the wilds newsletter: fall 2012
DESCRIPTION
Fall 2012 Volume 31 Number 2TRANSCRIPT
Fall 2012 Volume 31 Number 2
The WIlds Ministry Team A Fond Farewell Summer Camp Memories
2 newsletter fall 2012
The Wilds Christian Association, Inc. is an independent, nondenominational, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization created for the purpose of operating Christian camps and conference centers. We are fundamental in our beliefs, Bible-centered in our philosophy, and evangelistic in our outreach.
The Wilds Christian Association, Inc. presently operates a Christian camp and conference center in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina that is open year-round. The camp has a carefully selected and trained staff and averages over 20,000 campers per year. In 2009 The Wilds of New England began ministry at our campsite in Deering, New Hampshire. In this peaceful, rural setting we experienced good growth in attendance at our summer camps as well as in our limited fall schedule programs. We anticipate a continuing steady growth and expansion of the ministry at this New England location.
In addition to providing a God-honoring music publication service as an integral part of our ministry, The Wilds Christian Association, Inc. has also established the CampsAbroad program to assist others in the formation and operation of Christian camp ministries around the world.
The Wilds Christian Association, Inc. publishes The Wilds NewsLetter. Change of address information and comments should be sent to:
The Wilds Christian Association, IncPO Box 509 • Taylors, SC 29687-0009Phone: (864) 268-4760Fax: (864) 292-0743E-mail: [email protected]
Visit our website at www.wilds.org or visit The Wilds Online Store at www.wilds.org/store.Editor: Ken CollierGraphic Designer: Craig Stouffer
Publications Coordinator: Vickie EbnerFall 2012 • Volume 31 • Number 2© 2012 The Wilds Christian Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
The Wilds and CampsAbroad are registered trademarks of The Wilds Christian Association, Inc.
North Carolina Campsite:
The Wilds 1000 Wilds Ridge RoadBrevard, NC 28712-7273Phone: (828) 884-7811Fax: (828) 862-4813
New England Campsite:
The Wilds of New England1181 Deering Center RoadDeering, NH 03244-6529Phone/Fax: (603) 529-0001
Think with me back to the days (and for some of you it might be way back) when you were a camper at The Wilds.
The Wilds Ministry Teamby Shawn AlexanderMinistry Team Leader • The WildsBrevard, North Carolina
Just the thought of being a camper at The Wilds brings excitement and gives that butterfly feeling in your stomach. Remember hopping onto a bus with 20 other crazy kids, annoying your sponsor the whole way there (unintentionally, of course)? You arrived at The Wilds and faced the hot, sweaty, and often rainy summer days that were filled with loads of fun and off-the-wall competition. Three times a day you were confronted with Truth from God’s Word and given an opportunity to change based on what you had heard and read. I remember many times as a camper riding out the gate and saying, “I wish I could live at The Wilds…I wish this feeling would stay forever… except for my counselor—he smelled bad.” Well, on a much, much smaller scale, each of us on The Wilds Ministry Team would like to try to bring that same experience to you, minus the bad smell!
By the time you receive this NewsLetter, The Wilds Ministry Team will be on the road teaching, preaching, singing, making friends, and serving ministries. It has been nearly 30 years since The Wilds last sent out an organized team to serve local churches, yet year after year our friends from good churches and schools have come to The Wilds faithfully supporting our efforts to strengthen and encourage you. Your friendship with this ministry is something we cherish; and frankly, we would not exist without you. One of the main reasons we decided to send out a team again is in response to requests from pastors, youth
newsletter www.wilds.org 3
workers, administrators, teachers and, yes, young people asking us to send someone from The Wilds to their home turf, jumping into the trenches with them. So we have listened, and here we come!
Our goal for this ministry is to glorify God by serving churches and schools in whatever way possible. Now you might be asking, “What exactly do you plan to do?” or “What kind of a program can we expect?” In short, the majority of our travels will be spent in local churches and schools ministering and serving for the sake of the gospel. We want to be a “shot in the arm” for our fellow believers. It is our prayer that the Lord will use us to encourage you spiritually as if you were right here at camp. Typically, we will arrive at a host church on a Thursday and be with them until Sunday morning. If there are schools in the area, we will have a program for them and spend as much time with them as possible. If the youth group is hosting a teen/church rally for the church and for sister churches in the area, we’ll help by providing music, skits, preaching, and good, old-fashioned work to make it happen. These rallies will take place either on Friday night, Saturday morning, or Saturday afternoon depending on what is best. As a team, we hope these events will be the closest experience to camp one could have without being at The Wilds. And we hope our presence will encourage young people and their friends to come to the real thing—The Wilds of North Carolina or The Wilds of New England—during the summer as well as throughout the year!
This fall we will be working closely with the Harvest Teen Rally. Although we will be traveling separate from their team, we plan to meet up with them in Indiana, Illinois, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. What a privilege it will be to work with Harvest Teen Rally in reaching kids for the Gospel under their big-
top tents! If you have ever worked with or at least attended a Harvest Rally, you know how much fun and how effective they can be. Our team will arrive a day before each rally, help set up the tents and activities, and stay until it is all packed up. Breaking down barriers through games and good food and then spring-boarding into reaching hearts through great preaching is our goal through our partnership with Harvest Teen Rally. The impacting formula of fun, strong preaching, food, and great fellowship works again and again at camp! We will also serve with a separate Harvest Rally in
Virginia.
Being the pioneers of this team, we definitely have a lot of new ground ahead of us as The Wilds Staff on the road! While we don’t know what all lies ahead, we want to concentrate on doing the things we do as The Wilds Staff when we’re at camp! We’ve all spent quite a bit of time here at camp. We love this place, and we are very excited to bring a little taste of The Wilds to your churches and schools. We want to “serve people by presenting the Truth of God with the love of God so
lives can be changed to the glory of God.” Please pray that we have strength and safety to do just that!
Itinerary and team member information on next page.
4 newsletter fall 2012
2012-2013 Ministry TeamShawn & Susanna AlexanderTeam Leaders
Years and positions on summer staff: 2 each: Susanna-waitress and counselor; Shawn-counselor
Lived on the campsite since May 2011
Served in the Junior Boot Camp during the summers of 2011 and 2012
Tiffany Huggins Home State: Georgia
Years and positions on summer staff: 6 summers: waitress, counselor, JBC Lead Counselor
Served at The Wilds for 2 years as a seasonal contracted staff member
Tory MartinHome State: South Carolina
Years and positions on summer staff:4 summers: cook and camp videographer
Ally UnderwoodHome State: Tennessee
Years and positions on summer staff: 5 summers: waitress, counselor, Snack Shop supervisor
Caleb WalkerHome State: Alabama
Years and positions on summer staff: 5 summers: counselor, Cleanup Crew Chief, JBC Team Leader
ItineraryOctOber 14 (MOrning) Bethel Baptist ChurchHampton, VA
OctOber 14 (evening) Community Baptist ChurchDendron, VA
OctOber 16 Great Hope Baptist SchoolChesapeake, VA
OctOber 17 (MOrning)Faith Christian SchoolFredericksburg, VA
OctOber 17 (evening) Belmont Baptist ChurchMineral, VA
OctOber 20-21 Colonial Baptist ChurchWintersville, OH
OctOber 21 (evening) Harborsite Baptist Church Marietta, OH
OctOber 28 (evening)West Milford Baptist Church West Milford, WV
nOveMber 2-4Vandalia Christian School Greensboro, NC
nOveMber 4 (evening) Swan Creek Baptist ChurchJonesville, NC
nOveMber 6 Faith Christian SchoolRamseur, NC
nOveMber 7 Alamance Christian SchoolBurlington, NC
nOveMber 9-11South Charlotte Baptist ChurchPineville, NC
nOveMber 11 (evening)Harvest Baptist ChurchRock Hill, SC
nOveMber 13 (MOrning) Carolina Christian AcademyLancaster, SC
nOveMber 13 (evening) Fellowship Bible ChurchLancaster, SC
nOveMber 16-18Ambassador Baptist ChurchHudson, NC
nOveMber 18 (evening)Emmanuel Baptist ChurchConover, NC
nOveMber 28Fairfax Baptist Temple AcademyFairfax, VA
nOveMber 28 (evening)Fellowship Baptist ChurchUpper Marlboro, MD
nOveMber 29Carroll Christian SchoolWestminster, MD
DeceMber 1-2LIT ConferenceAnchor Baptist ChurchMillersville, MD
January 6Calvary Baptist ChurchSmyrna, GA
January 12-13North Gainesville Baptist ChurchGainesville, FL
January 16Ocala Christian AcademyOcala, FL
January 19-20First Baptist ChurchLady Lake, FL
January 26-27Community Baptist ChurchBradenton, FL
February 1-3Calvary Baptist ChurchFruitland Park, FL
February 8Calvary Baptist ChurchFt. Walton Beach, FL
February 23-24Pine Forrest Estates Baptist ChurchPensacola, FL
March 2-3Grace Baptist ChurchPanama City, FL
March 3 (evening)Central Baptist ChurchDothan, AL
March 16-17Mikado Baptist ChurchMacon, GA
March 23-24Rincon Baptist TempleRincon, GA
view itinerary updates on our website at www.wilds.org
newsletter www.wilds.org 5
GOD’S AMAZING GRACE
We stand amazed at the grace, love, and mercy of our God and Savior Jesus Christ. Summer campers, parents, and youth leaders have written to us of how God worked in their lives and the lives of their young people.
• One camper thanked us for the speaker because God used his Bible messages to bring him to a saving knowledge of Christ.
• Another camper wrote, “Ahh, The Wilds! The best week of my life. It was amazing to hear God’s Word. Thanks to God and the staff at The Wilds, I was saved. ”
• A youth leader wrote that he had never seen his young people so excited to get home and “get to work” on the things God laid on their hearts. He noted that three of his campers trusted Christ as their Savior (one of them was a bus kid).
• One TWNE camper was very bitter because her mother was dying of cancer and her family was falling apart. She asked her counselor, “Is the Christian life worth it?” Her counselor was able to share with her that “it IS worth it, SOOO worth it.” The girl put her trust in Christ.
• Parents rejoiced in the change in their son’s life. They said before camp “he had too much of the world in his life.” After submitting to God, he now calls this his “new life” and is looking forward to what God will do through him.
• Another sponsor told me, “I have traveled all over the world on mission trips, but my favorite place on earth is
The Wilds.” That is a very humbling statement, but it challenges us to “keep on keeping on,” as well as to make sure God gets the credit for all He has done.
Through the generous gifts of a few people, scholarships have been made available to a number of "at risk" campers. One youth leader shared that five of these kids he brought made professions of faith in Christ.
The following excerpts of a letter from a tearful, rejoicing parent/sponsor say it all.
My home has not been a peaceful one. My stepson, who just graduated from high school, has had an attitude of defiance and anger toward his mother and me. It is never displayed anywhere else, just directed toward us. I have refused to permit the behavior which has led to countless conflicts. This has broken our hearts that our relationship with him has become so tenuous and stressful.
As we listened to the speaker( Morris Gleiser) on Thursday night, my wife and I looked at each other and both agreed that he seemed to be imitating our son, and that he was describing the situation in our home. As the invitation was given, we prayed that our son would realize the similarities as well. We always hear how respectful he is to EVERYONE, but never seem to get to witness it in our own relationship. We know we are not at all perfect and are the first to confess our own faults and mistakes as parents. We pray for God to teach us through those mistakes. We looked up hoping to see that he was going out for counseling, but what we saw was even better. We saw him sobbing, trying to make his way toward us. We stepped outside and very quickly realized, it had finally happened—he was broken! We were able to have a few moments of peace and restoration with our son! It was wonderful! He asked for forgiveness. I asked for forgiveness. My wife just sat there and cried! It truly was a life changing moment for him and for our family! He wants something different now!
He was not going to come to camp this year, but we insisted. In my mind, this was sort of the last chance for something to change him and his attitude toward us. We put it in the Lord’s hands that something great was going to happen this week—and it did! Thank you again for all you do here at The Wilds, and the effect your ministry has had back in our church…and in our home!
To God be the Glory!
by Ken HayChairman of the Board • The Wilds
Taylors, South Carolina
6 newsletter fall 2012
My first grade teacher made it her goal in life to instill
a love of reading in all of her students. In my case, it worked well—too well, in fact. I can’t count the number of times that I got in trouble for giving more attention to books than to people! Ah well, I suppose
there are worse vices. They say that opposites attract and that may be true in many cases, but I am happily married to a woman whose passion for reading equals (or maybe exceeds) my own. Our ideal vacation would be to rent a condo within sight and sound
of the
ocean, brew plenty of good coffee, and read to our heart’s content. Maybe to some of you, that sounds like a recipe for vacation boredom, but I can hear my fellow bookworms shouting “Amen!” When CampsAbroad was just beginning, Kelly and I spent several years crisscrossing the country, representing
the ministry. And as we traveled,
we read.
by Matt Collier Director • CampsAbroadBrevard, North Carolina
newsletter www.wilds.org 7
Actually, she read while I drove. But we had decided to limit our travel reading to a certain type of book: missionary biographies. We read dozens of them. And it changed our lives. Would you humor a bookworm for a few moments and allow me to share some of our favorites with you? Maybe you’ve already read these, but if not, I hope you’ll dive into one of them—I promise you won’t be disappointed. At the top of our favorites list sits To the Golden Shore by Courtney Anderson—a true Christian classic about Adoniram Judson, pioneer missionary to Burma. His dedication in the face of tremendous suffering and opposition is both a challenge and
encouragement to believers today. A close second would have to be the autobiography of John G. Paton, missionary to the South Sea cannibals. His faith ventures will leave you shaking your head in astonishment. I lost count of the number of times he faced down threats to his life throughout his ministry, but God always delivered him. Eileen Crossman wrote a superb biography about the life of her father, J.O. Fraser, among the mountain tribes of China. It is entitled Mountain Rain. God used one man’s walk of faith to convert practically an entire people group—but not without much opposition. For a more contemporary time period, try Through Gates of Splendor by Elizabeth Elliot. Most impacting to me was the
spirit of forgiveness the wives and children demonstrated to the ones who brutally killed their loved ones. And finally, even though he wasn’t exactly a missionary, I can’t leave out The Memoirs of McCheyne by Andrew Bonar. This account of the remarkable life of a Scottish preacher who died at the age of 29 did more to challenge me spiritually than any other biography I’ve read up to this point. His pursuit of personal holiness and passionate walk with God stood out even when spiritually minded people were common. Those are my personal favorites and I’d love to hear yours. Maybe we can discuss them sometime…over a good cup of coffee. Oh, and happy reading!
The Planting and Development of Missionary Churches – by John L. Nevius
Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret – by Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor
The Three Mrs. Judsons – by Arabella Stuart
The Life and Diary of David Brainerd – by Philip E. Howard
Goforth of China – by Rosiland Goforth
Letter & Sketches from the New Hebrides – by Maggie Paton
A Passion for Souls – by Lyle Dorsett
Recommended Reading:
8 newsletter fall 2012
Mac and Beth Lynch of The Wilds. The phrase just rolls off the tongue smoothly like a simple, clear Mac Lynch melody. For 34 years Mac and Beth have become synonymous with the music at this ministry. There are no finer and more dedicated servants of God who love God and the ministry for Christ at The Wilds.
Having concluded summer number 43 in our camp’s history this past August, we all know by experience that things can and do change. But with some people we know and love, we simply expect change to not happen. We expect them to be in their place, doing “forever” what they have done for so long. Such might be our “human” expectations with Mac and Beth Lynch and the fruitful relationship they have with The Wilds. However, God in His wisdom has directed this greatly beloved couple to assume direction of the music program for a wonderful church in the Raleigh, North Carolina, area: Catawba Springs Christian Church. For His direction in their lives we praise our loving, gracious, and wise God. For ourselves, we are sad, but still rejoicing in God for the many wonderful years of friendship, fellowship, and love.
In their own right, Mac and Beth were trailblazers in the line of succession of godly musicians that have graced
Bible-believing, conservative Christianity through the many years. They presented fresh, biblical music during a time of great need, and their encouragement helped inspire new, gifted writers. I don’t think anyone really knows how many young men (and seasoned ministers) Mac keeps up with in his ministry of encouragement. He uses everything from e-mail to choir directing to private music lessons to seasons of prayer to long runs to Lake Jocassee and back for the purpose of discipling men in their growth to Christlikeness. Beth is the very best at compassion combined with “tough love” in her own ministry of comfort and help to young and old alike. We can’t replace that spirit; we can only follow their example and desire that it continue in new and different ways at The Wilds. It’s not the music that is the basis of our love and affection for Mac and Beth. It is their lives.
Though farther away from us, we are thankful Mac and Beth will assist us in keeping godly, conservative music flourishing at The Wilds through the writing and arrangement of music, as well as being hosts for The Wilds Music Conference in January. We are rich people for having had Mac and Beth as neighbors, friends, and co-laborers in Christ through these years—rich, rich people. We desire only God’s very best for them. May the Lord find us faithful!
faithfulfaithfulMay the Lord Find UsMay the Lord Find Us
by Ken Collier President • The Wilds
Brevard, North Carolina
newsletter www.wilds.org 9
faithfulfaithfulBack Row: Greg Toler, Chris Anastos, Chad Choquette, Paiton Wiginton, Andy Dulin, Micah Gorsline, James Boyd, Michael Cutler, Andy Anglea
Middle Row: Rodney Willoughby, Brandon Hamilton (r), Jessica Hamilton (r), Katrina Reed, Holly Brodwater (r), Melanie Mulder, Lauren Champ, Jon Champ, Ethan Stewart Front Row: Tara Anderson (r), Kristen Smitley (r), Monica Mulder, April Reed
r = returning seasonal staff
sea
sona
l sTaffChris Anastos is from Fairfax, Virginia, and has a degree
in Camp Ministry from Bob Jones University (BJU). He has been on our summer staff for 4 summers. Andy Anglea is from Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and has a degree in Bible from BJU. He has been on our summer staff for 6 summers. James Boyd is from Ottawa, Kansas, and has a degree in Sports Management from Ottawa University. He has been on our summer staff for 3 summers. Jon and Lauren Champ are from Virginia and North Carolina. Jon is working on a degree in Residential Construction and has been on our summer staff for 2 summers. Lauren is working on a degree in Apparel Textile Design from BJU and has been on our summer staff for 7 summers. Chad Choquette is from Rindge, New Hampshire, and has a degree in Graphic Design from Pensacola Christian College. He has been on our summer staff for 2 summers. Michael Cutler is from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and has a degree in Evangelism from Northland International University. He has been on our summer staff for 1 summer. Andy Dulin is from Moweaqua, Illinois, and has a degree in Health Fitness and Recreation from BJU. He has been on our summer staff for 1 summer. Micah Gorsline is from Brevard, North Carolina, and is
working on a degree in Nursing from BJU. He has been on our summer staff for 9 summers. Melanie Mulder and Monica Mulder are from Marshalltown, Iowa, and have been on our summer staff for 5 summers. Melanie has a degree in Elementary Education from William Penn University and Monica has a degree in Secondary English Education from Maranatha Baptist Bible College. Both have an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Georgia Southern University. April Reed and Katrina Reed are from Andrews, North Carolina. April is volunteering for the next 9 months. Katrina has been on our summer staff for 3 summers. Ethan Stewart is from Marietta, Georgia, and has a degree in Business from BJU. He has been on our summer staff for 2 summers. Greg Toler is from Jacksonville, Florida, and is working toward a degree in Biblical Counseling from BJU. He has been on our summer staff for 2 summers. Paiton Wiginton is from Greenville, South Carolina, and is working toward a degree in Construction Engineering Technology from Greenville Tech. He has been on our summer staff for 2 summers. Rodney Willoughby is from Hampton, Virginia, and has a degree in Human Resource Management from BJU. He has been on our summer staff for 1 summer.
10 newsletter fall 2012
Dear Campers,I sure hope you had a wonderful, fabulous, incredible, inconceivable week at camp this summer and are continuing in what you learned. What are some of your best “fun” memories from camp? Challenging games? Red team? New friends? White team? Good looking counselors? Blue team? Hilarious skits? Paintball?
What are some of your best “life-changing” memories? Chapel? God & I Time? Counselor Q&A? Memorizing Romans 12? Evening services? Christian Life Seminars?
Did you know that special “summer camp memories” are not just for campers? Staff members have them too! I’ll never forget the counselors who came running to me with joyful tears to say that a camper had just been led to the Lord. I’ll never forget the teens who testified of God giving them victory over sin. I’ll never forget the campers who laughed hysterically during Funtime or smiled over an Italian Cream Soda at Cool Beans as they shared with me what God had done in their lives.
You know, the staff love to hear campers laugh who seldom laugh because of the difficulties in their homes or lives. The staff love to see campers smile when they realize that they are truly loved by both the speakers and counselors who actually care about them. The staff love to watch God work in the hearts of the campers to bring about change for His glory.
If you want to make your summer camp experience at The Wilds or The Wilds of New England a year-long experience, start 6 months before you come and look forward to building memories at camp—after camp, spend the next 6 months remembering, laughing about, and sharing your special memories with your friends.
Have a great year, and remember, whether you are at camp or at home, you can be as close to God as you want to be.
Sincerely yours for youth,
Rand Hummel by Rand HummelDirector • The Wilds of New England
Deering, New Hampshire
newsletter www.wilds.org 11
Joshua is a six-week Bible study book for 4th through
6th graders. This study helps you take an in-depth look at Joshua’s life and teaches you more about the wonderful works of Joshua’s God.
TWB120 ....................................$695
Gratefully yours is written by Rand Hummel and focuses on the book of Romans. The book of Romans gives you the
secret to a contented life in twelve clear, concise chapters. Find out how you can live your gratitude every day.TWB309 ....................................$895
a livinG sacrifice is a CD that reflects on
the Lord’s character
and every aspect of
the Gospel. This CD includes choral, solo, and
instrumental selections.
TWS1250 ................................$1395
by Steve StodolaAssistant Director • The Wilds
Brevard, North Carolina
The Wilds Ministry Team has a fun yet intriguing assignment: take The Wilds camping ministry on the
road. Just imagine Ken Collier having this talk with the team. “Okay, there’s only so much room in a 15 passenger van, so we may not have room for the 4th Falls. Shawn and Susannah, do you think you can cram the 2nd Falls in bench seat number 5? No, Caleb, the Blob is not allowed to hang out the back door of the van! Tiffany, I know you want to bring Cool Beans Coffee Shoppe, but you need a lot more storage to make that happen! No, great thought, Ally, but the Giant Swing will be too difficult to erect on the church ball field each week. Team, I know this one is hard, but you cannot bring the stairs with you! There is a limit!”
Okay, that conversation never happened (but wasn’t it fun to imagine?). Nevertheless, The Wilds is so much more than activities and natural beauty that can’t be transported. Here are a few things the team will be able to bring to you as they travel from church to church and school to school:
Since all of the fun stuff will not fit in the van, we can at least send the team with some visual tools to give people a virtual sample of what camp life is like. The Impressions DVD provides a clear understanding about the summer ministry while the 2012 Summer Highlight DVD captures camp in a uniquely different way. Beyond summer, our new Senior Class
Trip Spotlight DVD will shed light on the fun and excitement of bringing the whole class here. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a few videos will provide the team with a few trillion words to bring camp to wherever they are.
To bring the help and resources found at The Wilds, the team will be well supplied with several top-choice books and CDs. For example, we are excited to send the team with Rand Hummel’s new book, Gratefully Yours, and our latest CD, A Living Sacrifice. We sincerely hope that the great books and music will help everyone feel right at home with The Wilds Ministry Team.
Most importantly, we want our team members to bring the refreshment and encouragement campers find when they come to The Wilds. We want the team to refresh and encourage people by the Christ-honoring music they sing, the God-focused preaching they present, and the Christ-exalting relationships they build. Having carefully selected this team, we are confident that this group of servants will be able to accomplish this high-priority mission.
Although Tory will not be able to strap Fort Fun to the luggage rack, we are truly excited that The Wilds Ministry Team will be able to bring a taste of The Wilds to you wherever you are. Be sure to check out their itinerary to see if they will be at a church or school near you!
12 newsletter fall 2012
Encouragementa note of
In early June Rand Hummel sent a letter
titled, "God is Amazing" to many of our ministry friends of The Wilds of New England asking for their financial help to
meet two special needs: new windows for two staff homes and the funds to purchase materials to remodel the bathhouse used by our male sponsors and operational staff. The present windows are very old, single-pane, loose-fitting wood windows. It appears that the bathhouse has not been upgraded since it was built several decades ago. The total estimated cost of these projects was $26,000.
In late July Ken Collier sent a letter titled, “Really Cool Idea” to many of our ministry friends of The Wilds (North Carolina) asking for their financial help to meet a special need: a new air-conditioning system in our Fireplace Room. The present system has been on “life support” for several years. It was manufactured in 1974
and donated to The Wilds in 1986, so it has surely served us well. As mentioned in the letter, an HVAC engineer said the system
is about 175 years old in human years! The total estimated cost for a new system was $30,000.
I am pleased to report that many friends of the ministry responded and met all three of these needs for us. There are not adequate words to express our thankfulness to each of you who responded to God’s prompting and encouraged us with your gift. The Lord continues to use many of you to partner with us in His great cause in this ministry, and we are overwhelmed with gratitude to both Him and you for your participation.
This winter the families (Hummel and Bougie) in those two New England staff homes will enjoy the comfort and security of modern, new, insulated, energy-saving windows. Next summer the TWNE male sponsors and operational staff will have a totally upgraded bathhouse. Next spring the campers and staff at The Wilds will get more efficient relief from the direct sunlight in the Fireplace Room because of the brand new air-conditioning system.
Thank you for being a dear friend of God’s work at and through the various ministries of The Wilds. It is a wonderful privilege to serve our Lord here, and it is a great honor to have each of you as our co-laboring friends. This has been a great blessing to our campers and staff, and I TRUST it has encouraged you.
by Dick Reid Vice President • The Wilds
Taylors, South Carolina
newsletter www.wilds.org 13
AItems received:300’ Tape Measure • 4 Bolt Cutters3 Work Lights • Tool Set • 1 pair Iris ScissorsNeeds:
Music Stand (10) - $40 each Blood Pressure Monitor with AC Adapter - $50 Hand Pruner (4) - $35 each Shovel (4) - $45 each Jack Stand - $65 Tire Changer - $750 Hydraulic Lift Table Cart - $400 Pressure Washer Wand Extension - $145 Pneumatic Sander (2) - $150 each Electric Staple Gun - $120 Cordless Drill (2) - $200 each GFIC line cord (2) - $65 each Pallet Jack - $400
NItems received:Air Compressor • 1,000’ Sound Cord2 Landscape Rakes • 6 Staff Cabin Dressers15 sets of Cabin Brooms/DustpansHonda Quiet Cool GeneratorOutdoor Basketball GoalNeeds:
Mat for Building (10) - $50 each Generator (2) - $3,000 each Bodywork and Paint on Camp Van - $1,100 Framing Gun - $392 Finishing Gun - $260 100’ Air Hose (2) - $25 each Laminator - $185 Pop-Up Display - $500
Needs CornerThe
I want to help A
or N
Enclosed is a gift toward the cost of the indicated need.
Rev./Dr.Mr./Mrs./Miss _________________________
Address _____________________________
City _______________ State ___ Zip ______
Mail to: The Wilds • PO Box 509 • Taylors, SC 29687-0009
A
Fall 2012College & Career
RetreatOctober 26-28
Mens of IntegrityNov. 30-Dec. 1
November 2-4, 2012
Weekend
TeenAdventure
JuniorBlast
November 9-10, 2012
There is sTill roomRegister online for any of our upcoming camps at www.wilds.org/register. If you have any questions concerning onlineregistrations, please call (864) 331-3293.
14 newsletter fall 2012
Careers:Adam and Abby [Bill] Almaroad (’03-’05) live in Pennsylvania, where Adam is the pastor of McDaniel’s Corners Bible Church. They have two daughters.
Marc (’84,’85,’86,’87,’88) and Sheryl Knoedler (’87,’88) live in Florida, where Marc is the pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in North Port.
Weddings:Elisabeth Roth (’09,’10,’11) and Gabe Gerdt (’10,’11), 6/2/12.
Stephanie Thompson and Michael Weathers (’06,’07,’10-’11), 6/8/12.
Stephanie Moss (’03,’04,’05,’06-’08) and Chris Dale, 6/16/12.
Krisa Schieber (’07,’08,’09,’10-’11) and Matthew Sands (’08,’11), 6/23/12.
Births:Drew and April [Thornton] Peters (’95,’96,’97,’99,’00), Asher Benson, 5/2/11.
Mike and Christina [Crute] Gradwell (’98), Megan Hope, 9/24/11.
Will and Laura [Kitchings] Kannon (’97), Luke Dinkins, 10/4/11.
Jonathan and Emily [Horst] Luchak (’04,’05,’06,’07,’08,’09), Ella Grace, 10/30/11.
Sam (’02,’03,’04,’05) and Alaina [Wilcox] McAllister (’05), Isaiah Samuel, 11/9/11.
George (’98,’99,’00,’01-’04) and Rebecca [Greer] Clements (’94,’95,’96,’97,’98,’00,’04), Gideon Paul, 2/4/12.
Todd (’02) and Lorna [Fisher] Jones (’00), Colleen Elizabeth, 2/24/12.
Kirk and Rebecca [Swingle] Flint (’92,’93,’94,’95), Lily Alexandra, 3/13/12.
Thomas and Sarah Joy [Swanson] Overmiller (’06), James Stewart, 3/20/12.
Josh (’96,’97,’98,’99,’00,’01,’02-’03,’04) and Trista [Esch] Hummel (’99,’00,’01,’02-’03,’04,’05), Sebastian Rand, 5/18/12.
Ben (’06) and Ashley [Stoner] Fairchild (’00,’01,’02,’03,’04,’05), Andrew Carson, 7/5/12.
Former Staff, help keep us updated on your career moves, marriage, and children! Send announcements to:
THE WILDS, Where Are They Now?PO Box 509Taylors, SC 29687-0009or e-mail [email protected].
Staff News:Lauren Brooks, daughter of Dan and Amy Brooks, married Jon Champ on May 12, 2012. Jon and Lauren have both served on our North Carolina summer staff. They are currently living at The Wilds and serving with our seasonal staff.
Matt and Kelly Collier are happy to announce the arrival of their son, Jeriah. He was born on September 11, 2010, and was adopted on March 21, 2012. He is welcomed home by big brother, Gabe.
Joe and Becky Fant joined our staff in North Carolina on August 1. Joe serves on our program staff. Prior to coming to The Wilds, the Fants ministered
at Colonial Hills Baptist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, where Joe was the youth pastor. The Fants have a daughter, Karis.
Anna Hummel, daughter of Rand and Amber Hummel, married Scott Prather on February 25, 2012. Anna served on our summer staff in North Carolina for five summers and New England for one. Scott served on our summer staff in North Carolina for two summers and New England summer staff for two. They are living in Nashua, New Hampshire.
Paul and Julie Johnson are happy to announce the arrival of their daughter, Annalise Esther. She was born on March 26, 2012, weighed 7 pounds 4 ounces, and was 20 inches long. She is welcomed home by big brother, Silas.
Caleb Lynch, son of Mac and Beth Lynch, married Carol Elliott on August 11, 2012. Caleb served on summer staff for five summers. They were married in Denver, Colorado. Caleb is working for LiVTEL Corp, and Carol is finishing a degree in oboe performance at Metro State in Denver.
Jonathan and Jessica Mair are happy to announce the arrival of their son, Isaac David. He was born on May 10, 2012, weighed 7 pounds 6 ounces, and was 20 3/4 long. He was welcomed home by sister Anja and brother Ethan.
Kaitlynn Tompkins joined the Greenville office staff on September 11. She will be handling summer registrations. Kaitlynn was on our summer staff for this past summer in North Carolina. She is from Greenville, South Carolina.
newsletter www.wilds.org 15
LivingMemorias
Memorial gifts received as of September 15, 2012
KATHY BARKER Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Paul Curtis Pendell
HAZEL BARRENTINE Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Yarborough
FLEET BELKNAP Given by: Mrs. Betty Belknap
CAROL BIXLER Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Ed Bixler • Robert Bixler • Roseanna Frey Greenwood Baptist Church, Greenwood, SC
OWEN BLACKWOOD Given by: Rev. & Mrs. Paul Alan Blackwood
ANGELA BURDICK Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Dave Cleary • Mr. & Mrs. Doug Gorsline Mr. & Mrs. Rick Stoner • Mr. & Mrs. Gary Williams
VIRGIL E. BURKET, SR. Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Willard Bennett • Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Church Mr. & Mrs. Joe Dilling • Tom Dilling Mr. & Mrs. Rodney Edwards • Mr. & Mrs. Clifford Froisland Mr. & Mrs. Larry Frye • Mr. & Mrs. Donald Gorsline Mr. & Mrs. Doug Gorsline • Scott A. Grand Mr. & Mrs. Mike Gray • Mr. & Mrs. David Harrison Heritage Bible Church, Greer, SC Mr. & Mrs. Carl Karickhoff • Mr. & Mrs. Joel Korver Rev. & Mrs. Jerry McCorkle • Mary Miles Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Morgan • Arnie & Colleen Moser Mr. & Mrs. Nelson Neal • Bev O'Neal Mr. & Mrs. Boyd Peters • Mr. & Mrs. William Picking Mr. & Mrs. Dick Reid • Bryan Roberson Mr. & Mrs. Walt Rumminger • Mr. & Mrs. Rick Stoner Audrey Thomas • Mr. & Mrs. Paul Wickensimer Mr. & Mrs. Gary Williams
JOY CHAPMAN Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Yarborough
JOE COOK Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Dick Reid
HAROLD COWAN Givey by: Mr. & Mrs. William Fulton
JAY CREEL Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Yarborough
GEORGE DEITER Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Yarborough
LESLIE FERRIS Given by: Central Baptist Church, Dothan, AL
FRED FORTNEY, SR. Given by: Mrs. Susan Wasson
TOOTSIE GALLOWAY Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Yarborough
FRED HANCOCK Given by: Mrs. Grace Ulsh
JOHNNIE MAE HARRELL Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Yarborough
PRISCILLA JACKSON Given by: The Jackson Family: Kermit Jackson, Bonnie Kestner, Bill Jackson, Nan Rubens, and Wendy Savino
BARBARA JOHNSON Given by: The Vernon Perrys
TOM KIRKLAND Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Yarborough
CAROL MARTIN Given by: Dr. & Mrs. Ken Hay
CHESTER MCCALL Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Michael Warrington
WILMA MCGILVRA Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Selby
ESTHER MILLER Given by: Rhonda Scofield
J.C. MORRIS Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Yarborough
CARL NEWSOM Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Doug Gorsline
LUCAS NICHOLS Given by: Mr. & Mrs. John Byers
DENNIS PEGRAM Given by: Mrs. Ina Pegram & Family
JUSTIN RIDLEY Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Carl Boone • Mr. & Mrs. Dave Cleary Mr. & Mrs. Doug Gorsline • Mr. & Mrs. Rick Stoner
ARLEY RODBERG Given by: Boones Creek Bible Church, Johnson City, TN
RICHARD RUPP Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Rick Stoner
PAUL SCHIEBER Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Larry Smitley
ODELL SMITH Given by: Dr. & Mrs. Ken Hay
MARIANNE ELSIE SMITLEY Given by: Mr. & Mrs. David Rorabaugh • Maria Sabatini Mr. & Mrs. Larry Smitley • David String • Lois Wilson
PEGGY SNODDY Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Dick Reid
JENELDA SOWERS Given by: Joy Baggerly • Barbara Taggart
ELAINE G. STAFFORD Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Tim Stafford
KAREN STEUERWALD Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Rick Stoner
AMY STRICKLAND Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Yarborough
DAVID STRING, SR. Given by: Beverly Dye • Allyrie Brooks Loftus Mr. & Mrs. John Osoinach • Mr. & Mrs. Larry Smitley Sandra Stieffenhofer
ANNA MARGARET TAYLOR Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Yarborough Linda (Murray) Yarborough
MINNIE LEE TERRY Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Matthews
LEE VOS Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Ken Jennings
TOMMY WEBB Given by: Boones Creek Bible Church, Johnson City, TN
DONNA WHAM Given by: Blakeney Associates, Inc., Social Circle, GA Holly Point Senior Citizens Club, Chesapeake, VA Thelma Cooper • Alice McMahon Sassy Seniors Club, Chesapeake, VA • Charles Wham Mr. & Mrs. George Wham • Lynn Wham Smith Wham • Wayne Wham
CHUCK WHITE Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Steve Lopéz
CAROL YOUNG Given by: Boones Creek Bible Church, Johnson City, TN
GIFTS GIVEN IN HONOR OF:
WENDELL & OSCELIA SHEAROUSEIn honor of their 50th Wedding Anniversary Given by: Linda Howard
DENISE CUNNINGHAM Given by: JoAnne Coates
Honor a loved one or friend with a Living Memorial gift to The Wilds.in Memory Of:Rev./Dr./Mr./Mrs./Miss _______________________________________________________________________
Please send card to:Rev./Dr./Mr./Mrs./Miss _______________________________________________________________________
Address ________________________________________________________________________________
City __________________________________________________ State _________ Zip ________________
given by:Rev./Dr./Mr./Mrs./Miss _______________________________________________________________________
Address ________________________________________________________________________________
City __________________________________________________ State _________ Zip ________________
Phone _________________________________________________________________________________
The Wilds Living Memorials • PO Box 509 • Taylors, SC 29687-0009
NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE
PAIDGREENVILLE, SCPERMIT NO. 687
2012
PO Box 509Taylors, SC 29687-0009
Address Service Requested
Register online for any of our upcoming camps at www.wilds.org/register. If you have any questions concerning online registrations, please call (864) 331-3293.