believe in the New Testament and the salvation experience—being saved in the name of Jesus.”
And what about tongues?
“Yes, definitely. We view speaking in tongues as a way of receiving the Holy Spirit,” he said.
But there aren’t any snakes around here.
Dworaczyk is one of the organizers of a statewide United Pentecostal Church (UPC) camp going on at the Santa Maria Fairpark through Aug. 12. The day a Sun reporter went to speak with Dworaczyk and his fellow organizers, a bunch of volunteers were busy raising a giant tent on a grass field.
“It’s a bit circus-like,” he said with a chuckle.
Since 1974, members of the UPC Northern California district have been traveling from as far away as Nevada to join the camp at the Fairpark. UPC holds three different camps, during which the Fairpark and its facilities transform into a place of worship and fellowship. There’s a camp for small children in June, and then a camp for teenagers and a family camp in July.
The children and teens spend their days participating in Bible studies, worship services, and various sports activities. Each night, there’s a high-energy rally with guest speakers and singers.
“This year, we have the Louisiana All-State Youth Choir and another choir from Sacramento,” said Gaylen Cantrell, a Pentecostal pastor and head of security for the teen camp.
Cantrell said the camp gives young people the chance to build life-long relationships with God and with each other.
“It’s just wonderful watching kids having their lives impacted by God,” he said. “They’re going to take something home with them that’s much more powerful than a touchdown or a homerun. It’s something that’s going to help them for the rest of their lives.”
The children and teen events are closed to the public, but the family camp is open for anyone interested in having a unique religious experience.
“It’s just an awesome gathering,” Cantrell said. “My life was changed on these grounds. It’s almost like hallowed ground to me.”
The Fairpark cafeteria and roller-rink turn into dormitories, and the 5,000-plus person tent becomes a sanctuary—something that has caused some problems in the past.
“Because it’s a live event, it’s difficult to keep the noise in the tent,” Cantrell said, acknowledging that he’s received some complaints. “But otherwise, we’ve had no complaints. I think the city and people of Santa Maria appreciate our business. Hotels, motels, and restaurants are filling up; people are shopping.”
For three-plus weeks in the summer, he said, Santa Maria feels like home.
“This has been such a blessing—the weather and the facility,” Cantrell added. “We’re happy to be here.”
Contact Managing Editor Amy Asman at aasman@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Aug 4-11, 2011.
