Spring 2025 Newsletter
- Mike Encoe
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Camp Sets the Stage for Life-Changing Moments
Something powerful happens when believers step away from their everyday lives and into the quiet of the mountains. This winter, students came to Thousand Pines not just to experience camp but to realign their hearts with God. Our theme, Rhythms, centered on Galatians 5:22, motivated students to first get in step and then to keep in step with the Spirit. For thousands of years, Christians have developed spiritual habits to grow closer to God, and this year, students embraced that legacy. Many took on a 21-day challenge—choosing to stop one habit of the flesh and start one habit of the Spirit. As they left camp, they carried not just memories but a renewed sense of purpose and a path forward in their faith journey.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." - Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
Even as lives are being transformed spiritually, the landscape of Thousand Pines is changing physically. The devastation from Snowmageddon 2023 left several cabins beyond repair, but today, they are gone, making way for something new. The process of rebuilding is well underway, and with it, the anticipation of welcoming future campers into spaces designed for rest, connection, and life-changing encounters with God. The work ahead is great, but so is the vision.
My guess is that you are reading this because the Lord has already placed Thousand Pines on your heart. Maybe He has given you the ability to give, to pray, to serve, or to bring others to experience what He is doing at camp. Now is the time to act. If you feel that familiar nudge to support our ministry, lean in. Want to help rebuild cabins? Grab a hammer or send a gift. Feel called to pray? Go ahead and schedule a day with your church to fast together for His blessing here. Know someone who needs camp? Be the reason they get here. Click the link, make the call, and send the message. Whatever your next step is, take it. Together, we’re not just building camp; we’re building stories, shaping faith, and setting the stage for countless life-changing moments to come. Let’s create a space for people to "see, know and experience God" together.