Author Archives: Carla Taylor

Deb Ballard will return as the Youth Worker for 2026

We are excited and the teens are more excited to have Deb back with us again this year.  God using her as a tool, had a big impact on the young people of the camp two summers ago and we are looking forward to seeing what God is going to do this year.  The easiest way to share about Deb, is to let her share, so you can read her bio below. 

Hello My name is Deb Ballard here are the important parts about me…

MY Committed Life to GOD…

Most of my life I called on the name of JESUS, went to church weekly & served at the church and I thought I was a “good” Christian.  But I didn’t really know GOD, I definitely  didn’t have a relationship with HIM and I was empty and had NO oil in my lamp and I was so broken but didn’t even know it.  On January 7, 2016, I was carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders, complaining there was not enough hours in a day & was physically, emotionally, mentally & especially Spiritually exhausted.   So for 3 hours in a jail waiting area (someone was in jail I was waiting for them) & my phone on 1% (so I couldn’t be distracted) I cried out to GOD and HE heard me.  I experienced the HOLY SPIRIT & felt HIS absolute peace for the 1st time in my life.  THIS day I committed my entire life to GOD and said “You send someone to me I will stop for them” AND “YOU tell me to do something and I WILL do it”.  THIS day changed my life and I haven’t looked back since.  From THIS Day, I started waking up every morning & seeking HIM.  At first it was 15 minutes but that quickly turned into hours because I couldn’t get enough of HIM.

My Daily Walk With GOD…

I am a Disciple of JESUS the CHRIST learning EVERY day by experience and by the LOVE, Grace, Mercy of our Heavenly FATHER, I GET TO walk with HIM & I am committed to HIS WILL being done by every WORD HE speaks & every “Guided Step” that HE leads. On May 20, 2020 HE told me to take a big step & lay down my very established wedding photography business by saying “You’re done”, “You’re done”, “You’re done” (yes I needed to hear it 3 times).  THIS day changed my life & I have spent each day since seeking the LORD, reading the Bible, learning to be a Disciple, laying down this life, testifying, serving HIM, knowing HIM more, keeping HIS commandments, understanding & experiencing the deeper of GOD & learning to walk, live & be led by the HOLY SPIRIT (whom teaches us ALL things).  Learning how the enemy is stealing, killing & destroying our time, attention & purpose by keeping us distracted on the deceitfulness of riches, the cares & pleasures of this life (Luke 8:14) then we miss truly living the abundant life that CHRIST died for us to have (John 10:10) & living by every (Rhema) word that proceeds out of the mouth of GOD (Matt 4:4).

My Calling, Purpose for THIS life & Heart Posture for us to be ready as the BRIDE of Christ…. 

GOD gave me a calling & purpose on July 26, 2018, HE said…

BUILD a commUNITY of

LOVE & Not Judgement,

TELL HIS Testimonies &

REACH the Lost & Broken

then HE said “you will not do it alone”

The ministry of “Guided Steps” was purposed.  GOD is BUILDing Disciples daily that are coming together in UNITY of the HOLY SPIRIT.  I GET TO be a part of a commUNITY that we gather online daily for edification (1 Cor 14:26), learning the word of GOD, experiencing GOD’s LOVE, learning to truly LOVE the brethren, TELL HIS testimonies, and to REACH the lost & broken (we can ALL get lost or broken when we take our focus off of GOD) and to truly gather in ONE accord to experience the more of GOD daily like Acts 2:42-47.   We are not a church, GOD said build a commUNITY and we are a group of Disciples that understand His LOVE & that there is so much division in HIS body and we GET TO come together in LOVE & in UNITY of the HOLY SPIRIT to get ready as the BRIDE of CHRIST and for the GREATEST wedding that creation has ever seen.

My Passion for HIS will & My Heart Posture…

I am very passionate about helping others understand the importance of committed time with GOD, being a Disciple daily, keeping our eyes on JESUS, how we GET TO live THIS day for HIS purpose & truly laying down our life for GOD and experiencing HIM.  HE is faithful and we GET TO be faithful stewards of the HOLY SPIRIT that abides in us and will truly lead us, teach us and help us with GOD’s WILL being done in our lives daily which should be our focus & purpose for this life here on earth.  My heart is to Agape Love others & the best way I can love someone is to speak GOD’s TRUTH in LOVE and LOVE them with TRUTH (not a feel good message but a TRUTH of GOD which IS ALWAYS GOOD message) HIS TRUTH sets us free to live the abundant life that JESUS the CHRIST gave us freedom to live.

We are all called as Disciples of Jesus the Christ to GO in power of JESUS & do the “Great Commission” (preach & teach the Gospel of Jesus, Baptize & signs will follow them cast out devils, speak with new tongues & lay hands on the sick & they shall recover (Matt 28:16-20 & Mark 16:14-18)

“Here am I LORD, send me” is my heart posture and I will go and speak, teach, preach wherever the LORD sends because it is not I who speaks but HE who speaks through me.  I am just a vessel for HIM for the good news and I will GO as HE sends me because I am here for HIS purpose.   GOD has blessed me to be a wife, mother and “Honey” to my 5 grand babies.  I am humbled and thankful to wake up every day and serve the LORD as HE leads me daily for HIS purpose and GO as HE sends me.

Today is PRICELESS = Create A GOD Day!
Praying You Start, End and fill the dash in-between with GOD 

Announcing the 2026 IVHA Kick Off Concert!

We’re excited to share some big news as we look ahead to the 2026 camp season. This year’s IVHA Kick Off Concert will take place right here at the IVHA Campground—a meaningful shift from the off‑site locations we’ve used in recent years. Mark your calendars and plan to join us on:

📅 Thursday, July 16, 20267:00 PM 📍 IVHA Campground

We’re also thrilled to announce that Mark Peterman will be our featured artist for the evening. Mark’s heartfelt music and genuine ministry have encouraged audiences across the region, and we’re grateful to welcome him to IVHA for this special night of worship and celebration.

Hosting the concert on our own grounds allows us to begin the 2026 season together as a camp family—right where the heart of our ministry beats. Bring your friends, your church family, and anyone who could use an evening of uplifting music in a beautiful setting.

We can’t wait to kick off the summer with you. See you at the campground on July 16!

Fred Miller will be the Evangelist July 24-26, 2026

We are delighted to share that Fred Miller will be joining us at IVHA during the final weekend of camp this year as our Evangelist. Fred hails from Colby, Kansas, and has a remarkable gift for encouraging everyone he meets. He affectionately refers to himself as “Roadside Assistance” for pastors and anyone he encounters through the Dirt Roads Network—an organization dedicated to supporting, equipping, and revitalizing rural and small‑town pastors and congregations across North America.

Fred’s story begins far from the plains of Kansas. He was born in what is now Burundi, in Central Africa. At twenty, he left with plans to come to the United States, earn a great education, find a wonderful wife, and return to Africa to continue the missionary legacy of his pioneer parents. But God had a different path in mind. After Fred’s ambitions were fulfilled, he and his wife Marvia sensed God placing them not back in Africa, but in Colby, Kansas. Their mission field became Colby Community College and a thriving wedding and portrait photography business they operated for more than 30 years.

Years ago, Fred and Marvia made a life‑shaping commitment: to begin each day with a simple, wholehearted “Yes, Jesus,” even before knowing what He might ask of them. Fred calls this living in “Yes Mode,” and it has continually opened doors for God‑given opportunities and service.

For many years, the Millers served as liaisons to smaller Wesleyan churches across the Kansas District, offering encouragement and practical help wherever needed. When the district restructured, Dirt Roads Network invited them to bring their experience to rural and small‑town settings as “pastors to pastors.” The role fit them beautifully and bore meaningful fruit. Fred’s signature greeting—“You are incredible”—has become a doorway to sharing the Gospel and lifting the spirits of nearly everyone he meets. It leaves the aroma of Jesus lingering long after he’s gone.

Since Marvia’s passing nearly two years ago, Fred has continued ministering faithfully to churches across Kansas, southern Nebraska, and eastern Colorado. His ministry is one of intentional love, prayer, and availability—always centered on encouraging God’s people. Fred often reminds others, “You were custom designed by God to accomplish His purpose. When your relationship with Christ is up to date, you are successful every day by His definition.” That perspective has sparked renewed determination in many pastors and congregations who sometimes feel overlooked in their rural contexts.

Today, Fred continues to serve with Dirt Roads Network as their “Roadside Assistance,” grateful and energized by the opportunities God provides through this ministry.

2026 Missionary is Cambodia Bound

We are excited to announce that Tianna Kunkle will be joining us this summer as our featured missionary at the Imperial Valley Holiness Camp!

Tianna’s life is a beautiful testament to a legacy of faith and service. As a fourth-generation World Gospel Mission (WGM) global worker, missions are truly in her blood. Having grown up in Bolivia and McAllen, Texas, she saw firsthand the transformative power of global ministry from a young age. Those formative years instilled in her a deep, genuine heart for people of all ethnic backgrounds, ages, and abilities.

A Heart for Education and Discipleship

After graduating from Kentucky Mountain Bible College, Tianna stepped into the classroom at Mt. Carmel School. Her time teaching there has been a season of immense growth. Not only did it deepen her profound love for children and education, but it also served as a training ground for her faith—teaching her what it truly means to trust God for financial resources while growing in character and integrity.

Now, God is calling her to a new horizon: Cambodia.

When she lands in Cambodia, Tianna will be stepping into an active role focused on:

  • Education and classroom teaching

  • Biblical instruction and discipleship

  • Worship ministry

Tianna is eagerly anticipating using her unique gifts and skills to be the incarnational presence of Jesus Christ to the people of Cambodia.

Connect with Tianna at Camp

When camp kicks off this July, you won’t have to look far to find her! Tianna will be right there with us, fully involved in the daily goings-on around the campground. Whether you see her at meals, during activities, or just walking the grounds, please take a moment to introduce yourself, say hello, and ask her about her vision for Cambodia.

Save the Date: Missionary Service

Mark your calendars for the highlight of her time with us:

  • Event: Annual Missionary Service

  • Date: Thursday evening, July 23rd

  • What to expect: Tianna will be sharing her heart, her journey, and the incredible work God is doing as she prepares to head to the mission field.

Come ready to be inspired, challenged, and blessed. We can’t wait to see you there to give Tianna a warm Imperial Valley welcome!

Announcing Our 2026 Camp Evangelist: Jon Parrish

The Imperial Valley Holiness Association is delighted to announce that Rev. Jon Parrish will be serving as our Evangelist for the 2026 camp season! Join us from July 17th through July 23rd for a powerful week of revival, renewal, and the preaching of God’s Word.

We are especially pleased to share that Jon will be bringing his family along! His wife and children travel with him in his ministry, and they will all be attending camp and participating in the fellowship of our community throughout the week.


Join Us for Daily Services

Starting Friday, July 17th, Jon will be leading us in both our Morning and Evening services. We invite you to make these services a priority as we gather twice daily to seek the Lord, dive into the Scriptures, and experience the refreshing power of the Holy Spirit.

Meet Rev. Jon Parrish

Jon is a seasoned evangelist with a heart for the Great Commission. His ministry has reached across 12 states and five countries, bringing a message of hope and holiness to people from all walks of life.

Known for his “old-fashioned message made relevant for a modern world,” Jon’s preaching is characterized by:

  • Biblical Fidelity: A dedicated student of Scripture who seeks the Holy Spirit’s specific message for our current times.

  • Family-Focused Ministry: As a husband and father who travels with his family, Jon brings a relatable and authentic perspective to the challenges and joys of Christian family life.

  • Passionate Proclamation: Whether in small rural gatherings or large camp meetings, Jon’s mission is to see the body of Christ revived and refocused.


📅 Looking Ahead: July 24th – 26th

Please note that while Jon Parrish will be with us through the 23rd, the blessings continue through the weekend! We will have a different guest speaker joining us to conclude our time together from July 24th through July 26th. Stay tuned for more details as we finalize the speaker for these closing dates.

A Season of Revival

We believe the 2026 camp will be a significant time of transformation for the IVHA community. We invite you to come with expectant hearts, ready to hear what the Lord has in store through Jon’s ministry and the presence of his family among us.

“Our mission is to call God’s people to repentance, revival, and renewal in Christ through the preaching of God’s word and prayer.”

Want to learn more about Jon’s ministry? You can find additional information and resources at jonparrish.org.

Song Evangelist 2026 – Mark Peterman

The Imperial Valley Holiness Association is thrilled to announce that Mark Peterman will join us as the Song Evangelist for our 2026 Camp! Mark brings a profound depth of experience, a heart for worship, and a lifetime of ministry that we know will deeply impact our camp family.

Save the Date: Kick-Off Concert

The blessing begins on Thursday evening, July 16th, with our Kick-Off Concert. This will be your first opportunity to hear Mark’s music and ministry firsthand. In addition to leading us in song throughout the week, Mark will also be leading the afternoon adult Bible Study, offering a rich time of reflection and scriptural growth.


A Lifetime of Service and Song

Mark’s ministry is defined by over 40 years of dedication to the Gospel. Currently serving as the Senior Pastor at Prairie Rose Community Church and actively involved with Kersey Cowboy Church, Mark has spent decades weaving scriptural truth into the heart of rural ministry.

His musical journey is equally distinguished:

  • Award-Winning Artistry: Spent 19 years touring with the renowned band Gospel Trail.

  • Scriptural Songwriting: A recognized songwriter who has spent years using music as a vessel for the Great Commission.

  • Diverse Outreach: From large-scale rodeos and county fairs to the quiet halls of care facilities, Mark’s mission through Trail Rider Ministries is to meet people exactly where they are.

A Legacy of Faith

A lifelong resident of North-Eastern Colorado, Mark carries forward a legacy of faith and integrity built alongside his late wife, Connie. We are honored to have him share his gifts, his story, and his heart with us this summer.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” — Matthew 28:19

We anticipate a powerful week of music, study, and renewal. Please join us in welcoming Mark Peterman to the Imperial Valley Holiness Association!

Want to learn more? Visit endofthetrailranch.com to explore Mark’s ministry and music before camp begins.

2026 VBS Theme True North! Following Jesus in a wild world!

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure—Vacation Bible School is back at Imperial Valley Holiness Camp! Kris and Kathy are thrilled to bring a brand new theme for 2026: “True North: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World.” Our world may be wild, but there’s no better time to help kids discover hope, courage, and the unshakeable truth found in Jesus. Don’t miss out on this exciting week of faith and fun!

Join us Monday through Friday, July 20–24, 2026, from 8:30 to 11:30 AM for a week packed with laughter, learning, and lasting memories! Each day features engaging Bible lessons, hands-on crafts, lively music, and epic game time—plus, we’re hoping to bring back the ever-popular water slide! Every child is welcome, so bring your friends and be part of the fun!

Cap off the week with a special evening on Friday, July 24th at 5:00 PM! Families are invited to join us for supper and a heartwarming program featuring the kids showcasing what they’ve learned. You’re welcome every day, but Friday night promises to be an extra-special celebration you won’t want to miss!

Children’s program

We have posted about the Vacation Bible School that we are hosting again this year, but we have not taken time to talk about the Children’s Program as a whole.  Many of us have favorite camp memories from the children’s workers and the lessons that they taught.  We have had some incredible workers over the years  and Kris and Kathy are just as incredible.

Kris Mustion/ Kathy Weintz

Kris Mustion and Kathy Weintz have come to camp each year for the last 10 years or more. (We have kind of lost track.) Both ladies love working with kids and come from the Culbertson area, where they help with Vacation Bible Schools, Sunday School, and Children’s Church. They bring amazing Bible lessons, crafts, as well as special musical instruments.  With decades of experience, they love the kids just like their own grandkids, who often come to camp with them.

The kids meet each morning and afternoon in the “Children’s Tabernacle” or the “Small Tabernacle”  Kids from preschool up to 6th grade are welcome.  Because we are a family camp, we do ask that parents are available to take care of their children outside of class time.  There are adult Bible Studies available at the same times that the kids are in class.

2025 Kick Off Concert!!!

The Imperial Valley Holiness Camp Kick-Off Concert will be held in Imperial again this year, on the lawn of the City Building.  The Youth Band from Lusk, Wyoming will be bringing this evening of praise and worship.  The band consists of Ryan Taylor, Lane Taylor, Heidi DesEnfants, Victoria Turbiville, Sarah Krien, as well as Addie Harvey not pictured.

 

This band has been playing together for 3 years and have continued to grow in their faith as well as their musical abilities. They are raising funds to attend a camp in Nashville in June of 2026 called Camp Electric.  Camp Electric is a camp to hone worship leadership skills in young people.  Several of the kids from this band have received a call from the Lord to lead worship as a profession in adulthood.

A free will offering will be taken and the funds will go towards the cost of the band getting to Camp Electric.  You will be blessed to come and worship with this band on July 17th at 7 pm in Imperial.

SCUBA is the theme for VBS 2025!

We had so much fun with the kids last year that we wanted to do it again!  This year’s theme is Scuba!  Kris and Kathy will be back to lead us and the teens will be backing them up!   We hope to see you all of the kids from last year and that they bring their friends!  VBS dates will be July 21-25th from 8:30 to 11:30.  Our VBS program and picnic will be at 5:00 pm on Friday.

We will also have a special guest!