GOD FIRST
Summer2023
GOD FIRST
The spirit and culture of our beliefs and aspirations
FOREST SPRINGS®
Camp & Conference Center
Westboro, Wisconsin
Director – Jon Classen jon.classen@forestsprings.us
With summer comes much excitement. It’s a season when each of Forest Springs Ministries’ four sites are bustling with activity.
OAK FOREST®
Retreat & Conference Center
Frederic, Wisconsin
Interim Director – David Rosenau david.rosenau@oakforest.us
CEDAR BAY®
Camp & Retreat Center
Cedarville, Upper Michigan
Director – Dave Hopkins dave.hopkins@cedarbay.us
WOOD LAKE®
Camp & Retreat Center
Grantsburg, Wisconsin
Director – Dan Hartke dan.hartke@woodlake.us
At Forest Springs, youth camps, family camps, and wilderness trips are underway. To the west, Wood Lake is hosting teens for the first time in years, while Oak Forest is serving a variety of retreat groups and quiet retreats for pastors. Up north, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Cedar Bay ministers to families throughout the summer. It’s amazing to think about all that God does throughout the summer at these four sites.
A question that I often ask myself is, “What happens to these people once they leave one of our ministry sites? Does the flame that God ignited during their time away stay burning as they go back to their churches and communities?”
In this issue of God First, we profile people who have encountered Christ in powerful ways. As a parachurch ministry, it is always so encouraging to see how God uses our ministry sites to transform lives and play a role in advancing Christ’s Church.
If you have a story of transformation that you would like to share with us, please reach out to me at pat.petkau@forestsprings.us. I would love to hear from you!
In Christ,
Pat Petkau Executive Director with his wife, Karen Hello Friends!
FOREST SPRINGS® FAMILY OF MINISTRIES
For some, Christian camping was the bedrock that established their faith as a child. Others found their faith strengthened as an adult. Some have found motivation at camp to finish strong and leave a God-glorifying legacy.
In whatever season God has allowed us to partner with you, we thank you. We hope you are encouraged by the stories that follow.
SENT OUT Equipping Believers to Impact Their Communities
In some ways, our ministry sites are like airports. People are always landing and taking off.
When people “land” at one of our four ministry sites, our goal is to create an environment where people can find what they truly need. For some, it’s relaxation and retreat. For others, it’s excitement and action. Still many seek something much deeper … to commune with and hear from God.
In the last year, we’ve witnessed many young people hearing the Gospel and responding to God’s call. We’ve seen families find rest and relational restoration, while growing in their faith. We’ve heard from married couples struggling with hard things that are now finding hope for the future. We’ve watched as burnedout pastors found inspiration and a renewed calling to lead their churches well.
Our ultimate goal is to serve our guests well and prepare them for departure – when they “take off” back into their everyday lives. While we want to give our guests an experience they will remember forever, the ultimate measure of our success is how inspired and equipped our guests are to make a difference for Jesus in their communities.
Our staff share a common passion to see our four ministry sites impact communities – both locally and around the world. We are thankful for the opportunity to partner with our campers and guest groups to put “God First” and grow Christ’s Church together.
TRUSTING GOD WITH THE DETAILS
How one young woman gained direction and a calling
Ten years ago, Ashley Vorwerk didn’t know much about Forest Springs.
As a homeschooled, high school senior, she didn’t know what her next step should be. Should she become a teacher or a missionary? Should she go to college?
Ashley’s father presented her with Forest Springs’ Trailhead Program as an option.
The Trailhead Program, a nine-month discipleship track, was born out of a desire to help high school graduates hit the pause button on life, plan their next steps, gain independence, and cement their personal faith before entering college or the workforce.
While Ashley’s dad presented it as a way that she could figure out her next step, Ashley looked at it as a way she could make her dad happy. For Ashley, arriving for the program was a bigger change than she could’ve expected.
Dan Jacobson, Director of Forest Springs’ Trailhead Program, reflected on Ashley’s growth during her Trailhead year 10 years ago.
“Ashley showed great potential from the start. She came into Trailhead with a good background but also with some hurt from previous situations. I think trusting the plan was a big step for her. Trailhead was a brand new program at that point. As one of only two girls in the class, Ashley needed to choose early on to trust God with the context into which He had placed her,” Jacobson said.
After the completion of her Trailhead year, Ashley decided to work at Forest Springs for an additional year. During that time, Ashley helped with a local church’s Wednesday night children’s program.
“Working with the children on Wednesday night really cemented in me that I wanted to work with children as my career. I wasn’t exactly sure what that would look like, but I now had a clearer direction,” Vorwerk said.
Ashley received a degree in early childhood education and started a teaching position in the public school system. After a short time, she found her job unfulfilling because she couldn’t share the Gospel.
She found herself at another crossroads where she needed to trust God – as she did during her Trailhead year.
She loved children, but she didn’t feel her mission could be fulfilled in the public schools. Then her trajectory changed once again—Ashley’s pastor asked if she would consider a part-time paid position working in her church’s youth ministry program.
“I loved the idea of working with children in a Christian environment where I was free to share the Gospel in a supportive Christian community. I still struggled a bit because, deep down inside, I thought only people that had it all together could work in full-time ministry,” Vorwerk said.
Vorwerk finds great fulfillment in impacting young people and training volunteers.
More than 100 kids are impacted through the ministry Vorwerk leads.
That struggling subsided as she once again found herself in a supportive Christian community.
Today, Ashley serves as West Bend Community Church’s Director of Children’s Ministry and Social Media. In her full-time capacity, she oversees ministry to children at two sites. In her role, she has an opportunity to impact more than 100 each week and to freely share the gospel.
“I am thankful to see God’s faithfulness in Ashley’s life and proud that He trusted us to be one chapter in the plan He wrote for her,” Jacobson said.
To learn more about the Trailhead Program and other education programs at Forest Springs, visit https://forestsprings.us/train-educate
INTERNATIONAL HOUSEPARTY AT CEDAR BAY
Planting Gospel Seeds Around the World
Imagine being an international student thousands of miles away from home. The culture shock is overwhelming and the language barrier is daunting. Adding to this is the struggle to find community when your classmates head home to their families during holidays or school breaks.
International Houseparty, a New Year’s event started by Intervarsity Christian Fellowship in the 1970s, provides a unique time for people from all over the world to form life-long friendships as they laugh, play, and try new activities together. Muslims and Hindus, atheists and skeptics, early believers and mature Christians gather to share meals and their unique perspectives on life, while also exploring the core themes of the Bible.
As the stewardship of Cedar Campus shifted to Forest Springs Ministries in 2020, the Cedar Bay staff wanted to continue this partnership with International Houseparty Directors Daniel and Rachel Foster to keep this impactful ministry going.
During this past year’s event, 50 people gathered from Madison, WI, as well as upper and lower Michigan. This year’s International Houseparty allowed time for deep questions. Curiosity and hunger for Jesus grew over the five-day event. The short days of winter with the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets over the bay emphasized the glory of God.
Here’s an impactful testimony from a past participant:
“At that time, I was coming from the AfroCuban religion and had a lot of doubts inside me. However, I have to say that studying the Bible with brothers and sisters from different parts of the world - approaching our doubts, hearing other’s testimonies, and listening to Pastor Timothy’s preaching was so valuable. We had the experience of seeing Jesus in each person through his/her services dedicated to make us feel comfortable. We were loved like at home when we were so far away from our home and family. This was invaluable and helped me to strengthen my faith in Jesus.
I am grateful to Jesus for the community he wants me to be in now. I feel a deep gratitude for my Cuban brothers and sisters, for my pastors and for all the people who have helped me to keep my faith here in my home country. However, I realize that I would not be who I am today without the profound experience that Jesus allowed me to live at the International Houseparty and at the University Reformed Church of East Lansing, MI. I hope that these house parties can continue to happen and be a beautiful opportunity to know Jesus for many humble people who need Him so much.”
– Yasmira Marisol Calderón Ibargollín
Since International Houseparty began, God has used it to plant gospel seeds around the world. Many former attendees have come to Christ and are now serving as ambassadors of Christ in countries such as China and Taiwan. The Cedar Bay staff is excited to partner with International Houseparty to be a part of God’s story in the lives of people all around the world.
To learn more and support the ministry of International Houseparty, visit https://internationalhouseparty.us/
Majestic forest trails provide great opportunities for deep connections.
Ibargollín participates in a Bible study during her time at International Houseparty.
AN OASIS MINISTRY to Those Who Minister
A spring 2022 study conducted by Barna Research found that almost half of pastors were considering quitting fulltime ministry.
With the recent global pandemic, deep political divides, and a strong call for church attendance growth, pastors cited immense pressure, loneliness, and family struggles as the largest contributing factors.
Several years ago, Oak Forest in Frederic, WI began offering quiet retreats to support pastors and others in full-time ministry. Situated on 80 acres of land adjacent to Straight Lake State Park and near the Ice Age Trail, Oak Forest is an ideal place for ministry workers needing time away to focus on their relationship with their families and Christ. Quiet Retreats offer a time of personal reflection, relaxation, and refreshment. Guests often spend time in prayer, fasting, studying scripture, or simply resting in the Lord’s presence.
Jim Cicchese, Executive Director of Teens for Christ, and his wife Robyn recently took advantage of a quiet retreat at Oak Forest. He views it as an essential part of their life and ministry.
“We began taking a Quiet Retreat at Oak Forest years ago, and that retreat has been an annual appointment ever since. We time our retreat to occur near our wedding anniversary, and it is a time of great rest, refreshment and peace that builds our relationship and prepares us for another year of challenging ministry,” Cicchese said.
David Rosenau, Interim Director of Oak Forest, considers the site’s service to those in ministry among its most needed.
“We look forward to serving people ministering in a full-time capacity. There is a lot of pressure on those serving, and we want to be a place where they can encounter Christ, while drawing upon rest and inspiration to continue doing what God has called them to do. In addition to quiet retreats, Oak Forest also partners with churches to provide a great environment for leadership retreats and ministry planning retreats,” Rosenau said.
Quiet retreats are available to full-time ministry workers free of charge through the generous sup port of donors to our scholarship fund. If you are interested in scheduling a quiet retreat, please email guestservices@oakforest.us or call 715-327-4530.
Donations can be made to the scholarship fund by going to www.oakforest.us/donate.
To inquire about availability, email guestservices@oakforest.us or call 715-327-4530.
Jim and Robyn Cicchese
AN OPEN DOOR Winter Worship Nights
For the past year, the Wood Lake staff has eagerly prepared for this summer –the first season of ministry in 8 years.
As they worked toward the completion of several important projects, they desired to impact the local community of Grantsburg, WI. They were eager to do local ministry while waiting to do summer ministry.
Wood Lake Director Dan Hartke and his team stepped out in faith and hosted what became known as Winter Worship Nights.
“Our desire with the Winter Worship Nights was to provide something meaningful and fun for our community. Youth volunteers in the area seemed tired and creatively exhausted, so we wanted to be an encouragement to them and bring kids from around the county together,” Hartke said.
The Winter Worship Nights included fun outdoor activities and campfires with hot chocolate, giving young people opportunities to connect with each other. The evenings also included a time of worship, a Bible teaching time and small group discussions – led by Hartke and his team in cooperation with area youth ministry volunteers.
Zach Christians, Pastor of Grace Church in Grantsburg, brought young people from his church and quickly saw the spiritual fruit of these special evenings.
“These nights created great points of connection among the teens in the area. Our teens would see school friends at these nights and have opportunities to talk about deeper things. They were able to worship together, talk about their faith, and know that they are not alone in their Christian walk,” Christians said.
These monthly Winter Worship Nights grew in popularity as word spread – gathering as many as 100 young people per night.
“God exceeded our expectations by bringing a lot of kids, giving the kids great interactions with other believers in their schools and community, and we saw huge smiles from the youth leaders. We had only planned to do three — January, February, March — but the groups asked to have another in April, which was a clear sign of their encouragement,” Hartke said.
These nights have become so popular with local teens, pastors, and youth volunteers that they’re brainstorming ways to keep doing events like these.
“Immediately after one of the worship nights ended, a teen from our group came to me and asked ‘When can we come back?’ This particular teen comes from a challenging home life, so it was great to see her so impacted and hungry for Jesus. She wants to be baptized and these Winter Worship Nights have helped spur her on in her faith,” Christians said.
Praise the Lord for the deep work that was done in the lives of teens during Winter Worship Nights! Pray for the Wood Lake team as they embark on their first summer season of ministry.
Dan and Jamie Hartke led times of worship at the Winter Worship Nights.
EMBRACING THE MISSION
Those who stayed
Thousands of people are impacted each year at one of our four ministry sites. It’s our prayer that they go back to their communities and make an impact for the Kingdom.
However, some people come to camp, are impacted spiritually, and then opt to stay and work. Here’s a look at couple of these people...
Let’s Partner Together!
We have many stories of how LTD and Trailhead students, campers, and community members have been impacted by the ministry and training of Forest Springs ministry sites and have then chosen to stay on as staff members.
We are a growing ministry with lots of opportunities for people to serve in various capacities. We have needs in many departments, including finance, maintenance, guest services, and program.
Have you been impacted at one of our ministry sites? Are you open to praying about joining us on staff? You can learn more about open positions by scanning the QR code below.
We encourage you to explore the ministry opportunities at each of our sites! Scan the QR code to learn more.
“ During my childhood, my dad’s military schedule didn’t leave much room for vacations. Forest Springs became our one week of annual family vacation. Even in our darkest times—relational strain, rebellious teenage years, even my dad’s active duty in the early 2000s—we made camp a priority. It was a haven for us where we could regroup and get down to what mattered—God’s work in our family.
On one such family camp week, my siblings and I gathered with our parents, spouses, and kids to restart this tradition for the next generation. In short order, I found myself asking about a job opening and, within six months, had moved my family to Wisconsin. I am excited to be part of a ministry that helps families come together around what truly matters—God’s work in their lives.”
– Kirsten Solberg, Graphic Designer Forest Springs Ministries
“ God moved powerfully in our lives during our time as campers at Cedar. I (Nate) became a believer during a week-long InterVarsity camp as a college student and Ellie fully committed her life to Christ serving on summer crew.
We later went on to work at Cedar Campus. When our full-time roles at Cedar were ending, both Dave Hopkins and Pat Petkau suggested the LTD program to us. We thought it would be a great opportunity for us to discover how our gifts and talents would better fit within a camping environment.
After LTD, we were invited to come back to Cedar because the mission and core values captured our attention. We knew it would be a place where we wanted to continue to serve the Lord. It has become a spiritual home for us, and we desire to cultivate that for others.”
– Nate & Ellie Scheetz, Program Specialists
Cedar Bay Camp & Retreat Center
GOD FIRST
For 65 years, we’ve partnered with churches, parachurches, and individuals of all ages – to serve as places where people can encounter Christ, receive excellent service, and experience spiritual growth.
We continue to strive to put GOD FIRST in all we do.