Purpose 

The primary goal of SMMM/Camp Nathanael is to win the unsaved to Christ and encourage them in their Christian walk. Emphasis in placed upon constructive, consistent teaching of the Word of God on the level of the age group concentrating on evangelism, discipleship and Christian service. The mission does this in many ways with the intent of strengthening the local churches.

 Focus 

SMMM/Camp Nathanael strives to minister across the spectrum, economically and spiritually. The youth outreaches draw many unchurched young people and opportunities for evangelism are great. The adult programs primarily attract Christians from a variety of denominational backgrounds and various stages of spiritual maturity.

 History 

The year was 1932. God was igniting a flame in the mountains of eastern Kentucky.

Garland Franklin, a native Kentuckian, and his wife, Ellenore, were working, in various ministries in Hyden, KY. Ruth Huston, Ethel Lawton, Ruth Achey, Irma Gaffney and Pearl Grigg joined with them in a fellowship of prayer. Through this relationship, God initiated in their hearts a desire to begin a school Bible program and summer camp ministry.

After a year of teaching in the public schools of Leslie County, the first camp was held in the Franklin's backyard. Forty children earning the privilege of attending through Bible memorization, warmed to the glow of that initial spark.

During the second year, more classes were added to the school program, increasing the number of children eligible for camp. Property became a vital concern.

In 1936, with the ministry expanding among youth and adults, God graciously opened the door to purchase 66 acres of beautiful farm land in Knott County. The arrangements were finalized and a new banner flew aloft: CAMP NATHANAEL (Gift of God). The first campers "roughed it" in army tents, slept on straw tick mattresses, swam in Troublesome Creek and contended with wandering pigs and cows.

A wide range of activities in the community and at Camp Nathanael were developed during the next four decades as the ministry grew. Missionaries were placed in Perry, Knott, Harlan and Letcher Counties. The camp property expanded to 210 acres with cabins, chapel, dining hall, swimming pool and recreational facilities.

Today, almost 75 years after its founding, the ministry continues to grow as Scripture Memory Mountain Mission blazes at beacon capacity. Over the last thirty years Floyd, Breathitt and Johnson Counties have been added to the community outreaches and Camp Nathanael encompasses 540 acres with thirty eight buildings, recreational facilities and hiking trails. People of all ages throughout the region are being reached with the Gospel through community and camp programs, Bible studies, DVBS and church ministries.

Development of the ministry and camp property are prayerful concerns for SMMM as they look to the future. The desire is to see the flame that ignited in hearts in 1932 grow even brighter in the years ahead - faithful in shining until Christ returns.

 Statement of Belief 

SMMM and its staff wholeheartedly agree with this Statement of Doctrinal Belief.

We Believe:

In the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as given by verbal inspiration of the Holy Spirit, inerrant of the original writings and of supreme and final authority in all matters of life and faith.

In the Holy Trinity of which God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit are co-equal, existing from eternity to eternity.

In the virgin birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who was begotten of the Holy Spirit and is true God and true man.

In Christ's sinless life and substitutionary death for sinners, His bodily resurrection and ascension, His present ministry of intercession, His personal coming for His Church and His visible and premillennial appearing on earth to bring in His Kingdom.

In the original creation of man in the image of God, in the total depravity of man by the fall, in salvation by grace, in justification by faith, in the eternal security of all believers and the eternal punishment of all unbelievers.

In the Holy Spirit as a Person who proceeds from the Father and the Son, by Whom every believer is regenerated, indwelt, anointed, baptized and sealed into the Body of Christ when he believes. (Titus 3:5, II Cor. 6:19, II Cor. 1:21-22, I Cor. 12:13, Eph. 4:30)

In the reality and personality of Satan.

In the unending blessedness of the saved in Heaven and the unending punishment of the lost in Hell.