I’ll be honest, I was skeptical hosting it and was the naysayer on staff when the idea was presented. Why would a Christian Comedy event help the camp's mission?
But the staff saw the vision of bringing “The Date Night Comedy Tour” to camp and said the ARC building would be the perfect venue. Learning that the event would be Gospel centered, I was convinced by the passion of the staff.
Guess what? On “comedy night” there were hundreds of people in the ARC, and it was amazing!
Because you love Oil Belt, I knew you’d want to hear how God is using comedy to change lives and fulfill the camp’s mission to make disciples of Jesus through teaching God’s word.
Mike isn’t his real name, but his story is real — and you are part of it.
Mike had made some tough choices in life, even spending time in prison. But God was working in his heart. He and his wife heard about Oil Belt’s “Date Night Comedy Tour” at their church and decided to attend. That night, a staff member met them, heard their story, and invited their kids to camp.
This summer, those kids came to Oil Belt — and they grew in their faith. And through your giving, you are a huge part of the story too!
Whether through a sermon or a comedy event, the Gospel transforms lives. As Paul wrote:
“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction.” – 2 Timothy 4:1–2 (NIV)
At Oil Belt, we take that charge seriously. During our summer “in season,” campers from kindergarten through 12th grade hear the Gospel daily — in morning devotions, Bible classes, chapel sermons, and scripture memorization. This past summer alone, 2,013 campers heard God’s Word proclaimed.
Thanks to friends like you, the mission doesn’t stop when summer ends. In 2014, we built the Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) — 22,000 square feet that transformed our “off-season” into endless opportunities. The ARC now hosts retreats, sports tournaments, worship services, family events, and yes — life-changing evenings like the Date Night Comedy Tour. We estimate over 25,000 people came to events this last “off-season!”
As the camp’s ministry grows, so does the need to improve the ARC so more people can hear the Gospel. We’re launching a project to upgrade the facility in two stages:
Stage 1 is the goal to improve the electric power, current lighting and sound equipment. When we have a major event, usually 4-5 times a year, a very generous partner brings in his sound and lighting equipment and does an amazing job making every event a high-quality experience. We’ve grown in events hosted and he will soon be retiring so we are looking to install permanent sound and lighting for our worship events.
One issue we’ve ran into with events is the power. To provide power for staging and the band, he runs a 100amp extension cord across the building. It’s very dangerous, especially in an area where kids play. Stage 1 would include running permanent power for the stage safely across the ARC.
The third major issue stage 1 addresses are the projectors in the ARC. If you’ve been to a camp event, you’ve noticed one is much dimmer than the other…and the bright one isn’t that bright! Ha! This stage will purchase 2 projectors that will be brighter and matching.
Stage 2 is the installation of retractable bleachers that will be both safe and comfortable for everyone. This is more pressing because our current bleachers are on temporary loan – not permanent to the ARC. These bleachers will not be available to the camp’s use anymore.
Along with the upgrade of bleachers, there are a few other additions in stage 2. Purchasing 500 folding chairs, updating some HVAC, and upgrading the lighting across the ARC will help our facility be more efficient and equipped for large groups.
The goal is to fully fund stage 1 by Men’s Night on February 6th, 2026. This upgrade will transform events like Men’s Night, where 600–900 men gather annually to hear the Gospel and grow in faith. It has become a powerful, “can’t-miss” revival for our region.
Likewise, we’d love to see Stage 2 happen as soon as possible. With the loss of the bleachers given to us with an undetermined timeline, we are hoping and praying this need will be met before the access to seating is gone.
Will you prayerfully consider what you can give this fall to help fill the ARC with people ready to meet Jesus?
The total for this project is estimated to cost $360,000. With a fire code capacity of 2,379, our goal is to “Fill the ARC” with people ready to hear the life-changing message of Jesus. Every $151 you give provides “a seat” for someone to encounter Christ.
You can give by mailing a financial gift to Oil Belt, or online using the QR code or at oilbelt.com/donate. Please choose “Fill the ARC” as your fund.
This ampaign has two phases:
- One for the immediate need of $87,000 for the stage and sound upgrades.
- Another if you’d like to continue your support into 2026 toward the full $360,000 goal.
Every dollar matters. Every gift makes a difference. And every story — like Mike’s — is part of the legacy you’re helping build.
Thank you for partnering with Oil Belt as we grow from a few tents in a park to a ministry that now impacts over 35,000 people each year. Your generosity is multiplying that reach and changing lives for eternity.
No longer skeptical about a comedy event sharing the gospel,
Tyler Mulvany
Executive Director
P.S. One thing I know for sure: Mike will get an invitation to Men’s Night — and Oil Belt will keep pouring into his life and helping him change his family’s legacy. Thank you for helping make that possible.
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