The Wi.Ne.Ma Web Windchime

June Update

2009-06-25T12:51:00.000-07:00

Ninety seven seems to be the special number for the first two weeks of youth camp. Each camp (1st and 2nd Junior) registered 97 campers. So we are well underway for the 2009 youth camping season. One of the interesting things I have noticed this year is the different leadership styles of the program directors. Each director brings something unique to the Christian camping experience. Each one comes with a significant ministry in their home church. Even though the program and personalities vary, what I have noticed is that they bring all their talents and resources to bear on the tasking of sharing the Gospel with the campers. Their desire is to somehow help the young people coming to Camp to love Jesus and grow in their relationship with Christ. They might come at the task from different directions, but the purpose is the same.

The Missions Building project continues its progress. Currently we are working to frame in the Great Room. The sprinkler system is now installed. The next few weeks will find us working on the heating and electrical system. As the summer camping program brings new people to Camp the common expressions is, “Wow, this is going to be a great addition!”

The Summer Windchime should be showing up in your mailboxes. It lists the various speakers scheduled for the remaining conferences as well as an update on the Missions Building.

We have also launched an email newsletter to be delivered monthly. People can subscribe to it by going to www.winema.org and scroll down to the box where it says “Sign Up for Our Email Newsletter.”

We also invite you to “Save the Date” for the Annual Friends of Wi-Ne-Ma Day Benefit and Auction. The date is September 19, 2009. Included in the ticket price of $25 per person or $50 for a family is the opportunity to spend the weekend at Wi-Ne-Ma, enjoy a concert, share a meal, take home some cool stuff from the Auctions, and contribute to the Camp’s ministry. You can sign up online by following the Register Online link.

Please contact Leroy Shepherd at the Camp Office if you would like to donate an item for the auction. We are seeking items that are new which may be placed in either the oral or silent auction. Crafts and gift certificates for services also seem to go well. For more information, contact the Camp Office.

As we move through the summer camping season please continue to pray for the program staff and campers. This is the heart of why Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp exists.

April Update

2009-04-28T11:39:00.000-07:00

Turning the calendar from March to April brought a lot of activity to Camp. It seemed like just as the daffodils and the buds started popping out so did all the people. We have had a number of retreat groups in on the weekends as well as the Outdoor Schools we have hosted for the Northwest Regional Education Service District. Easter would have been the day without a group in Camp except that we served the community Sunrise Service breakfast along with the Wi-Ne-Ma Church.

We have reached a significant waypoint in the Missions Building Project. The building is essentially up and enclosed. The major work that was to be contracted out is completed and now we turn to working on the inside elements. We need to transform the shell into a functional building. Our first goal is to get the great room to where we can use it for Week of Missions in August. This involves getting the sprinkler and electrical system in. There are a number of work parties as well as individuals coming in over the next couple of months to help with portions of this project. Just last weekend a men’s group from Mill City First Christian Church installed the decking for the mezzanine level.

We appreciate and still need consistent financial support of the Missions Building project in order to keep moving forward to completion. Once the great room is useable we will turn our attention to insulation, heating system; then finishing up the restrooms and office/reception area. You can check out the progress by following the Missions Building link from the Camp’s web page at www.winema.org.

Christian Heritage Conference is coming up next month. The theme is Passing the Torch. The speakers (Steven and K.C. Richardson) will explore how faith is handed on from one generation to the next. I am struck by how many families make Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp a part of their family tradition. The experiences they share together either through the family camps or by participating in youth camps help young people see the importance of faith in their parents lives. In addition there is the opportunity to learn from people involved in dynamic Christian ministries from other communities and even around the world. Think about where else might your child come into contact with those who love the Lord and seek to faithfully serve Him.
We are on the brink of what could be a significant summer for the Camp. We are stretching ourselves to expand and improve the Camp’s facilities. We are looking forward to how God will stretch us through the various camps and conferences coming up. In light of the dramatic global changes since last summer – politically, economically, and culturally – what better way to prepare families than by taking time to share some time together at Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp?

2009-03-26T16:21:00.000-07:00

Along with the daffodils we are seeing numerous signs of spring. The Mexico Missions work party was here earlier in March. They worked on a number of projects that help us emerge from winter and get ready for the groups that start coming in the spring. Youth camp and conference registrations are starting to flow in. There have been several meetings involving youth camp directors and conference committees as they put the finishing touches on their plans. The Outdoor School groups get going next week. They will be accompanied by a number of retreat groups in April and May. All of this looks forward to our first conference over the Memorial Day weekend followed by the first youth camps in June.

This is the time of year to see things start coming together. We are looking forward in the next couple of weeks for the contractors to finish their work and at that time the Missions Building will have the shell completed. We already have several work parties and other volunteers coming in April as the project proceeds to the next phase. Our primary goal is to get the main room available to use by Week of Missions. As always there are a number of things that need to come together, but we trust that God will still see to our needs to get to that point.

We have had a chance to share about the Camp’s ministry at Stayton Church of Christ, North Plains Christian Church, Tigard Christian Church, and Tualatin Hills Christian Church. Upcoming Camp presentations are scheduled for Oceanlake Christian Church, Mill City Christian Church, Englewood Christian Church, Newberg Christian Church and West Salem Christian Church. It is good to reaffirm the relationship between the Camp and the churches. The Camp’s ministry really is to serve as a resource for the churches and we appreciate the friendships and the fellowship that makes a ministry like this possible.

I did have the opportunity at one place to meet a young woman who was looking forward to sending her daughter to First Chance Camp. What made her stand out was that she also was telling me about her own experience as a First Chance camper. Again I was reminded of not just the continuity of the Camp’s ministry with young people, but with the significance that we have the opportunity to serve generations. To look at it another way, when you help a young person come to Camp, you don’t just help them. You might also be helping their future children and grandchildren to come to Camp experiencing God’s love and hearing His call upon their lives.

Camp Quick Pictures

2009-02-18T15:27:00.001-08:00

Ringing Out 2008

2008-12-31T10:03:00.000-08:00

For many of us the past two weeks have been interesting with regard to the weather. For several days the major highway routes to Camp were closed. Even though we got a bit of snow and freezing temperatures the Camp fared well. We have heard from several people remarking that this was the first year they were not able to be at their traditional Christmas gathering. I suppose what makes a tradition “a tradition” is its repetitiveness. It is something meaningful we participate in on a regular basis.

We see the impact of families who have made “coming to camp” a part of their family tradition. There are other options for family vacations and activities; but the repetitive tradition of coming together to the various camps and conferences while our children are growing up helps to pass on the spiritual values we trust in and treasure. One of the best things we can do for our children and our families is to make Christian camping a part of our family tradition. In youth camps young people have the opportunity to make friends with other Christian youth and adults. New technology such as Facebook and texting keep our children in contact with other Christian kids where they can encourage one another to stay faithful. In the family camps and conferences there is the opportunity for our children to see what is important to us – our faith, missions, family, the Bible. We have the opportunity to be with our children away from the normal routines.

As 2008 draws to a close and we look forward to 2009, you might consider developing a Christian camping tradition in your family.

Christmas Greetings from Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp

2008-12-19T10:34:00.001-08:00

This Christmas season we can think of how places evoke important images. For example, we might be "home for the holidays" and even though our home might not be Christmas card idyllic, yet, the thought of being some place where we are nurtured, cared, for and loved rings within us.

At Christmas time we also think of special places -- Bethlehem, a stable, a manger. We think that it is not quite these physical locations that are so special. What is special is what they represent for our relationships. "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!'" (Galatians 4:4-6).

The manger, the stable, Bethlehem provide places to approach His Son, Jesus.

The ministry of a place like Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp must be about the relationships that are formed and encouraged in this setting. Relationships with Christ and within the fellowship of Christians don't happen in a wispy ethereal realm. They happen in a place with an address and a setting. They happen in cabin groups, in worship and Bible study together, as we play, work, and eat together.

Included with this post is a picture of the crosses and the view across the Camp. It is a magnificent view that reminds us of God's majesty as the crosses remind us of how His love and sacrifice made a way for us to experience his love and grace. There is something missing in the picture, however, and that is the presence of people engaged in fellowship and ministry.

So, this Christmas season we look forward to what God will do among those who still seek Him and pray that Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp will continue to be a place for Christ to be found.

Happy Christmas.

On the Value of Christian Camping

2008-12-10T14:47:00.000-08:00

Paul Williams in his column for the Christian Standard writes about Christian camping. Although his experience has been on the east coast, we have enjoyed the same experiences here.

Here's a link to his column http://www.christianstandard.com/andsoitgoes.asp

Preparation for Things to Come
On a fall afternoon I drove west from Philadelphia into the surprisingly rugged hills of central Pennsylvania, where I conducted a leadership retreat at Sylvan Hills Christian Camp.

The chairman of the board at Sylvan Hills told me that 14 churches financially support the camp. Most are small- to medium-sized. They do a great job. The camp has the usual summer season, supplemented with spring and fall retreats. Though partially winterized, the camp stays pretty quiet during the coldest months of the year.

Sylvan Hills has a new main assembly hall with sparkling floors, air conditioning, and a well-equipped kitchen. Downstairs, not far from the volleyball court, are nicely appointed sleeping rooms, separate from the boys and girls dorms.

I suppose Sylvan Hills looks like most Christian camps within the Restoration Movement, and that is what I find so satisfying. That 14 churches can maintain such a delightful facility is a testament to valuing community among congregations.

Across the nation there are dozens of camps operated by Christian churches. The Restoration Movement took the lead in the Christian camping community, with the first camps starting in the latter half of the 19th century. The venerable Oregon Christian Convention’s camplike facility is the granddaddy of them all, with a main tabernacle erected in the 19th century that seats more than 1,000.

The predictability of Christian camps is comforting. Covered shelters provide room for classes to meet. Chapels without walls invite the summer breeze into worship, while canvas drop-downs keep out the occasional thunderstorm. On the prettiest location you’ll find benches surrounding a campfire, with a cross in the background, and maybe a pulpit on a tree stump.

I worked 25 straight years of senior high camp, and I lived to tell about it! Most of that time was at Catskill Christian Assembly in upstate New York. A lot of the highlights of my spiritual life were experienced on the hillside above Schoharie Creek.

I had a marvelous time with the folks who spent the day at Sylvan Hills. I admired their enthusiasm for a new church started in their midst just two years ago. I especially appreciated the honest affection so obvious among them.

I’ve often thought I would like to retire on the grounds of a Christian service camp, where I could watch a new generation find a heart for ministry while they worship in the natural beauty. I think it would be good preparation for the mansion I will have just off those streets of gold.

Christ the Cornerstone

2008-12-09T09:49:00.000-08:00

During the uncertain times of politics and the economy we remember that Christ is the cornerstone of our lives. He is the anchor, the rock who does not move except to lead us in His will and in His ways.

It is tremendously encouraging to be part of a ministry that experiences the faithfulness of God’s people. As we learn of businesses that need to cut back, we are instead challenged to expand and grow.

As much as you might appreciate the summer camps and conferences, it is wonderful to hear reports from our retreat groups about how they are using the Camp as a resource to grow spiritually. Even though they might be here on the short, dark rainy days of winter they still remark concerning how God uses the splendor of this place as a setting for worship, praise, and spiritual growth.

There are some things to be looking forward to in the next few weeks. The winter Windchime will be sent out. You can view it now at

http://www.winema.org/Documents/Newsletters/2008novwindchime.pdf.

It has some pictures of the building project and a challenge for people to continue to give (as you are) to the project.

If you want to watch the progress, go to http://winemamissionsbuilding.blogspot.com/ where we regularly post pictures and comments.

The 2009 schedule of camps and conferences will appear along with the announcement that registration for the upcoming season is now open online.

We pray that this Christmas season will give you the opportunity to share Christ with someone you care about. And, we ask that you continue to keep the Camp in your prayers this holiday season.

2008-10-29T10:53:00.000-07:00

As of today the demolition of the Missions Building is officially complete. Right now there is nothing there for the demolition inspector to see. The slate has been wiped clean. On Friday the steel building package is scheduled to arrive and next week the concrete contractor is scheduled to start putting together the foundation forms.

There are still a number of things that need to come together before we start seeing the building go up, but for right now the empty space reminds me of what God wants to do in our lives. Seeing the empty space makes me wonder if God wants to just remodel and repair our lives or if His heart’s desire to is to totally remake our lives into something new. In Revelation 21 we look to a time when God dwells with His people, wiping away tears, and doing away with death, mourning, and pain. It is a time when “all things are being made new.”

The imagery of baptism in Romans 6 portrays us rising from the water to “walk in newness of life.” Through the various camps and conferences at Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp there is an opportunity to come at your relationship with Christ in new and fresh ways. It might be a fresh perspective on Scripture offered by one of the conference speakers. Or, it could be a new friend found among your cabin mates. Or, maybe it was just the opportunity to get away from the usual routine and spend some time alone with the Lord while walking on the beach. It seems like our faith in Christ should always and consistently lead us into things that are fresh and new.
So it is with a new building coming up along with a new camping season. There will be some new speakers and programs, and, as always some new campers arriving to experience Christian camping at Wi-Ne-Ma.

An update on the Missions Building project: demolition and site preparation is now complete. We are now working with our concrete contractor as he is starting to place the forms and rebar for the foundation and slab. If all goes well this week we should be starting to pour concrete within the next week. The steel building package has arrived, so as soon as the concrete sets up the crew will be able to come in and put the building up.

A website was set up where people can view pictures of the project and watch its progress. Go to http://winemamissionsbuilding.blogspot.com/ or you can find the link starting at www.winema.org.

We appreciate your continued prayers for the process as final details are being worked out for the actual construction to begin.

The various camp and conference committees are also meeting to plan the 2009 programs. Please continue to pray for these who carry out the various programs in the Camp’s ministry.
By November 15 the 2009 schedule and the opportunity to register for the camps and conferences will be available through the Camp’s website www.winema.org. We plan for printed materials to be mailed out in January as well.

Signs of Fall

2008-09-22T14:31:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful journey the past two months have been! Alongside the youth camps this summer we had tremendously inspiring family camps in Week of Missions, Family Bible Conference, and Septemberfest. The summer camping season ended 981 youth campers in the various sessions. One neighbor across the lake commented on how much she enjoyed watching as many of the camps closed their sessions with baptisms in the lake. All of these camps and conferences are not possible without the number of program staff volunteers who are essentially “the ministry” of Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp. As important as this place is for God to use to draw people to Himself, how much more so the people who come to share the Good News of God’s love in Christ through the various programs here.

The summer camping season concluded with celebrating Friends of Wi-Ne-Ma Day. About 180 people gathered for this event that included overnight stay at the Camp, concert, lunch, and the silent and oral auction. Proceeds from the Day are anticipated to come in at about $30,000. Of that amount $13,450 was raised as part of the Special Project during the oral auction. This is a time when no item is auctioned, just the opportunity to give to the Missions Building project. Once again the Camp is blessed by the generosity of God’s people.

We are pleased to announce that work has begun on the Missions Building project. The final plans have been made and delivered. As soon as Family Bible Conference concluded the Missions Building was emptied out and demolition began. Clark Tanner, one of the speakers for Family Bible Conference, led the whole group in prayer for the ministry of Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp and the role of the Missions Building in that ministry. Then everybody picked up some chairs and moved them into our storage areas. On September 8 the demolition crews came in much to the enjoyment of Septemberfest attendees who set up chairs in the RV area to watch the show. If our schedule holds up, we should be pouring the concrete foundation in October. The steel building will also be delivered in October. Then, in November we should start seeing the new building being erected. Again, please continue to pray for this project as we need the weather and the contractor’s schedules to cooperate at times.

A website was set up where people can view pictures of the project and watch its progress. Go to http://winemamissionsbuilding.blogspot.com/ or you can find the link starting at www.winema.org.

Catching Up

2008-07-21T14:25:00.000-07:00

The summer is half over and the good intentions to put something up more often as the camp's rolled along turned into just that, "Good Intentions."

Thankfully all those who have given so much to be a part of the summer's youth camp program went way beyond good intentions. They have given of themselves to provide the Christian camping experiences for the campers that have come to the first youth camps.

We are seeing that the number of youth campers is remaining about the same as usual. There is no great increase, but also no great decrease. The July camps have seen the largest numbers.

I am consistently impressed by the quality of the programs and the resources of the volunteers as the weeks come together.

I wanted to share a few images here as well.

First in relation to the Missions Building project. Here are some pictures from the Groundbreaking ceremony that was held on March 26. About 75 people turned out for the Ground Breaking Ceremony. Each person had the opportunity to jump on the gold shovel and turn a bit of dirt to symbolize the start of construction. It was an awesome and humbling experience to be in the presence of so many who love the Lord and love what God is doing through the ministry of Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp.

For an update on the project: We are still waiting to receive the building permit, but we are now planning to demolish the existing building in September. The next steps include site preparation and concrete work before the steel structure can be put up.

We are starting a new capital campaign as we still need to raise funds in order to complete this project. It is called "Our Devotion-His Glory" as we devote ourselves to making the dream of this new building into a reality.

2008-05-13T11:45:00.000-07:00

I came across this challenging statement: What if the way you lived, loved, and led actually reflected what you believed. It challenges the tension between who we are on the inside and what we portray on the outside. Perhaps yes we really do believe in Jesus in our heart, but for one reason or another we fall short in portraying that belief in our actions. Or, no we really haven’t totally given ourselves over to trusting in Christ, but we do a good job of presenting a veneer of faith in our daily lives.

While the Scripture says that “God looks on the heart,” we also learn from Scripture that our actions reveal the attitude of the heart. Romans 10:9-10 says, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” In these verses the action of confessing is linked with what we believe in our hearts.

The ministry of Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp is vitally connected with putting into practice what we believe concerning Jesus and God’s love for the world expressed in Him. We believe that God works through His church to establish His healing presence in the world. We believe that God calls us to cross cultures to proclaim the Gospel. We believe God wants families to be strengthened and exhibit relationships that reflect His love. We understand that God entrusts us with the ministry of hospitality, to provide a safe place where people can rest and be renewed in their relationship with Christ.

We believe that God calls the Camp to be a place for people to experience His call, His grace, and His love. The Camp is a place where people can practice what they believe so that they can be more effective servants of Christ when the return home. We believe the Camp is place for God to use to draw people to Himself.

In light of what we believe, we keep working to enhance what God has to work with here. The summer camping programs are almost upon us. We have over 200 young people pre-registered in the camping sessions. That about 100 more campers registered than at this time last year. The family conferences are also ahead of schedule in preregistrations. The most significant is Week of Missions which is also over 200 people and 100 more than last year.

On the Missions Building project; the plans were submitted in application for building permits. We did decide, however, not to start physical construction until after Family Bible Conference. This will let us use the current building through the 2008 camping season. But, if the permit process goes smoothly look for things to start happening rapidly this fall.

We are planning a Groundbreaking Ceremony and Reception on May 26 at 2:00 pm here at the Camp. You are invited to attend as we officially launch this project.

So it has been a long time

2008-05-06T15:56:00.001-07:00

So, it has been a long time since I have taken the time to update the reflections of this blog.

We have had a number of things going on this spring. The picture here is of the new crosses that were placed on the hill overlooking the Camp. The December storms blew down the big center cross. My dad from Mill City built these out of some trees on his place. Then a bunch of guys from Mill City came for their annual men's work retreat and put them up.

The second picture here shows them here working with Phil to set them up. We have had a number of work parties this spring that have added great improvements to Camp: the new trail to the crosses was expanded, a sidewalk from Myrtleward to the Dining Hall was created, the basketball area between the Dining Hall and Lakeside Lodge was first broken up and then poured afresh. These along with a number of cleanup projects has the Camp set up for the new season.

I will try to type to you again sooner with the update on how the summer camping season is shaping up and how the Missions Building project is coming along.

Thoughts in February

2008-02-22T15:55:00.000-08:00

It is kind of nice to see the sun starting to break through now and again. The sun is starting to warm us up after a tough weather winter and is creating that special shade of new growth green signaling the beginnings of spring. Another sure reminder of spring are the registration forms arriving in the mail or online. There has been a good response to the discounts being offered for early registration. We think it will help the campers by providing a less expensive way to experience camp while at the same time helping the Camp by providing income in the lean spring months and by giving the program directors earlier information on the number of campers they might expect.

We were saddened a few weeks ago as one of our promising young summer staff workers died tragically in a car accident on Highway 101. Beth Bryson was a local girl who had worked for us in the kitchen the past two summers and also helped occasionally as we provided food service for various retreat groups. Beth was a hard worker with a quirky sense of humor and a desire to make friends with every person she met. She really worked her way into our hearts as she represented the Camp’s ministry well. At her memorial service held at Nestucca High School, her deep faith in Christ was presented as a witness to the community. It just makes me stop and think and praise the Lord for the number of young people who work behind the scenes in the Camp’s ministry and their positive influence on the lives of others because of the presence of Jesus in their lives.

The work is progressing on the Missions Building project. The foundation plans are near completion and we are working with the contractor concerning the timing of actually putting up the structure. At the January board meeting the Board of Directors approved a loan with Oregon Coast Bank for up to $400,000 to make sure that we have the funds to complete the project. Our plan is to use first that which has been designated for the Missions Building project so that when we need to draw on the construction loan we can keep that amount as low as possible.

Since the Our Dream-His Glory campaign is coming to a close here in 2008 we will be launching a new program, seeking fresh commitments to underwrite the loan and pay off the construction costs of the Missions Building.

As these plans are coming together we are so excited to see this new gateway to the Christian camping experience here at Wi-Ne-Ma. The memories and the ministry that was carried out in the old building will be carried on by the coming generation of missionaries, campers, families, and friends as the Missions Building continues to be a place where people are challenged and encouraged to by dynamic witnesses for the Gospel of Christ.

Some More Camp History

2008-01-29T14:53:00.000-08:00

This has been an interesting week for weather. Started with snow on the ground yesterday, rain and wind today, and a heavy surf warning for tomorrow. So it seemed good to stay inside. The crew, along with the help of the Thursday volunteers have been working on remodeling the bathrooms in Morse Lodge. Meanwhile, I went back through Bill Morse's book to collect information about the history of the Camp. Here is a link

http://www.winema.org/Documents/History/camphistory.htm

to several things put together in a collection of information on the Camp's history.

I also found a really good website telling about the person Wi-Ne-Ma. Follow this link
http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2005/spring/winema.html

Enjoy looking around at this.

Starting the New Year

2008-01-09T16:12:00.000-08:00

A January Storm - Watch the Waves Pound Around "the Rock."

The turn of the New Year marks the time when I have to get serious about preparing for the summer camping season. But it is also the time of year when staff members get in their vacations, go to camping conferences, and enjoy the holidays with their families, friends, and churches. While the storms keep hitting us (and thankfully, there has not been any significant damage)they force us to slow down on getting the various projects done that we would like to get done.

But, I am glad to announce that a new look website is now published. We tried a couple of new things and cleaned up a bunch of old files that had been hanging around since the Camp first got on the Internet several years ago. I can't remember how long it has been. Go to www.winema.org and poke around.

We are trying some new things with discounts for early registration. It helps campers to find a less expensive way to enjoy Camp. Early registration also helps us have a better idea of how many to expect.

A number of things seem to be coming together on the Missions Building Project. I will have to make a post just to reflect on the various answers to prayer we are seeing there.

After the Storm

2007-12-06T11:03:00.000-08:00

It is Thursday December 8 and the power has just been restored to the camp following the storm we experienced from Sunday through Monday night. The power went out on Sunday afternoon as hurricane force winds shook us up a bit. Here is a link to the local paper's article on the storm.

The Camp did not sustain a great deal of damage. The main effects were dealing with the power and communication outages. Cell phones came back into use on Wednesday and the power this morning. We had a number of trees go down on the access road up to the crosses. Here are a couple of pictures of the cleanup.

The big middle cross above the Camp blew down. This picture is a view of the Camp at the height of the storm Monday. Check out the gazebo.

In Camp we did have a couple of trees come down on the Morse Lodge roof. But it seems like they just rested there and did not break through the roof.

The winds also blew some of the roofing off the Missions Building as well. Compared to what other communities are experiencing around us the Camp really came through pretty well.

We just come to appreciate those who worked throughout the storm and thank God in our prayers for the emergency crews who worked to get the roads open so quickly, the power crews who have a tremendous task in getting us all hooked back up again, and the various community groups who opened places where people could get hot food and shelter. Thanks also to the many Wi-Ne-Ma friends who called to offer their prayers and assistance at this time. Here is one more picture looking from the crosses over the surf on Monday morning.

In the midst of the storm on Monday, trying to stand against the wind by the crosses, I was reminded of the story in Mark 4:35-41 of the time the disciples were caught up in fear in the midst of the storm. Jesus tells the winds and the waves to "Be still." In that moment the disciples realized that in Jesus lay a greater power. Jesus' power is such that he commands the wind and the waves to obey and they must. Yet, for us he invites us to obey his commands.

Thanks for your prayers for the ministry of Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp

October Update

2007-10-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

“Are things starting to slow down now?” That is a question we often get this time of year. I am confident that for most of us the answer is hardly ever, “Yes.” I prefer to think of the change in seasons in terms of shifting gears. Maybe we are not in high gear so much like in the days when there are a number of people in Camp on a daily basis. Indeed today as I look out over the RV area through the mist, I think that this is the first day since sometime last May that there has not been a guest on the grounds.

Along with a number of retreat groups who have been here since our last event (Friends of Wi-Ne-Ma Day) we have had the opportunity to host three weeks of Outdoor School for sixth graders. As we shift gears into the guest group season we follow Paul’s simple words in Romans to “practice hospitality.” Our staff and volunteers are more behind the scenes to prepare and maintain the facilities, process reservations, prepare meals, and responding questions. But, I also saw times when a member of the group would seek us out to ask about the Camp and what we do. There the ministry of hospitality opened an opportunity to share God’s grace. We consistently hear how much these guest groups appreciate a place like Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp and the hospitality they experience while they are here.

We have retreat groups scheduled in on weekends now through Thanksgiving weekend. We look forward to Christmas Camp and the renewal of the retreat season in January. Over the next couple of months, however, there is another group working to plan and prepare for the 2008 camping season. Watch your mailbox in November for the anticipated schedule in The Windchime. Online registration is scheduled to be open by Christmas with paper registrations forms becoming available in January.
An update on the Missions Building project: our initial geological evaluation was completed and will soon be submitted to Tillamook County for review. Based on that review the architect and engineers will be able to start preparing plans to submit for the building permits. We are also checking on our Contractor’s schedule to see if it is possible to get into their construction list for 2008.

Financially, $229,439 has been received for this project. Please notice that we are just $20,000 short of our first goal for the Our Dream-His Glory campaign. But, you should also know that since this time last year $93,000 was given for the Missions Building project. We will likely need to arrange financing in order to complete the project and are continuing to evaluate our various options there.

Best Week Ever

2007-10-18T09:07:00.000-07:00

We have our first winter storm of fall 2007 with the winds and the waves kicking up. The seagulls are holding close to the ground and the group in Camp will likely spend most of the day indoors. Here's a little video of today on the beach.

When I first came to Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp I would worry when these storms would come through, but after a while I learned that if it was going to blow away, it would have blown away a long time ago.

In Psalm 104 we sing,

"Praise the LORD, O my soul.

O LORD my God, you are very great;

you are clothed with spledor and majesty.

He wraps himself in light as with a garment;

he stretches out the heavens like a tent

and lays the beams of his chambers on their waters.

He makes the clouds his chariot

and rides on the wings of the wind."

It should be a great ride today at Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp.

I have a couple of links to explore . . .

http://www.lookoutmag.com/articles/editorsdesk.asp?id=923 is a link to an editorial in The Lookout Magazine highlighting the value of Christian Camping.

http://dontsqueezethejj.com/blog/?p=325 is a blog post from a young man reflecting on his experiences at Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp. Thanks JJ.

Post Friends of Wi-Ne-Ma Day

2007-09-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

The 2007 summer camping season came to a wonderful conclusion with Friends of Wi-Ne-Ma Day on September 15. 170 people came together to enjoy music by the Vintage Gospel Lads, a delicious Barbecue Chicken lunch, and the opportunity to encourage the Camp’s ministry through the silent and oral benefit auctions. All told over $35,000 was raised through the day’s activities. What gave us “goose bumps” came at the point in the auction for the “special project.” At this point people are not bidding for an item but on how much they would like to give towards the Missions Building project. People were given the opportunity to bid in increments from $25 to $1,000. After the bids were recorded, $19,836.50 was given towards the Missions Building project. Along with some strong giving in the past couple of months for the project, our total raised to date is $225,000. We are closing in on our initial goal of $250,000 to be raised before physical construction. While the total cost of the project is now pushing $600,000, how wonderful it will be to start with about half the cost in hand.

Not to be outdone, but another special blessing to Friends of Wi-Ne-Ma Day were the baskets created by churches. The ten theme baskets brought $1,625. Thanks to the folks from Gates Community Christian Church, Canby Christian Church, Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Church, Stayton Church of Christ, Oregon City Christian Church, Mill City First Christian Church, Englewood Christian Church, and Tillamook First Christian Church.

A further blessing to report is found in the youth camp directors’ follow-up reports. We had 992 campers and 407 staff volunteers in the nine youth camps this summer. We have heard of 55-60 baptisms connected with those nine youth camps. Some were baptized into Christ here. Others were to return to their home churches. Along with these decisions to begin their walk with Christ as Lord, there were even more decisions to greater faith and service.
Now the Camp is shifting gears to host a number of guest groups this fall. One high-schooler here with a Christian High School group said that he had been coming every year since he was in Junior High. He said this was his favorite place to be. We had to respond, “We agree.”

2007-09-06T14:12:00.000-07:00

The biggest share of the summer camping season has come to a close. A common sentiment is, “I can’t believe the summer is over.” Stores are advertising “back to school” sales, practice is beginning for the fall sports, and people are trying squeeze in last minute vacations. It has been a good summer for the ministry of Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp.

Again I am impressed by the quality and passion of the leadership for our youth camps and conferences. They match creativity with a desire to share the gospel with the youth campers and the result is memorable experiences that form a foundation in building relationships with Jesus Christ. If you are ever in a place to say, “Thank You,” to these folks please do so – Tim Long, Ken Swatman, Cherie Friend, Matt Rader, Mike Nichols, Bruce Jones, Andy Johnson, Clare Buhler, Ken Harvey, and Raeann Suckow. They were the program directors and they along with their staff became the hands and the heart of the Camp’s ministry.

What do Siberia, East Africa, Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong, and New England have in common? All were featured at the 2007 Week of Missions. Registering 700 people this unique event has taken place continuously since 1950. Many thanks again to the program committee and the missionaries.

We are also pleased to present an artist conception of the renovated Missions Building (pictured above). The total to date received for this project is $173,620. We are moving ahead to be ready for plans and building permits. A geotechnical engineer and crew were out here this week drilling 50 foot holes around the Missions Building to prepare a report required by Tillamook County prior to preparing the plans to submit for the building permits. So we are trying to match the preparatory work with the funds coming in so as soon as we reach our target financial goals we can start construction. We are closing in on the preliminary goal of $250,000 to start construction, but don’t forget that we will need an additional $300,000 to finish the project.

A Bit of Week of Missions History

2007-08-08T10:20:00.001-07:00

We recently came across this account of the beginnings to Week of Missions. It is posted here to preserve and enjoy it.

- THE BEGINNINGS -

WINEMA WEEK OF MISSIONSWinema Week of Missions has its roots in a family camp, which was conducted at Camp Winema in the summer of 1949. Among those moved by the spirit in this camp were Aldis Webb,minister of the First Christian Church in Tillamook, Bill Morse, Frank Cunningham, Howard Hutchins, and Elery Parrish.The first full-scale Week of Missions was held August 14-19, 1950. Willie White, minister of the Fairmount Church of Christ in Eugene, Oregon, was Camp Director, and David and Rozelle Henry were Business Managers. This first camp included 147 paid registrations, and more than 200 people in attendance. Thirteen missionaries were present, representing 7 mission fields. Thirty ministers were registered, and there were representatives from 41 churches.Adult registration was $2.00 (which included insurance), and the price of all meals was $10.00 per person (!).Missionaries who participated in the program were Gladys Schwake, Tibet; Mrs. Franklin Smith, Alaska; Dolly Chitwood and Leah Moshier, India; Ella Hadley, McKinley Indian Mission; Arnold Karnen, Boise Children’s Home; M/M Julius Fleenor, recruits to Japan; and M/M Hugh Kafton, recruits to Tibet. Harry Schaefer, India, was the chapel speaker and James Earl Ladd I was the Bible lecturer.The morning schedule included devotions, Bible study, missionary classes, and chapel. Afternoons were free for rest, recreation, and visiting. Sunset devotions were led by missionaries or missionary recruits. Various missionaries spoke for the evening service, and the day was closed with a bonfire service.Memories of this first Week of Missions include sitting on logs overlooking the beach for morning and evening devotions, eating meals in the remodeled “stable,” services held in the outdoor chapel when weather permitted, and sitting on the 6 inch benches attached to the tables in the dining hall when it was necessary to move inside. Registration fees and offerings enabled us to pay all bills and have in excess of $300.00 on hand to contribute toward the 1951 camp expenses.The second Week of Missions, held August 13-18, 1951, saw 314 paid registrations; more than double the first year registration total. Seven states were represented by those in attendance, and 36 ministers were present.Among participating missionaries were John Chase, Korea; Ellis Back, Tibet; Mel Byers, Burma-Tibet; Gilbert Cays, Canada; Dorothy Herring, Kiamichis; Jane Kinnett, Japan; Paul Magnuson, American Indians; Ella and Edna Hadley, McKinley Indian Mission; Glen Johnson and Mrs. Franklin Smith, Alaska. Bible studies were led by Bill Jessup.On Friday evening a missionary offering of $802.38 was received and divided among the participating missionaries. At the suggestion of Brother Aldis Webb, an offering was taken to apply toward the expense of installing the chapel bell, which had been donated by the Christian Church in Beaverton. This offering amounted to $25.60.The third Week of Missions, August 11-16, 1952, saw a decline in attendance. There were 160 paid registrations, and an attendance of approximately 300. Twenty missionaries and recruits were guests, and 40 churches were represented.Missionaries participating in the 1952 camp included Rodney Northrup, Mexico; Neilan Dodson, Canada; Edna Hunt, India; Mary Craig, CWBA; Mel Byers, Burma; Arnold Kernen, Boise Children’s Home; Edna and Ella Hadley, McKinley Indian Mission; M/M David Reese, Tibet; and Lloyd Pickering, recruit to India. C. H. Phillips, president of Puget Sound College of the Bible, was the Bible lecturer and John Chase was chapel speaker. An offering of $623.00 was divided among missionary participants.It was during the 1952 camp, on August 12th, that the uncompleted dining hall was totally destroyed by fire. The building was valued at more than $10,000.00 and was not covered by insurance. There was also a large loss in equipment, food items, and personal effects of the kitchen staff. Immediately following the fire a prayer service was held, and an offering was received to reimburse those who had suffered personal loss. Offers were made of labor, money, and supplies to begin an immediate rebuilding program.Willie White served as Camp Director from 1950 through 1952. J. Frank Cunningham directed the camp in 1953. The Winema Week of Missions has been conducted annually since 1950 and experienced phenomenal growth. The blessing of the Lord has been abundantly manifest.-- Prepared by Willie W. White, June 27, 1984 --

When We See as God Sees

2007-07-03T16:24:00.000-07:00

Rick Grover, the featured speaker for the 2007 Christian Heritage Conference held here over the Memorial Day weekend, said, “When we see as God sees, we will do as God does.” The theme of the conference addressed reaching out to meet the physical and social needs of those who are hurting in our communities. It was touching to hear how Christians respond to those in distress around them; sheltering the homeless, counseling women in crisis pregnancies, operating a food cupboard, offering assistance after a disaster.

It is refreshing to consider what God sees when he looks at Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp. I am sure He sees the individual campers coming to a place where they can experience His love and respond to His call upon their lives. Do you suppose that He looks beyond the clothes, the hairstyle, the attitude, and the behaviors to look upon hearts open to receive Him? I think God also sees a community of people from Camp staff to a host of volunteers who work hard to find ways to present the Gospel of Christ significantly to a fresh generation. Also within God’s range of vision is certainly the hearts of those who faithfully hold up the Camp with their prayers and with their gifts.

1 Samuel 16:7 says, “The LORD sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” May God help us to look past the outward appearance to see and minister to the hearts of those who come to this place.

We are in the midst of the summer camping season with about 500 registrations so far. Time is counting down to the remaining Family and Adult camps and conferences. We do appreciate your prayers and enthusiasm for what God has yet to do in the remaining weeks. Please continue to pray for us that having seen what God sees, he will strengthen and equip us to do as He would do.

We would like to also announce that a basic design for the Missions Building has been agreed upon. A sketch will be portrayed in the Windchime coming out in the next two weeks. We are also evaluating bids for a geotechnical survey of the building site. This survey needs to be done to prepare for the blueprints. About $169,000 has been received so far towards the Missions Building project.

Irrational Loyalty to Jesus & Over-the-Top Concern for Others

2007-05-31T10:51:00.000-07:00

I came across an article from the Christianity Today email newsletter titled, The Cost of Christian Education. Since Camp is about Christian education what really caught my eye was the tag line, “Getting schooled in the faith is more unnerving than I care to admit.”

When I read this paragraph I thought, this is what Camp is supposed to be like.

The educational system of Jesus was rooted in an utterly different approach: living in and with a community, so that theology was not only taught but also lived in the context of community prayer. Jesus' educational system is not objective in the least—it is decidedly not interested in knowledge that helps us remain unbiased and neutral about life. Instead, it is profoundly subjective, that is, concerned with creating an irrational loyalty to Jesus and over-the-top concern for others. It is not the mind that is the center of attention but the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—and the whole person in community.

This approach depends not on teaching technique but on people like you and me who strive to live our lives in Jesus' name. While it's nice to have saints to emulate and great teachers to learn from, most of us on most days simply need fellow believers to help us walk the walk.

Then the author goes on to acknowledge that this is the type of Christian education experienced in Christian summer camps!

So, when we are thinking about the ministry of Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp and the possibilities it holds for developing faith in Christ refer to this article. Follow the link and read the whole thing. If you are on a camp staff, share some ideas about how this looks in your camp setting. If you are thinking about sending some kids to Camp, ask yourself about the value of this kind of experience.

I think I am going to try to work some of these phrases – “irrational loyalty to Jesus” and “over-the-top concern for others” into my conversations and plans for Wi-Ne-Ma.

Christian Camping and Pole Vaulting

2007-05-15T13:42:00.001-07:00

My youngest son competes on the track team for his High School. His favorite event is the Pole Vault and he just placed third in the District Track meet and had a personal best. Now the interesting thing about pole vaulting is that in order to be successful there are a number of different elements that have to happen just right. It begins with the momentum gained during the run down the track, a successful pole plant and leap, synchronized pull, twist, and turn as you reach for the bar, coordinated release, and finishes with a clean follow-through that leaves the bar in place. If any one of these things is not performed just right the vaulter misses the mark and fails to overcome the bar.

I was reminded of all things that need to come together for significant camping ministry – facilities that are safe, comfortable, and conducive to live and ministry together and the people who build, clean, and repair them; food service providing enjoyable meals that lend themselves to table fellowship; program staff to plan and oversee experiences to usher others into a place where they can learn of Jesus and respond to His call upon their lives; administrative staff to keep communication flowing and the organization running smoothly.

When it all comes together, whether pole vaulting or Christian camping, it is a beautiful, grace-full thing to see and experience. But, when one element fails, the result can be a “crash and burn.”

Yet, we realize that God’s grace is not contingent on our perfect performance. Another interesting aspect to pole vaulting is that the competitor always finishes with failure. Even the first prize winner ends his or her competition by missing the next height above. At Wi-Ne-Ma Christian Camp our prize is not the ribbon handed out because we have performed at a certain level. Rather, our prize is experienced as God’s grace is revealed through the Christian camping experience, as people who are trying to honor Christ with their lives and service reach out to another generation to know and embrace Christ as Savior and Lord. There is no excuse for us not trying to do the best we can, but we rejoice that God provides the ultimate lift that helps us reach the bar.