As the leaves begin to change color and the days get shorter, we are looking back at a summer over flowing with God’s blessings.
For two years our camp family has been praying that God would bring 700 summer campers to The Springs. We try not to focus on numbers around here, but we do desire to reach as many young people as possible and we want to see our facilities used to their full potential.
In mid-May when pre-registrations began to pour in, we found ourselves overwhelmed with more than 300 early registrations. By the time campers
began to arrive we had more than 500 pre-registrations. On July 22nd, at a church presentation at First Baptist Church of Clare, Dan Kohns announced that we had more than 700 campers who had already attended or who were pre-registered for our last weeks. The auditorium exploded with applause and a few tears. Our God is so amazing. We had more than 150 new campers who learned about God through relationships with our staff and fellow campers.
If you have ever been around here while we have a counselor meeting, you might know that when a counselor shares that a camper accepted Christ, there is a collective shout and wild hand clapping. Other staff members all over camp hear this and we know that another camper has started a forever friendship with Jesus. We’d like to think that the angels do the same thing in heaven. This summer we celebrated 42 salvation decisions.
There are a few other tidbits you might like to know:
Josh (JD) Decker married Braida Ellenwood on June 30th. Josh and Braida now live here at the camp. Josh continues his ministry here in the media department (when he isn’t flipping pancakes, setting up the crafting rooms or cleaning toilets). Braida is continuing her education in at Central Michigan University.
We have been able to refinance the mortgage on the camp property. The reduction in interest will save the camp thousands of dollars every month, while we are still paying down the principle at the same rate.
While driving the camp’s Chevy Traverse Dan and Martha Kohns were rear ended in Gladwin. While they both walked away with just a few aches and pains, the vehicle was totaled. The camp was able to buy a Dodge Grand Caravan with fewer miles and a lower payment. We are praising God for his protection of the Kohns and also another cost saving situation.
Three interns have joined our staff for the year. All of them were counselors during the summer. Dylan is from New Mexico and has just graduated from Calvary Bible College. Zach is from the state of Washington and has also attended Bible College in Maui, Hawaii. Joel is from Idaho and attended Grace Bible College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. (He says he made a wrong turn somewhere.)
We are geared up for a busy fall as the quilting groups have already started coming. We are also looking forward to the Golf Marathon on October 6th and the Purity and Holiness Retreat on October 19-20.