In 2005 my family took a literal step into the unknown. We relocated across the country, I started with a new camping ministry and we built a house. Each of these three events shaped the next decade of our family. We eventually became comfortable on the East Coast and my kids readily identify with New England as where they grew up. Through new experiences and challenges, I developed greatly as a leader and Executive Director. The new house we built transformed from concrete, 2×4’s and drywall to our “Home”. It became full of significant life memories (first steps, broken bones, shared holidays and much more) that define our family. It was bittersweet in 2015 to leave our home to start a new chapter of our life with Covenant Pines Ministries (CPM).
CPM is now poised to embark on a similar bittersweet period. At the April CPM Annual Meeting, I announced that we are moving forward on three building projects in the near future. While exciting and new, each project will bring a sense of loss for some. Change always does that. One of the stated values of CPM is to “Embrace Healthy Change.” This is what we are hoping to live into.
Silver Beach Lakeside Cabin
Beginning in the Fall of 2018, we are constructing a new Lakeside cabin at Silver Beach Family Camp. In recent years, we have been able to replace two of the original seasonal cabins with beautiful year-round cabins. These cabins have been funded primarily through memorial and estate gifts by individuals who have desired to see families impacted through camping ministry. This new cabin will continue this vision.
Adventurous Christians Health Center
While maintaining its wilderness feel, Adventurous Christians is striving to serve campers better by creating isolation space where sick campers can rest and bathe. (The Cook County Health Inspector has also asked us to create such space). We have received an extremely generous gift that will fund the construction of a Health Center. We are also intending to add a second level to the building in order to expand available housing for staff members.
Covenant Pines Bible Camp Worship Center
In July of 1955, Covenant Pines Bible Camp was dedicated “for worship in prayer and praise; for the ministry of the Word of God and the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.“ This ministry purpose has not changed over the years, but how we do ministry has changed. A large, seasonal building with straight rows, functioned wonderfully in our early years. But as we developed into a year-round ministry and the use of worship spaces changed, the Chapel remained the same. The Gospel, the lake views and maybe the smell have remained constant, but the building is functionally lacking. Looking towards the future, and needing to address structural issues, we have decided to build a new worship space. Beginning in the Fall of 2018, a building task force will be meeting to lead the construction process. A team is also being assembled to assist with the significant fundraising effort needed.
I recognize the bittersweetness of new buildings and the sense of loss that can accompany them. I feel them myself. I have sat with Ken Bosworth and listened to stories of the formative years at AC. I personally lived at Silver Beach and walked past the original cabins daily. I’ve sat in too many chapel services to remember and watched as counselors shared Jesus with campers in our beloved A-frame Chapel. At the same time, I’m excited to see what new reality we will live into. The vision of Covenant Pines Ministries is “to Change a Life.” While buildings don’t do this, they do provide the physical space where campers can meet God. I ask that you join me in praying for these three upcoming building projects. If you are interested in learning more about any of the projects, curious about volunteering to bring them to reality or want to contribute financially, please contact me at dave@covenantpines.org.
I recently asked a few people a simple question: “Why do you give monthly to Covenant Pines Ministries?” Their answers were succinct, meaningful and personal.
“Why do we give monthly to CPM? We give monthly because we believe in the power of camping ministry and in Covenant Pines. By giving each month – it is a discipline for us that helps us keep Covenant Pines in our thoughts and prayers on a regular basis. Covenant Pines was instrumental in our own faith journeys as kids and as staff members. Now it is an important part of our own children’s faith foundation. By giving each month we feel like we stay connected to this important place.”
“As a young boy I attend a camp that was affiliated with the Lutheran church I grew up in. The foundation for my decision to become a Christ follower was largely formed from those early experiences. As a parent and now a grandparent, about the best we can do for our kids and grandkids is to model Christ-like behavior. CPM knows how to reach kids in a way that family and even church does not.”
“We give to Covenant Pines because we love the ministry it provides along with all the fun. We grew up going to Covenant Pines in the 60’s, our boys went there, worked summers there and married girls that worked there. Covenant Pines has changed so many lives and we love giving so it can continue to be a place our grandkids and others can learn about the love of Jesus.”
“We give monthly to CPM to show our commitment to the year round ministries offered. The hope is that our giving, along with others who give monthly, allows CPM to operate knowing there is a level of consistent and dependable monthly financial support. In our personal lives, it is beneficial to know what income we will have on a monthly basis so that we can best plan for the future, it’s reasonable to believe that an CPM would benefit from knowing the same.”
Becky and I are monthly donors and if asked why, I would respond because I want to help CPM achieve its vision to “Change A Life.” My life was changed by God through Covenant Pines Ministries. I want that to be true for others.
In addition to receiving individual financial, product and equipment donations, CPM has two monthly giving groups that each serve a different purpose:
Friends of Covenant Pines Ministries
This giving group was established with the purpose of providing financial resources to support capital improvement needs. Donors give on a monthly basis to ensure our facilities and equipment are maintained and updated.
Foundation Builders
New in 2017, this giving group was established with the purpose of providing financial support for CPM’s operational needs. Donors give monthly to provide a healthy financial foundation for ministry to be built on.
I encourage you to consider participating in one of these two giving groups. Your donations provide resources that enable our ministry to thrive. It is a 2017 goal of mine to strengthen Covenant Pines Ministries by increasing the number of donors who give monthly to CPM. You are able to give on-line or through the mail. Please indicate if you gift is part of a giving group.
I look forward to having you partner with us.