For many of us the past two weeks have been interesting with regard to the weather. For several days the major highway routes to Camp were closed. Even though we got a bit of snow and freezing temperatures the Camp fared well. We have heard from several people remarking that this was the first year they were not able to be at their traditional Christmas gathering. I suppose what makes a tradition “a tradition” is its repetitiveness. It is something meaningful we participate in on a regular basis.
We see the impact of families who have made “coming to camp” a part of their family tradition. There are other options for family vacations and activities; but the repetitive tradition of coming together to the various camps and conferences while our children are growing up helps to pass on the spiritual values we trust in and treasure. One of the best things we can do for our children and our families is to make Christian camping a part of our family tradition. In youth camps young people have the opportunity to make friends with other Christian youth and adults. New technology such as Facebook and texting keep our children in contact with other Christian kids where they can encourage one another to stay faithful. In the family camps and conferences there is the opportunity for our children to see what is important to us – our faith, missions, family, the Bible. We have the opportunity to be with our children away from the normal routines.
As 2008 draws to a close and we look forward to 2009, you might consider developing a Christian camping tradition in your family.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Christmas Greetings from Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp
This Christmas season we can think of how places evoke important images. For example, we might be "home for the holidays" and even though our home might not be Christmas card idyllic, yet, the thought of being some place where we are nurtured, cared, for and loved rings within us.
At Christmas time we also think of special places -- Bethlehem, a stable, a manger. We think that it is not quite these physical locations that are so special. What is special is what they represent for our relationships. "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!'" (Galatians 4:4-6).
The manger, the stable, Bethlehem provide places to approach His Son, Jesus.
The ministry of a place like Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp must be about the relationships that are formed and encouraged in this setting. Relationships with Christ and within the fellowship of Christians don't happen in a wispy ethereal realm. They happen in a place with an address and a setting. They happen in cabin groups, in worship and Bible study together, as we play, work, and eat together.
Included with this post is a picture of the crosses and the view across the Camp. It is a magnificent view that reminds us of God's majesty as the crosses remind us of how His love and sacrifice made a way for us to experience his love and grace. There is something missing in the picture, however, and that is the presence of people engaged in fellowship and ministry.
So, this Christmas season we look forward to what God will do among those who still seek Him and pray that Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp will continue to be a place for Christ to be found.
Happy Christmas.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
On the Value of Christian Camping
Paul Williams in his column for the Christian Standard writes about Christian camping. Although his experience has been on the east coast, we have enjoyed the same experiences here.
Here's a link to his column http://www.christianstandard.com/andsoitgoes.asp
Preparation for Things to Come
On a fall afternoon I drove west from Philadelphia into the surprisingly rugged hills of central Pennsylvania, where I conducted a leadership retreat at Sylvan Hills Christian Camp.
The chairman of the board at Sylvan Hills told me that 14 churches financially support the camp. Most are small- to medium-sized. They do a great job. The camp has the usual summer season, supplemented with spring and fall retreats. Though partially winterized, the camp stays pretty quiet during the coldest months of the year.
Sylvan Hills has a new main assembly hall with sparkling floors, air conditioning, and a well-equipped kitchen. Downstairs, not far from the volleyball court, are nicely appointed sleeping rooms, separate from the boys and girls dorms.
I suppose Sylvan Hills looks like most Christian camps within the Restoration Movement, and that is what I find so satisfying. That 14 churches can maintain such a delightful facility is a testament to valuing community among congregations.
Across the nation there are dozens of camps operated by Christian churches. The Restoration Movement took the lead in the Christian camping community, with the first camps starting in the latter half of the 19th century. The venerable Oregon Christian Convention’s camplike facility is the granddaddy of them all, with a main tabernacle erected in the 19th century that seats more than 1,000.
The predictability of Christian camps is comforting. Covered shelters provide room for classes to meet. Chapels without walls invite the summer breeze into worship, while canvas drop-downs keep out the occasional thunderstorm. On the prettiest location you’ll find benches surrounding a campfire, with a cross in the background, and maybe a pulpit on a tree stump.
I worked 25 straight years of senior high camp, and I lived to tell about it! Most of that time was at Catskill Christian Assembly in upstate New York. A lot of the highlights of my spiritual life were experienced on the hillside above Schoharie Creek.
I had a marvelous time with the folks who spent the day at Sylvan Hills. I admired their enthusiasm for a new church started in their midst just two years ago. I especially appreciated the honest affection so obvious among them.
I’ve often thought I would like to retire on the grounds of a Christian service camp, where I could watch a new generation find a heart for ministry while they worship in the natural beauty. I think it would be good preparation for the mansion I will have just off those streets of gold.
Here's a link to his column http://www.christianstandard.com/andsoitgoes.asp
Preparation for Things to Come
On a fall afternoon I drove west from Philadelphia into the surprisingly rugged hills of central Pennsylvania, where I conducted a leadership retreat at Sylvan Hills Christian Camp.
The chairman of the board at Sylvan Hills told me that 14 churches financially support the camp. Most are small- to medium-sized. They do a great job. The camp has the usual summer season, supplemented with spring and fall retreats. Though partially winterized, the camp stays pretty quiet during the coldest months of the year.
Sylvan Hills has a new main assembly hall with sparkling floors, air conditioning, and a well-equipped kitchen. Downstairs, not far from the volleyball court, are nicely appointed sleeping rooms, separate from the boys and girls dorms.
I suppose Sylvan Hills looks like most Christian camps within the Restoration Movement, and that is what I find so satisfying. That 14 churches can maintain such a delightful facility is a testament to valuing community among congregations.
Across the nation there are dozens of camps operated by Christian churches. The Restoration Movement took the lead in the Christian camping community, with the first camps starting in the latter half of the 19th century. The venerable Oregon Christian Convention’s camplike facility is the granddaddy of them all, with a main tabernacle erected in the 19th century that seats more than 1,000.
The predictability of Christian camps is comforting. Covered shelters provide room for classes to meet. Chapels without walls invite the summer breeze into worship, while canvas drop-downs keep out the occasional thunderstorm. On the prettiest location you’ll find benches surrounding a campfire, with a cross in the background, and maybe a pulpit on a tree stump.
I worked 25 straight years of senior high camp, and I lived to tell about it! Most of that time was at Catskill Christian Assembly in upstate New York. A lot of the highlights of my spiritual life were experienced on the hillside above Schoharie Creek.
I had a marvelous time with the folks who spent the day at Sylvan Hills. I admired their enthusiasm for a new church started in their midst just two years ago. I especially appreciated the honest affection so obvious among them.
I’ve often thought I would like to retire on the grounds of a Christian service camp, where I could watch a new generation find a heart for ministry while they worship in the natural beauty. I think it would be good preparation for the mansion I will have just off those streets of gold.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Christ the Cornerstone
During the uncertain times of politics and the economy we remember that Christ is the cornerstone of our lives. He is the anchor, the rock who does not move except to lead us in His will and in His ways.
It is tremendously encouraging to be part of a ministry that experiences the faithfulness of God’s people. As we learn of businesses that need to cut back, we are instead challenged to expand and grow.
As much as you might appreciate the summer camps and conferences, it is wonderful to hear reports from our retreat groups about how they are using the Camp as a resource to grow spiritually. Even though they might be here on the short, dark rainy days of winter they still remark concerning how God uses the splendor of this place as a setting for worship, praise, and spiritual growth.
There are some things to be looking forward to in the next few weeks. The winter Windchime will be sent out. You can view it now at It has some pictures of the building project and a challenge for people to continue to give (as you are) to the project.
If you want to watch the progress, go to http://winemamissionsbuilding.blogspot.com/ where we regularly post pictures and comments.
The 2009 schedule of camps and conferences will appear along with the announcement that registration for the upcoming season is now open online.
We pray that this Christmas season will give you the opportunity to share Christ with someone you care about. And, we ask that you continue to keep the Camp in your prayers this holiday season.
It is tremendously encouraging to be part of a ministry that experiences the faithfulness of God’s people. As we learn of businesses that need to cut back, we are instead challenged to expand and grow.
As much as you might appreciate the summer camps and conferences, it is wonderful to hear reports from our retreat groups about how they are using the Camp as a resource to grow spiritually. Even though they might be here on the short, dark rainy days of winter they still remark concerning how God uses the splendor of this place as a setting for worship, praise, and spiritual growth.
There are some things to be looking forward to in the next few weeks. The winter Windchime will be sent out. You can view it now at
If you want to watch the progress, go to http://winemamissionsbuilding.blogspot.com/ where we regularly post pictures and comments.
The 2009 schedule of camps and conferences will appear along with the announcement that registration for the upcoming season is now open online.
We pray that this Christmas season will give you the opportunity to share Christ with someone you care about. And, we ask that you continue to keep the Camp in your prayers this holiday season.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
As of today the demolition of the Missions Building is officially complete. Right now there is nothing there for the demolition inspector to see. The slate has been wiped clean. On Friday the steel building package is scheduled to arrive and next week the concrete contractor is scheduled to start putting together the foundation forms.
There are still a number of things that need to come together before we start seeing the building go up, but for right now the empty space reminds me of what God wants to do in our lives. Seeing the empty space makes me wonder if God wants to just remodel and repair our lives or if His heart’s desire to is to totally remake our lives into something new. In Revelation 21 we look to a time when God dwells with His people, wiping away tears, and doing away with death, mourning, and pain. It is a time when “all things are being made new.”
The imagery of baptism in Romans 6 portrays us rising from the water to “walk in newness of life.” Through the various camps and conferences at Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp there is an opportunity to come at your relationship with Christ in new and fresh ways. It might be a fresh perspective on Scripture offered by one of the conference speakers. Or, it could be a new friend found among your cabin mates. Or, maybe it was just the opportunity to get away from the usual routine and spend some time alone with the Lord while walking on the beach. It seems like our faith in Christ should always and consistently lead us into things that are fresh and new.
So it is with a new building coming up along with a new camping season. There will be some new speakers and programs, and, as always some new campers arriving to experience Christian camping at Wi-Ne-Ma.
An update on the Missions Building project: demolition and site preparation is now complete. We are now working with our concrete contractor as he is starting to place the forms and rebar for the foundation and slab. If all goes well this week we should be starting to pour concrete within the next week. The steel building package has arrived, so as soon as the concrete sets up the crew will be able to come in and put the building up.
A website was set up where people can view pictures of the project and watch its progress. Go to http://winemamissionsbuilding.blogspot.com/ or you can find the link starting at www.winema.org.
We appreciate your continued prayers for the process as final details are being worked out for the actual construction to begin.
The various camp and conference committees are also meeting to plan the 2009 programs. Please continue to pray for these who carry out the various programs in the Camp’s ministry.
By November 15 the 2009 schedule and the opportunity to register for the camps and conferences will be available through the Camp’s website www.winema.org. We plan for printed materials to be mailed out in January as well.
There are still a number of things that need to come together before we start seeing the building go up, but for right now the empty space reminds me of what God wants to do in our lives. Seeing the empty space makes me wonder if God wants to just remodel and repair our lives or if His heart’s desire to is to totally remake our lives into something new. In Revelation 21 we look to a time when God dwells with His people, wiping away tears, and doing away with death, mourning, and pain. It is a time when “all things are being made new.”
The imagery of baptism in Romans 6 portrays us rising from the water to “walk in newness of life.” Through the various camps and conferences at Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp there is an opportunity to come at your relationship with Christ in new and fresh ways. It might be a fresh perspective on Scripture offered by one of the conference speakers. Or, it could be a new friend found among your cabin mates. Or, maybe it was just the opportunity to get away from the usual routine and spend some time alone with the Lord while walking on the beach. It seems like our faith in Christ should always and consistently lead us into things that are fresh and new.
So it is with a new building coming up along with a new camping season. There will be some new speakers and programs, and, as always some new campers arriving to experience Christian camping at Wi-Ne-Ma.
An update on the Missions Building project: demolition and site preparation is now complete. We are now working with our concrete contractor as he is starting to place the forms and rebar for the foundation and slab. If all goes well this week we should be starting to pour concrete within the next week. The steel building package has arrived, so as soon as the concrete sets up the crew will be able to come in and put the building up.
A website was set up where people can view pictures of the project and watch its progress. Go to http://winemamissionsbuilding.blogspot.com/ or you can find the link starting at www.winema.org.
We appreciate your continued prayers for the process as final details are being worked out for the actual construction to begin.
The various camp and conference committees are also meeting to plan the 2009 programs. Please continue to pray for these who carry out the various programs in the Camp’s ministry.
By November 15 the 2009 schedule and the opportunity to register for the camps and conferences will be available through the Camp’s website www.winema.org. We plan for printed materials to be mailed out in January as well.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Signs of Fall
What a wonderful journey the past two months have been! Alongside the youth camps this summer we had tremendously inspiring family camps in Week of Missions, Family Bible Conference, and Septemberfest. The summer camping season ended 981 youth campers in the various sessions. One neighbor across the lake commented on how much she enjoyed watching as many of the camps closed their sessions with baptisms in the lake. All of these camps and conferences are not possible without the number of program staff volunteers who are essentially “the ministry” of Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp. As important as this place is for God to use to draw people to Himself, how much more so the people who come to share the Good News of God’s love in Christ through the various programs here.
The summer camping season concluded with celebrating Friends of Wi-Ne-Ma Day. About 180 people gathered for this event that included overnight stay at the Camp, concert, lunch, and the silent and oral auction. Proceeds from the Day are anticipated to come in at about $30,000. Of that amount $13,450 was raised as part of the Special Project during the oral auction. This is a time when no item is auctioned, just the opportunity to give to the Missions Building project. Once again the Camp is blessed by the generosity of God’s people.
We are pleased to announce that work has begun on the Missions Building project. The final plans have been made and delivered. As soon as Family Bible Conference concluded the Missions Building was emptied out and demolition began. Clark Tanner, one of the speakers for Family Bible Conference, led the whole group in prayer for the ministry of Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp and the role of the Missions Building in that ministry. Then everybody picked up some chairs and moved them into our storage areas. On September 8 the demolition crews came in much to the enjoyment of Septemberfest attendees who set up chairs in the RV area to watch the show. If our schedule holds up, we should be pouring the concrete foundation in October. The steel building will also be delivered in October. Then, in November we should start seeing the new building being erected. Again, please continue to pray for this project as we need the weather and the contractor’s schedules to cooperate at times.
A website was set up where people can view pictures of the project and watch its progress. Go to http://winemamissionsbuilding.blogspot.com/ or you can find the link starting at www.winema.org.
The summer camping season concluded with celebrating Friends of Wi-Ne-Ma Day. About 180 people gathered for this event that included overnight stay at the Camp, concert, lunch, and the silent and oral auction. Proceeds from the Day are anticipated to come in at about $30,000. Of that amount $13,450 was raised as part of the Special Project during the oral auction. This is a time when no item is auctioned, just the opportunity to give to the Missions Building project. Once again the Camp is blessed by the generosity of God’s people.
We are pleased to announce that work has begun on the Missions Building project. The final plans have been made and delivered. As soon as Family Bible Conference concluded the Missions Building was emptied out and demolition began. Clark Tanner, one of the speakers for Family Bible Conference, led the whole group in prayer for the ministry of Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp and the role of the Missions Building in that ministry. Then everybody picked up some chairs and moved them into our storage areas. On September 8 the demolition crews came in much to the enjoyment of Septemberfest attendees who set up chairs in the RV area to watch the show. If our schedule holds up, we should be pouring the concrete foundation in October. The steel building will also be delivered in October. Then, in November we should start seeing the new building being erected. Again, please continue to pray for this project as we need the weather and the contractor’s schedules to cooperate at times.
A website was set up where people can view pictures of the project and watch its progress. Go to http://winemamissionsbuilding.blogspot.com/ or you can find the link starting at www.winema.org.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Catching Up
The summer is half over and the good intentions to put something up more often as the camp's rolled along turned into just that, "Good Intentions."
Thankfully all those who have given so much to be a part of the summer's youth camp program went way beyond good intentions. They have given of themselves to provide the Christian camping experiences for the campers that have come to the first youth camps.
We are seeing that the number of youth campers is remaining about the same as usual. There is no great increase, but also no great decrease. The July camps have seen the largest numbers.
I am consistently impressed by the quality of the programs and the resources of the volunteers as the weeks come together.
I wanted to share a few images here as well.
First in relation to the Missions Building project. Here are some pictures from the Groundbreaking ceremony that was held on March 26. About 75 people turned out for the Ground Breaking Ceremony. Each person had the opportunity to jump on the gold shovel and turn a bit of dirt to symbolize the start of construction. It was an awesome and humbling experience to be in the presence of so many who love the Lord and love what God is doing through the ministry of Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp.
For an update on the project: We are still waiting to receive the building permit, but we are now planning to demolish the existing building in September. The next steps include site preparation and concrete work before the steel structure can be put up.
We are starting a new capital campaign as we still need to raise funds in order to complete this project. It is called "Our Devotion-His Glory" as we devote ourselves to making the dream of this new building into a reality.
Thankfully all those who have given so much to be a part of the summer's youth camp program went way beyond good intentions. They have given of themselves to provide the Christian camping experiences for the campers that have come to the first youth camps.
We are seeing that the number of youth campers is remaining about the same as usual. There is no great increase, but also no great decrease. The July camps have seen the largest numbers.
I am consistently impressed by the quality of the programs and the resources of the volunteers as the weeks come together.
I wanted to share a few images here as well.
First in relation to the Missions Building project. Here are some pictures from the Groundbreaking ceremony that was held on March 26. About 75 people turned out for the Ground Breaking Ceremony. Each person had the opportunity to jump on the gold shovel and turn a bit of dirt to symbolize the start of construction. It was an awesome and humbling experience to be in the presence of so many who love the Lord and love what God is doing through the ministry of Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp.
For an update on the project: We are still waiting to receive the building permit, but we are now planning to demolish the existing building in September. The next steps include site preparation and concrete work before the steel structure can be put up.
We are starting a new capital campaign as we still need to raise funds in order to complete this project. It is called "Our Devotion-His Glory" as we devote ourselves to making the dream of this new building into a reality.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
I came across this challenging statement: What if the way you lived, loved, and led actually reflected what you believed. It challenges the tension between who we are on the inside and what we portray on the outside. Perhaps yes we really do believe in Jesus in our heart, but for one reason or another we fall short in portraying that belief in our actions. Or, no we really haven’t totally given ourselves over to trusting in Christ, but we do a good job of presenting a veneer of faith in our daily lives.
While the Scripture says that “God looks on the heart,” we also learn from Scripture that our actions reveal the attitude of the heart. Romans 10:9-10 says, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” In these verses the action of confessing is linked with what we believe in our hearts.
The ministry of Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp is vitally connected with putting into practice what we believe concerning Jesus and God’s love for the world expressed in Him. We believe that God works through His church to establish His healing presence in the world. We believe that God calls us to cross cultures to proclaim the Gospel. We believe God wants families to be strengthened and exhibit relationships that reflect His love. We understand that God entrusts us with the ministry of hospitality, to provide a safe place where people can rest and be renewed in their relationship with Christ.
We believe that God calls the Camp to be a place for people to experience His call, His grace, and His love. The Camp is a place where people can practice what they believe so that they can be more effective servants of Christ when the return home. We believe the Camp is place for God to use to draw people to Himself.
In light of what we believe, we keep working to enhance what God has to work with here. The summer camping programs are almost upon us. We have over 200 young people pre-registered in the camping sessions. That about 100 more campers registered than at this time last year. The family conferences are also ahead of schedule in preregistrations. The most significant is Week of Missions which is also over 200 people and 100 more than last year.
On the Missions Building project; the plans were submitted in application for building permits. We did decide, however, not to start physical construction until after Family Bible Conference. This will let us use the current building through the 2008 camping season. But, if the permit process goes smoothly look for things to start happening rapidly this fall.
We are planning a Groundbreaking Ceremony and Reception on May 26 at 2:00 pm here at the Camp. You are invited to attend as we officially launch this project.
While the Scripture says that “God looks on the heart,” we also learn from Scripture that our actions reveal the attitude of the heart. Romans 10:9-10 says, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” In these verses the action of confessing is linked with what we believe in our hearts.
The ministry of Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp is vitally connected with putting into practice what we believe concerning Jesus and God’s love for the world expressed in Him. We believe that God works through His church to establish His healing presence in the world. We believe that God calls us to cross cultures to proclaim the Gospel. We believe God wants families to be strengthened and exhibit relationships that reflect His love. We understand that God entrusts us with the ministry of hospitality, to provide a safe place where people can rest and be renewed in their relationship with Christ.
We believe that God calls the Camp to be a place for people to experience His call, His grace, and His love. The Camp is a place where people can practice what they believe so that they can be more effective servants of Christ when the return home. We believe the Camp is place for God to use to draw people to Himself.
In light of what we believe, we keep working to enhance what God has to work with here. The summer camping programs are almost upon us. We have over 200 young people pre-registered in the camping sessions. That about 100 more campers registered than at this time last year. The family conferences are also ahead of schedule in preregistrations. The most significant is Week of Missions which is also over 200 people and 100 more than last year.
On the Missions Building project; the plans were submitted in application for building permits. We did decide, however, not to start physical construction until after Family Bible Conference. This will let us use the current building through the 2008 camping season. But, if the permit process goes smoothly look for things to start happening rapidly this fall.
We are planning a Groundbreaking Ceremony and Reception on May 26 at 2:00 pm here at the Camp. You are invited to attend as we officially launch this project.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
So it has been a long time
So, it has been a long time since I have taken the time to update the reflections of this blog. We have had a number of things going on th
is spring. The picture here is of the new crosses that were placed on the hill overlooking the Camp. The December storms blew down the big center cross. My dad from Mill City built these out of some trees on his place. Then a bunch of guys from Mill City came for their annual men's work retreat and put them up.
is spring. The picture here is of the new crosses that were placed on the hill overlooking the Camp. The December storms blew down the big center cross. My dad from Mill City built these out of some trees on his place. Then a bunch of guys from Mill City came for their annual men's work retreat and put them up.The second picture here shows them here working with Phil to set them up. We have had a number of work parties this spring that have added great improvements to Camp: the new trail to the crosses was expanded, a sidewalk from Myrtleward to the Dining Hall was created, the basketball area between the Dining Hall and Lakeside Lodge was first broken up and then poured afresh. These along with a number of cleanup projects has the Camp set up for the new season.
I will try to type to you again sooner with the update on how the summer camping season is shaping up and how the Missions Building project is coming along.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Thoughts in February
It is kind of nice to see the sun starting to break through now and again. The sun is starting to warm us up after a tough weather winter and is creating that special shade of new growth green signaling the beginnings of spring. Another sure reminder of spring are the registration forms arriving in the mail or online. There has been a good response to the discounts being offered for early registration. We think it will help the campers by providing a less expensive way to experience camp while at the same time helping the Camp by providing income in the lean spring months and by giving the program directors earlier information on the number of campers they might expect.
We were saddened a few weeks ago as one of our promising young summer staff workers died tragically in a car accident on Highway 101. Beth Bryson was a local girl who had worked for us in the kitchen the past two summers and also helped occasionally as we provided food service for various retreat groups. Beth was a hard worker with a quirky sense of humor and a desire to make friends with every person she met. She really worked her way into our hearts as she represented the Camp’s ministry well. At her memorial service held at Nestucca High School, her deep faith in Christ was presented as a witness to the community. It just makes me stop and think and praise the Lord for the number of young people who work behind the scenes in the Camp’s ministry and their positive influence on the lives of others because of the presence of Jesus in their lives.
The work is progressing on the Missions Building project. The foundation plans are near completion and we are working with the contractor concerning the timing of actually putting up the structure. At the January board meeting the Board of Directors approved a loan with Oregon Coast Bank for up to $400,000 to make sure that we have the funds to complete the project. Our plan is to use first that which has been designated for the Missions Building project so that when we need to draw on the construction loan we can keep that amount as low as possible.
Since the Our Dream-His Glory campaign is coming to a close here in 2008 we will be launching a new program, seeking fresh commitments to underwrite the loan and pay off the construction costs of the Missions Building.
As these plans are coming together we are so excited to see this new gateway to the Christian camping experience here at Wi-Ne-Ma. The memories and the ministry that was carried out in the old building will be carried on by the coming generation of missionaries, campers, families, and friends as the Missions Building continues to be a place where people are challenged and encouraged to by dynamic witnesses for the Gospel of Christ.
We were saddened a few weeks ago as one of our promising young summer staff workers died tragically in a car accident on Highway 101. Beth Bryson was a local girl who had worked for us in the kitchen the past two summers and also helped occasionally as we provided food service for various retreat groups. Beth was a hard worker with a quirky sense of humor and a desire to make friends with every person she met. She really worked her way into our hearts as she represented the Camp’s ministry well. At her memorial service held at Nestucca High School, her deep faith in Christ was presented as a witness to the community. It just makes me stop and think and praise the Lord for the number of young people who work behind the scenes in the Camp’s ministry and their positive influence on the lives of others because of the presence of Jesus in their lives.
The work is progressing on the Missions Building project. The foundation plans are near completion and we are working with the contractor concerning the timing of actually putting up the structure. At the January board meeting the Board of Directors approved a loan with Oregon Coast Bank for up to $400,000 to make sure that we have the funds to complete the project. Our plan is to use first that which has been designated for the Missions Building project so that when we need to draw on the construction loan we can keep that amount as low as possible.
Since the Our Dream-His Glory campaign is coming to a close here in 2008 we will be launching a new program, seeking fresh commitments to underwrite the loan and pay off the construction costs of the Missions Building.
As these plans are coming together we are so excited to see this new gateway to the Christian camping experience here at Wi-Ne-Ma. The memories and the ministry that was carried out in the old building will be carried on by the coming generation of missionaries, campers, families, and friends as the Missions Building continues to be a place where people are challenged and encouraged to by dynamic witnesses for the Gospel of Christ.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Some More Camp History
This has been an interesting week for weather. Started with snow on the ground yesterday, rain and wind today, and a heavy surf warning for tomorrow. So it seemed good to stay inside. The crew, along with the help of the Thursday volunteers have been working on remodeling the bathrooms in Morse Lodge. Meanwhile, I went back through Bill Morse's book to collect information about the history of the Camp. Here is a link
http://www.winema.org/Documents/History/camphistory.htm
to several things put together in a collection of information on the Camp's history.
I also found a really good website telling about the person Wi-Ne-Ma. Follow this link
http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2005/spring/winema.html
Enjoy looking around at this.
http://www.winema.org/Documents/History/camphistory.htm
to several things put together in a collection of information on the Camp's history.
I also found a really good website telling about the person Wi-Ne-Ma. Follow this link
http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2005/spring/winema.html
Enjoy looking around at this.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Starting the New Year
A January Storm - Watch the Waves Pound Around "the Rock."
The turn of the New Year marks the time when I have to get serious about preparing for the summer camping season. But it is also the time of year when staff members get in their vacations, go to camping conferences, and enjoy the holidays with their families, friends, and churches. While the storms keep hitting us (and thankfully, there has not been any significant damage)they force us to slow down on getting the various projects done that we would like to get done.
But, I am glad to announce that a new look website is now published. We tried a couple of new things and cleaned up a bunch of old files that had been hanging around since the Camp first got on the Internet several years ago. I can't remember how long it has been. Go to www.winema.org and poke around.
We are trying some new things with discounts for early registration. It helps campers to find a less expensive way to enjoy Camp. Early registration also helps us have a better idea of how many to expect.
A number of things seem to be coming together on the Missions Building Project. I will have to make a post just to reflect on the various answers to prayer we are seeing there.
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