Remembering Rock: May 2020
Ministry Update
Hello from Rock Mountain! This May ministry update looks very different in so many ways from what we expected, even just a few weeks ago. With ever-changing timelines, and disruption to daily routines, the coronavirus pandemic has had a very real impact on the ministry of Rock Mountain. Groups that have been planning and praying for months about their retreat have had to cancel or postpone, we have been brainstorming and planning about what Summer 2020 may look like and patience has been a significant theme as we wait for guidance and decisions regarding when and how we can serve guests and campers again. How wonderful then to trust in the God who is in control of all things–from things as small as the lily’s of the field, to the plans we had for ministry in 2020. His work, and His gospel continue to go forward even during the challenges of this season!
Rock Mountain has the mission of providing opportunities to experience Truth, Community and Change through Jesus Christ–it is the reason we serve and we praise God for the unique way He has used this place, and the people who minister here. We are thankful that the mission can still move forward, even if it requires adjustments, flexibility and creativity this summer. This month we are excited-our campground will be open on May 15th, and we are planning and praying for our summer camps, and churches coming in the next several months. We continue to abide by all CDC and government regulations and seek to be both wise and patient as we make decisions. Please be praying for us, that we would be able to serve guests and campers soon, and for the many practical needs and challenges being created by the current health crises.
Prayer Requests:
- Pray with us for Summer 2020! At Rock Mountain we have the privilege of seeing God use camp to change lives for eternity every summer. We pray and trust that these moments are a catalyst for our guests and campers as they return home, living a life transformed and following Jesus. Covid-19 has created significant challenges surrounding in-person ministry at Rock Mountain. Please pray for restrictions to be wisely enforced/lifted, and for the impact that will have on this summer.
- Pray for great wisdom and creativity in navigating the appropriate changes and new procedures that are required to safely serve others during the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Pray for our our groups that have had to make the difficult decision to postpone or cancel their camps in 2020 due to coronavirus; that their leaders and students would be encouraged in their walk with the Lord despite the disappointment and inability to gather together.
- Pray for God’s continued provision and protection of the ministry here at Rock Mountain Bible Camp–for health and safety for staff, campers and guests and that the financial needs of our ministry would be met, allowing us to continue to serve our guests and campers with excellence.
Praises:
- We are both excited and thankful–the Family Campground will be open! With a great deal of uncertainty still regarding summer ministry opportunities, we are praising God that we will be able to serve families in this way.
- 86. This is the number of Ash trees safely and successfully cut down in the last 4 weeks in our Family Campground. Why is this a praise? These trees had been infected by the Emerald Ash Borer, and had become a safety issue. We are thankful that they have been cut down, making our family campground a safe space to camp–and for the abundance of firewood they provide.
- In addition to the Family Campground, we are excited about several other projects we were able to complete this month: Painting the interior of cabins 1 & 4, dry-walling and painting two walls in the dining room, and some necessary infrastructure improvements to our main building parking lot.
How Did You See God Work at Camp?
Saturday night we had some great conversations with students in our small groups as we unpacked the sessions. Many students shared about some sin in their lives that they were ready to repent of, and we were able to establish some steps that would help them to do so.
-Michael Spatz, Guest Group Leader