A Fall Ministry Update and Great Big Thank You
October 2020
King Solomon reminds us, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” He sure was right. Bob Dylan, the great composer-philosopher (ha!) agreed when he sang, “These times they are a changin’”! It’s true, the seasons are once again changing. Our hills are especially bright with color this week as they reflect off the surface of the lake. I wish you could see them. Creation daily reminds us we serve an amazing God. It’s also true, that these times are changing. In the face of all the craziness and the new normal that has impacted all of us, we are reminded we serve an eternal, sovereign God who loves us and is still in control. With the Psalmist, we declare, “Our God sits in the heavens. He does all that He pleases.” We continue to trust Him, and Him alone, as we seek to provide meaningful ministry for the months and years to come. We serve a faithful God! Amen!
SHC IS ALIVE AND WELL! By God’s grace, we are able to continue serving a few guest groups and hosting adult/family-friendly retreats. Visit www.sciotohills.com for upcoming events including Refine: A Mother-Daughter Retreat and Christmas at Camp. There is still time to register or schedule a guest group. Our safety protocols are working! The risk is worth it!
OUR STAFF IS STILL EMPLOYED! We are so thankful that our staff is still functioning, serving groups and working on plans to use our resources to provide meaningful ministry. As a precaution, we have modified some staff positions. Although some have had exposure to the virus, our staff is healthy and safe.
GIVING IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE! While we are realistically looking at a $400,000 reduction in income this year, we are pleased to give God the glory that our needs are being met. Salaries are paid. Bills are current. Because of the events we are able to host, the reduction in expenses related to reduced numbers and the contributions of our faithful donors, supporting churches and new partners, we are keeping our head above water. We have seen an increase in giving. In 2019, we were blessed to receive $139,000 via individual giving and church support. As of this week, we are approaching the $200,000 mark for 2020! Thank you so much. But don’t stop now! These new gifts, regular donations, 100 Thousand Club partnerships and special church offerings are making a difference. We need them!
A NEW APPROACH TO GIVING! We are introducing a new approach to giving, as we believe it will have a much greater impact on our ministry because it allows various levels of participation and focuses on the benefits of re-occurring monthly support. (One-time gifts will always be welcomed!) The new program is called IMPACT PARTNERS and is replacing our 100 Thousand Club. The Club has been a great blessing and so necessary for the stability of our ministry. We want to encourage current Club members to continue their support through this new approach. You will receive the new brochure in November. We anticipate a great response to this new program.
EXCITEMENT ABOUT 2021! While there is still much uncertainty surrounding the impact of COVID and how it will influence camp ministry in 2021, we are certain, should the Lord tarry, we will offer a full schedule of events next year. We are committed to taking full advantage of our resources, namely the talents of our staff and the benefits of our facilities and grounds, to pursue and prepare for meaningful ministry in 2021. We are asking God for wisdom and will be making decisions about our retreats by mid-November and summer camp by mid-December.
SOME MORE GOOD NEWS! Martin Road, with its dust and ever-changing collection of potholes, has been replaced with beautiful asphalt! No more potholes! What a blessing!While not available for our business yet, Spectrum (high-speed internet) is now accessible in our staff homes. Welcome to the 21st Century!We are continuing to make improvements. Pete Weist, our new Project and Volunteer Coordinator, is doing a great job of organizing work groups to improve those areas our guests eat, sleep, play and learn about God. Contact the office if you or your church are looking for service opportunities at SHC.
WE NEED YOUR PRAYERS!
We are still working with the Cooper Family regarding the purchase of their land as we anticipate the development of a new entrance to camp. We are simply waiting for them to “close the deal”. Pray the Coopers will act soon.
We have made a generous offer on a half-acre parcel that sits directly to the south of our main entrance that connects to Wayne National Forest and our property across the road. We just discovered it is available. Our main objective is to secure forever control of the location as it relates to the overall landscape of the camp. Pray the owner will accept our offer.
Hiring summer staff is a big deal at SHC. The uncertainty of how we can “do” ministry plays an impact on how we recruit. Currently, we are recruiting a core group of summer staffers believing we will need them regardless of how we minister in the summer of 2021. Spread the word, as recruiting trips are limited.
Pray for the health and safety of our staff and our guests as people come and go and as we seek to practice safety protocols.
Thanks for your prayers, your encouragement and financial support during these crazy times. The Lord knows these times- they are a changin,’ but that’s a great thing.
All to the Glory of God,
Scott Bruns
Executive Director