Earlier this month, we introduced our new Camp Director at Adventurous Christians, Mike Odberg. Mike started at AC remotely this week and we’d like for you to get to know him a little more! We asked Mike a few questions about his experiences, his faith journey, what led him to AC and more. Read more below to learn more about Mike, and his wife, Annabelle.
What brought you to AC?
Christian Camping within a Wilderness context has been my calling since 1998. Meeting the Lord in the BWCAW/Quetico is a part of my own personal faith journey. I have been aware of Adventurous Christians through that time and have made connections in the past. Continuing this passion in canoe country is a dream opportunity for me (and my wife, Annabelle). I love the storied history of AC and I am excited to lead this next chapter!
Can you tell us a little about your faith journey and your call to ministry?
After a tumultuous period during my late teens and my 20’s, externally things seemed fine, yet I knew that I was missing the mark. I questioned my own character. My trips into the BWCAW/Quetico during that period gave me the space to ponder life and faith amidst the glory of His creation. Those trips led to wrestling with the Lord, as he pursued me, and I finally began listening. Eventually, and at the cusp of becoming a father, I became beautifully broken and accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. This time coincided with my growth in outdoor leadership. The worlds collided in God’s perfect plan. I am eternally grateful for the Lord’s patience with me.
What is it about camp ministry that you love?
Wilderness and time in God’s Creation, coupled with its many other attributes offers us a unique opportunity to encounter ourselves and our Creator. A cathedral of water and pines, and a supportive isolated and interdependent community, offer an amazing opportunity to encounter the Living God. I personally thrive in this environment and I want to share that with as many others as possible. Retreat ministry in a more primitive environment, removes distractions and offer people an opportunity to focus on the most important things, and delve into their relationship with the Lord.
What was your first impression of Adventurous Christians?
Intentionally rustic; with a storied and impactful history; in an amazing location!
What excites you most about stepping into the Director role?
I am excited to share my experience in a larger leadership role within the wilderness context. I am also excited about being a part of a larger team with CPM. I believe that my passion for wilderness and retreat ministry is contagious, and I believe I can be the servant-leader that will help AC thrive.
What do you hope campers experience when they spend time at AC?
Whether day tripping as a part of our retreat ministry, sharing time around a board game or a fire, or on an extended adventure in the BWCAW, I hope that we can exemplify the love of Jesus, as he woos them through His Creation. I pray that relationships deepen, and the fellowship of believers grows.
Is there a Bible verse or passage that is particularly meaningful to you right now?
I am finishing the Old Testament currently in a new read-through of the Bible, and I am eagerly awaiting finally arriving at the Gospels. I can empathize with the Israelites as they waited for the Messiah. That is my current state.
Romans 1:20 is always my personal experience of meeting Jesus and my call to ministry “For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature have seen clearly seen, being understood through what He has made, so that we are without excuse.”
What is something you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I play hockey whenever I can. Annabelle and I enjoy pickleball. We love to paddle, Cross country ski, hike with our dog (Kopka), harvest maple syrup, and spend time with family and friends. I am an enneagram 7, “the enthusiast”, so my hobbies are many (probably too many).
