This might be the most common question people ask when we talk about our ministry at Camp Forest Springs. I suppose it is natural for people to imagine camp as a summer thing, and to picture us waiting away the long winter months until the excitement begins again in the spring.
So people are usually surprised to hear that CFS serves more guests in the winter than we do in the summer! In fact, it is quite common to have served over 500 people by the time a weekend comes to an end, and that doesn’t include the school groups that visit during the week.
From churches, to non-profits, to college student groups, to local community members, we see it all here in the winter. Hosting these groups (up to six at once) has become a key part of my job, and I get to see so many great things happen. Here are a few highlights from this fall and winter:
• We hosted 190 men from the Twin Cities who together vowed (some with tears) to lead in their families and workplaces for Christ. Their strong support of each other was a great blessing to observe.
• We were honored to serve almost 200 inner-city youth for a weekend—31 went home as new believers!
• We enjoyed an MK retreat, hosting children of missionaries from almost 20 countries. They endure common challenges though they hail from diverse places. It was great to see them support each other.
• We saw many old friends from Janesville and Eau Claire who visited with their churches. This is always a special privilege.
It has been an honor to partner with many churches, meeting their leaders and serving their needs. I have come to realize how important the local church is, and I am grateful for the chance to be a small part of what God has planned for them when they come.
And yes, amidst the craziness of winter, we do look forward to, and work toward, the summer quickly coming on its heels!
With thankfulness,
Dan & Laura
Treehouse Retreat Group—2012
Escape College Retreat—2012
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