Greetings from the Northwoods!

Winter brings a surprisingly full schedule for Forest Springs and the Jacobsons.

At camp, the winter retreat season is a two-month flash of activity. In fact, it is probably our most concentrated schedule of the year in terms of numbers of people served. They come for the ski hill, for good food, and time away from distractions. Youth Pastors bring their groups for the unique opportunity to build relationships and take advantage of a more focused teaching opportunity than is often available at home. A lot of ministry will take place here this winter. There is much to be praying for.

Our trailhead crew is over half way through their nine-month gap year, and they are doing great. It’s been a full Fall semester of trips, projects and classes designed to raise and wrestle with life’s “big questions.” There have been both smiles and tears along the way. I am hopeful for each of these young friends. I believe the foundations are being built that will hold them firm against the wind and waves of life. Please pray for them. There are many questions still to answer, and life is often overwhelming in this stage.  If you are here this winter, keep your eyes out for name tags that say “Trailhead student.” They may be serving your meal, cleaning your room or greeting you as you arrive.  Feel free to ask them about their experience here.

Because the schedule at camp keeps the students busy for the next couple of months, I am able to focus on teaching preparations and hiring for the Summer Adventure Program. Unforeseen opportunities continue to present themselves in the area of formal teaching.  I get asked to fill a pulpit now and then, and will teach a week-long world view class again in February at Montana Wilderness School of the Bible. Of course, as I work with 18-25 year-olds, officiating weddings has come up as well. I did two last year and am planning for one this coming March. I feel blessed to be able to serve in these ways where the schedule allows.

The Jacobson household is NEVER quiet. Charlie, Mason and Eleanor (Nora) are all capable suppliers of decibels. I have to say, my dear wife Laura is as gracious and patient as they come. I don’t know how she holds the place together with these three active youngsters. It’s hard to know how much of this craziness is supposed to be “parented” out of them.  Does anyone know?

What I do know is that God has blessed us with the opportunity to spend a couple of formative decades with each of these three creative and enthusiastic children. He has also charged us with the responsibility of being their first representatives of the love, nature and discipline of God.  We don’t know how to do it. Please continue to pray for wisdom and God’s provision of patience and kindness for our parenting (and a little bit of peace so Dad can think).

This fall marked 11 years of marriage and 10 official years of service for us at Forest Springs. It’s hard to quantify the value of all the things that have happened along the way.  They have been the best years of our lives.  We are grateful for each other, and to have been able to be a part of ten years of wilderness ministry, the creation of Trailhead followed by six years of directing that program, and countless other opportunities to serve, learn and participate in the unique ministry of Forest Springs.

Thanks to all who have encouraged, prayed and helped fund this ministry. Please trust that we are are more grateful and glad than our inconsistent updates are able to communicate.

May the Lord grant us each grace for the journey in the coming year. Love, the Jacobsons