The Mountain Star Volume 17, Issue 1 Winter/Spring 2017
Captain's Corner Captain O.A. Fish, Retired Eastern Airlines Camp Founder, CEO Show and Tell I Timothy 4:2 “Preach the gospel! Be ready in season and out of season...” First a praise report: The new bible study room I wrote about in our last newsletter is beautiful, and has exceeded our expectation. It has enhanced our ability to teach the word. In our senior years, Charlotte and I find ourselves more and more becoming mentors to the younger generation. Recently we, along with several of our staff, attended a “Christian Camp and Conference Association” gathering at Bonclarken Conference Center in Flat Rock, NC. We have belonged to this organization for about forty years. We were both blessed by many members of other camps coming up to us and saying how we had been an inspiration to them over the years. Some even gave my book, FINGERPRINTS OF GOD credit for inspiring them to start their camp ministry (the book was first released in mid 1991). How blessed we were to know that even as we advance in age, God still has plans for our lives.
You Can Change A Life This Summer! Sponsor a Camper Nearly 600 campers will apply to come to our Summer Camp this year. Most of them will not be able to afford to pay. If you would like to sponsor a child to come to Camp, please complete the form below, then mail it to us along with your donation. Name: ____________________________________________________________ Email: _____________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________ Please fill in appropriate blanks: I want to provide ______ scholarship(s) at $185 each. I want to provide a partial scholarship of $________
OR make your donation online at SouthMountainChristianCamp.org
I pray, “God just keep me walking and talking.” The scriptures say, "beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news." It is one thing to be able to know and quote scripture, but it is another thing to give testimony to its reality by being manifested in our daily walk. Back when God first called us to start South Mountain Christian Camp, He told me that, from a ministry standpoint, the building of the camp would be just as important as the operation of it. I didn’t understand what He meant at the time, but looking back it all makes sense now. At the conference someone asked me, "Who did your master plan?" I responded by saying, “The architect of the universe.” With a surprised look on his face, he said, “Who”? I answered, "Jesus, the one who created everything in heaven and everything on earth (Col. 1)." In my book there is a chapter titled, Divine Appointees. It tells of a time in the beginning, when I felt totally discouraged and unqualified for the task He had called me for. I even tried to resign. His answer that evening was clear. He wasn’t looking for someone who was qualified. He was looking for someone who was willing to be used. He promised that evening to supply all the expertise and everything else we needed, and He has done just that! At SMCC, every building, every septic tank, our water supplies, every road continued on next page
TEN MOST WANTED Top ten items needed by SMCC. All donations are tax-deductible. 1. Welding equipment. 2. Floor machine for waxing, buffing tile floors. 3. Lockable storage cabinet for camper meds. 4. Commercial warming cabinet for cafeteria. 5. Soil tiller. 6. Bush Hog. 7. Outdoor benches. 8. Log splitter (we go through a lot of firewood). 9. Air compressor with 8-gallon or larger tank. 10. Volunteers for office, maintenance, & cafeteria.
Charlotte's Web Charlotte Fish Chief Operations Officer As I sit here with a cup of coffee and my Bible thinking of what to share with all of you in the Mountain Star, my first thoughts are my responsibility each day on the camp. Then my mind goes to all the ordinary, routine things I do that take up so much of my time. Most women will relate to these things: planning meals, cleaning house, doing the laundry, shopping and making sure everyone in the family knows the schedules we have to follow individually. Sometimes we ourselves do not always appreciate what we do, and we complain and fuss. Let me challenge you to look at the life of Christ and see how many ordinary tasks He was involved with, and having to do them over and over again because of the stubborn disciples. In all of this, I thought of a very special time I have each week on Wednesday morning. I meet with a group of about 12 women that come together to study God's Word. This group was started many years ago by Barbara Ann Shuford and Sue Hardin in Barbara’s home. Every time I could be away from the camp, I would attend. When Barbara and Sue could no longer carry on, they asked me if I would teach. What a blessing this has been to me over the years. To prepare for the group I have to spend time praying, reading the Word, and listening for God to direct my thoughts. It’s a very special time for me. It allows me to learn more about God but, most importantly, to develop an intimate relationship with my Savior. The ladies in the group are all looking for this same intimate relationship with Jesus so we share and learn together. We have studied a number of books of the Bible and right now we are doing a comparison of the 66 chapters in Isaiah to each of the 66 books of the Bible. Take a look at it some time, I think you will be amazed.
Captain's Corner (continued from front page) and drainage pipe, every clearing (there was nothing but woods in the beginning), every staff member, the finances and everything associated with the ministry holds a testimony of the goodness of God. It is hard for me to give tours of the camp, because I tend to want to pause, and tell our visitors the story behind everything we look at. Mostly, I have to bite my tongue and go on. Our stories of the miraculous provision of God would fill a library. People are begging me to write another book. At this stage of my life, I think the next book will have to come from Steve, our executive director. However, God is showing me the importance of testimonies. The world is hungry for the reality of God. They are tired and bored of dead letter religion. As I’ve always said, “God, if it don’t work in my everyday life, it is not real. I’m not looking for a Sunday religion. but something that is constantly with me daily.” So the question is, what has God done in your life lately? Was the last time you experienced the fingerprints of God thirty years ago? Or was it just yesterday, or maybe even today? God wants to manifest His life in us and display Himself through us on a regular bases. The world is hungry to hear and to see this reality!
Memorials & Honors Special gifts received 9/16/16 - 3/9/17 In Memory of... Barbara Caton by Mr. & Mrs. Randy Reynolds Jimmy Hefner by Louella Hefner Wanda Fisher by Mr. & Mrs. Tom Fisher Barbara Shuford by Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Carawan Mr. & Mrs. Guy Pitchford, Russell Pritchard & Hugh McKee by Donnis Pitchford Jesse Brown by Mr. & Mrs. Seth Shrum Roger Robinson by Mr. & Mrs. A.H. Lattimore Barbara Shuford by Ettalee Kearns Paul & Bonnie Danforth by Mr. & Mrs. Carter Thornsbury Barbara Shuford by Caroline Baynard Bill Ross by Carolyn Ross E.Y. Johnson by Mr. & Mrs. Clifford Maggard Gerald Holland by Johnnie Holland
Barbara Caton by Mr. & Mrs. Randy Reynolds Doug Ellis by Linda Bailey Doug Ellis by John Wright In Honor of... Family & Friends at Christmas by Mr. & Mrs. Joe Godfrey Whiteside, Ruppe, & Haulk families by Joan Glover Lib Godfrey by Mary Costner Harry & Jo Hoselton by Caroline Baynard Lib Godfrey by Mary Costner Mr. & Mrs. Dave Parks and Debbie Andersen by Mr. & Mrs. O.A. Fish Rev. Ron & Hazel Benging by Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Cole
Jen's Journal
Jen Collins Guest Group Coordinator
Ever walked over 1573 grains of sand? I’m sure you have, as that would probably fill a small cup. Ever pass by 1573 fence posts? Probably could do that in an hour or so near farms. What about 1573 miles? That is two full days of driving. That’s a lot. That is how far away our son is right now. He took a job working at a camp in Colorado for the Spring. I helped him drive there. At some points, we felt like the car was not even moving. Haha. Sometimes, something seems so big, so far, so untouchable. Yet, when I flew home, 1573 miles only took 2 and a half hours. So many times, while in flight, I looked down at the earth and couldn’t even make out cars on the highway. I felt like I was seeing things from God’s perspective! He reminded me, however, that not only does He see the big picture from outside our world, but He sees the minute grains of sand and each fence post we are passing on our life journeys. He see them, and He orchestrates the path we take through them. Our kids are growing up, going into the world, and following God’s plan for their lives. Sometimes it’s 1573 miles from home, and sometimes it's within the backyard called South Mountain Christian Camp they’ve called home for their entire childhood. They are uniquely made by God with His special purpose molded into their souls. We have seen our own kids grow up here and have also seen many campers from year to year, growing up--each with God’s special purpose, plan and unique design. It’s exciting to see God teach, love, bless, protect and guide kids into His presence. Some journeys are far and slow, some are far and fast, and some are right outside the door. But God is behind them all and our Guide along the way.
Camp News • Summer Camp applications are available on our website. There are six weeks of camp to choose from, but get your application in soon to make sure you get the week you want! • We are currently accepting applications for cabin directors this summer. We're looking for men and women (18 and older) devoted to the Lord with a heart for reaching children and youth. Apply at www.SouthMountainChristianCamp.org/Employment • Our annual Open House and Banquet is coming up on May 6th. An invitation is enclosed with this newsletter. Please feel free to bring as many guests as you like. We hope to see you there! • Fundraising continues for our new multi-purpose building! This facility will provide much-needed kitchen, dining, and assembly space for summer camp and year-round use. Pray with us that God will continue to bring in the funds needed for this project. • Big thanks to Herb Eplee who donated a new Gator ATV with a dump bed for use on camp! This has already been a tremendous help with trail access and maintenance. • Special thanks to Gary and Vesta Edmonds who donated a 2005 Chrysler Town & Country minivan! This beautiful vehicle will be a huge blessing in so many ways on and off camp. • Another huge thanks to Doug and Dawn Rice who donated a wide assortment of hand tools and power tools as well as some fishing gear. We'll put all of these to great use! • Finally, big thanks to Dr. Michael Jackson for his donation of a six-seat electric golf cart with solar panels! This has been a great help with transporting guests around camp and giving tours to small groups.
Jo's Tidbits
Jo Hoselton Office Manager
Have you ever sneezed with a mouth full of toothpaste? It happen to me the other day. My husband and I were going to town and he was sitting in the car waiting on me. I just needed to brush my teeth and go out the door. After the sneeze, there was a mess all over the sink, counter, mirror, and me. I grabbed the hand towel and wiped things up quickly thinking I would do a better job later. After getting home that afternoon, I walked into the bathroom and found it spotless. "Who did this?" I wondered. We are very good at making a mess of our lives and trying to clean things up the best we can, but God is even better at making us spotless (white as snow). If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 JOHN 1:9
Summer Camp Forecast Our 2017 Summer Camp theme is ROBOTS--Designed for a Destiny. Robots are meticulously planned and designed to serve a specific purpose. They are intentionally different because they each have a unique function. We will use these concepts to teach campers that they too are uniquely created by God for the future that He has prepared for them. Our key scripture this summer comes from Psalm 138, "You created the deepest parts of my being. You put me together in my mother's body. How you made me is amazing and wonderful." We want every child to know that they are designed for a destiny. --Steve
Steve's Story Steve Collins Executive Director We live in a world full of barriers. Some, like the guardrail along a bridge, are there to protect us from danger. Others, like the fence between neighbors, are for privacy. Some barriers, however, are less obvious. Our society is filled with barriers that keep us separated from each other. Aspects like race, socioeconomic status, and home life can have a big impact on the education we receive, the churches we attend, and the neighboorhoods in which we live. This is where the miracle of South Mountain Christian Camp comes in. While most summer camp programs like ours cost $500-$800 per week, we charge just $185. And we guarantee that no child will be turned away for financial reasons. What this boils down to is that South Mountain Christian Camp is a camp everyone can attend. Here's a case study of what it looks like: Eight boys arrive to Cabin 7 on the first day of camp. Two of them are best friends, and come from a midde-class neighborhood. Two of them live in the same government housing complex. These two know each other, but they have never gotten along well. Another boy in the cabin lives in a rural area. He loves fishing, hunting, and frog gigging. Another boy is from a wealthy family. He attends private school and wears the best clothes. The final two boys live in an group home--one because both his parents are in prison, and the other because both his mother is deceased and no one knows who his father is.
For the rest of the week, they play together, do chores together, read the Bible together and worship together. As they do, they see that they have yet another thing in common--they all need Jesus. No matter how much they've been to church, no matter how good or bad their behavior has been, Jesus died for every one of them. They bond over this. They pray together. They ask deep questions of their cabin director. Suddenly, almost unexpectedly, they find themselves at the right place at the right time to have a personal encounter with God. For some it might be at chapel. For others, it might be talking to the cabin director at the pool. Or maybe it happens in the cabin later that night. It could be a life rededicated to God. Or maybe it's finding healing from the pain of the past. It could be accepting Christ as Lord and Savior or discovering how to forgive. Whatever the case, another barrier has fallen away, and that child has experienced a love that is like no other. I want to invite you to join us in breaking down barriers this summer. Whether you sponsor a child, volunteer in our office, send kids to camp, or pray for us regularly, your partnership makes us more effective. Together with the Lord, we can make a difference this summer. Read more from Steve at www.SouthMountainChristianCamp.org/Blog
Interesting mix, right? Some might call it a recipe for disaster. But now let's take a look at what happens next: For the first 24 hours, the differences between these boys are glaring. The boys from the city complain about the heat. The middle-class boys complain about walking everywhere. And the kids from the group home are always keeping their distance from the others. Then something amazing begins to happen. All the boys sweat. All the boys get dirty. All the boys eat the same food, at the same time, at the same table. And they begin to realize that they aren't really all that different from each other. The barriers begin to fade away.
PH: 828-245-3322 FX: 828-245-1659 smcc@blueridge.net SouthMountainChristianCamp.org facebook.com/SouthMountain
Banquet Invitation Enclosed!
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