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And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. – Luke 2: 16-19 (NIV)
December, 2011 Dear Camp Friends: Like the shepherds, the Huron Forest Camp CedarRidge (HFCC) staff have been “glorifying and praising God for the things they have heard and seen” during 70 years of ministry. And like Mary, we ponder these things in our hearts, full of wonder at how God blesses so many who come to work, play, and learn at camp.
God’s hand was evident on one Cincinnati family’s life this summer. After being shut out of three other camping options, they found our S.O.A.R. trip. This week-long canoeing and camping trip down the AuSable River was what they were looking for, even though they had not sought a Christian camp in particular.
Meghan (not her real name) joined the group of six teenagers for a wonderful week of canoeing and camping down the AuSable River.
The Bible Exploration, morning watches, and discussions with the counselors led Meghan (15 years old) to seek a deeper understanding of Christ. Meghan accepted Jesus as her personal Savior on the second day of the trip! For the next three days, she grew in her new faith through conversations while canoeing, cooking over the open fire, and enjoying the stars in the night sky.
We praise God with you for the impact camp has made on lives. As a friend and supporter of this ministry, your generosity with your volunteer time and charitable gifts had made this ministry possible. Thank you!
Our mission, however, remains before us. Recently, our board of directors has struggled with a number of challenges that have required much prayer and many meetings. With a heavy heart, we had to lay off Amy and Claire. Due to declining attendance and mounting maintenance work the 2012 camping season has been shortened to just three weeks.
As Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” We view this as a temporary “season.” After 70 years, it is time to breath fresh life into Huron Forest Camp CedarRidge. The Lord may have you play a role in one of the many projects we hope to accomplish:
Not only do we need capital improvements, but we’re open to restructuring both ministry programs and administrative functions. We have open hearts and seek the Lord’s guidance as we prepare anew for another 70 years of service to new generations.
Your continued support is needed now, more than ever. Together, we can bring Camp CedarRidge into a new season of vitality for today’s young person. Although their daily lives are dramatically different from campers of decades past, their need for our Savior in their lives is unchanging.
Would you stand with us? May we count on you for your faithful charitable support of Camp CedarRidge’s mission?
The board is committed to using every resource possible to work toward the vision of an updated facility and program. Your church may choose to join us with either financial support or volunteer time. Do you belong to a civic group that has a heart for young people or the great outdoors? Is your family looking for a project to work on together?
Like Meghan, there are many more campers whose hearts are open to His call. All they need is the opportunity to hear and respond….and you can make that happen.
We are thankful for your prayers and partnership. May God bless you and your family during this Christmas season as we celebrate the arrival of our Lord and King.
Gratefully, Ken Board President
P.S. You can help us reach many more Meghans in the decades to come! Please join us with your year end gift!
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Copyright 2010 Huron Forest Camp CedarRidge
