History

Those three words have been the mission of Camp Living Water since it's founding as Southern Bible Testimony, Inc. In 1947, driven by a conviction that God was interested in "only one thing... the exaltation and glorification of His Son, Jesus Christ," Dr. W. Herbert Brown established the mnistry for all believers, regardless of denomination.  The ministry quickly grew into a conference center.  The center's primary purpose was to teach and encourage believers. There has always been a strong evangelistic component as well. There are many witnessing opportunities within Western North Carolina in the midst of the Great Smoky Mountains.

In 1957, the center developed a new dimension; Camp Living Water was founded for children and teenagers.  With each adult Bible conference, a simultaneous Vacation Bible School would be conducted.  A Board of Directors was selected and the current camp site was developed.  In the earl years guests stayed in tents.  When a storm destroyed the tents a Winston-Salem contractor, Marvin Swain, donated the labor and materials to construct cabins.  Later the Chapel was added along with a swimming pool and an outdoor pavillion.  After some time a 16 room lodge was constructed and included office space, a commercial kitchen and dinning hall. As the cabins became outdated they were torn down. After the lodge a full size Gymnasium was added along with a game room, library, snack shack, maintenance shop, and laundry room built on to it.  Most recent additioins include a 5 bedroom 2 bathroom rental house known as the Wikle Lodge and a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom cottage for Staff Housing.

June 4, 1992, Dr. Brown went to be with his Heavenly Father. The ministry he started in 1947 has continued to grow and thrive and have "God's Christ Magnified" for 60 years now.  The camp is utilized throughout the entire year.  The various camps, retreats, conferences and adventure programs are all geared to point children, young people, single adults and families to "...the LORD, the fountain of living water."