Summer Recreation Team
​by Clayton Weber

There are two moments that define the recreation team’s summer experience: the very first “circle-up” (which is how we begin and end each work day) and the very last “circle-up” of the summer.  The first circle-up was on Day One of orientation. We all stood at arm’s length from one another, preparing ourselves for the adventure we had ahead of us. We ended this beginning moment with prayer. During that first prayer, we didn’t so much as hold hands. It was evident that everyone was feeling a combination of anxiousness and wonder, unsure of their standing with one another, as only one person out of the 34 of us had worked the same position previously.
The very last circle-up of summer could have been on their last shift in recreation. Rather than that, it was not done as part of a job, but as part of a desire to recognize all that the summer held. It was at the closing of our Summer Staff Banquet (a nice evening intended to reflect on the Lord’s work during the summer) that the recreation staff initiated one last assembly. It was a beautiful scene: with the ladies in their dresses, and the guys in the best attire they could summon, we stood not at arm’s length, but instead, with our arms draped around the person to our left and our right. In that sacred time, we shared tears over stories of how the love of Christ was shown through each person, and laughed away all the frustrations and imperfections of summer. We were no longer just individuals, but a big family comprised of men and women who God saw fit to bring together. 

The blessings that God provided the staff this summer were nearly endless, but to include a few highlights:
  • More than one staff member shared how God used this summer to bring them out of complacency in their relationship with Him.
  • Similarly, more than one staff member confessed that the love coming from their team brought them through significantly painful, personal trials they endured both coming into, and during the summer.
  • One young lady shared that, because of the true camaraderie she experienced amongst her fellow Christian friends, she is, for the first time, applying to Christian colleges in hopes of experiencing this same love and community moving forward.
  • Another young lady fought back tears as she admitted that, prior to summer, she was accustomed to absence of love and care in the people around her. This summer, she was deeply moved by the authentic love that she experienced.
 I fought back tears myself as I reflected on the baptisms that 6 of our staff members had chosen to be a part of to declare their devotion to Christ. I concluded the session by sharing my own highlight, that I had never seen such a loving team before, devoted to both Christ and one another.

​Though Thousand Pines is known for creating a place where our guests see, know, and experience God, let us not forget that those through whom God has chosen to show Himself are also changed by the ministry they are a part of. God works in mighty and mysterious ways. Isaiah 55:8-9 •

Summer
​by Susan Mills

We just wrapped up our summer camp season here at Thousand Pines! This summer was full of excitement, laughter, and life-changing decisions.

The theme this year centered around the inconceivable love of God, and the responses from the campers were outstanding. Every week we had students accepting Christ for the first time or choosing to recommit their lives to their Father. Sometimes, the campers share those commitments with our team! One camper from this summer said, “I am committing to Jesus. Recently I have struggled to feel loved by my family. I struggle with self confidence. But with God I know I’m loved. I know God will always be there for me. I am committing my life, love, and heart to God.”

​Camp is always fun, but this is the heart behind why we do camp. Our goal is always to help people see, know, and experience God, and we are blessed to say this goal was reached this summer. Thank you all for being on this journey with us!

Year in Review

We have put together an extensive financial overview, camper data, and our complete vision for the future. Please join us and explore our ministry from within.

Click here to read the full PDF version and see how you've helped us shape the lives of God's children this last year and learn the big news we have for our future!

PRAYER REQUESTS

​Our Outdoor Science School is starting in September and will run to June. Please pray for the staff and campers who are coming this fall.

Current Needs

Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine......................$10,000 received!
​New Camper Bibles......................................................3 for $10
Camper Scholarships......................................................$100 ea
10 New Computers.............................................................$500
Ponderosa Treehouse Remodel....................................$50,000
All donations are tax-deductible including, cash, stock, equipment, materials, and even vehicles! Call for more details 909.338. 2705!