Generous Portions

Greetings Generous Friends,

I am humbled. You might say, “By what?” By the generosity of the people around the mission of Young Life! I have personally seen some incredible and generous gifts made to sacrificially make sure our mission can reach the next kid, the next school, the next community and the next country.

Your generosity reminds me of the woman in Matthew 26, who did the generous act of breaking the alabaster jar and pouring it over Jesus’ head (people were in awe, some were upset thinking it was over the top); however, Jesus said it would be talked about and remembered. “Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

We have amazing stories of generosity in this mission: Leaders giving their last bills of cash so a kid can go to camp; parents giving their home to Monday night Young Life clubs so often they had to re-carpet; and staff giving of their funds so other staff can “make it.” The content of this first edition of “Generous Portions” will be focused on some of the great and generous stories around Young Life camping.

As we move forward, we are praying for the people who will be generous and surprise us with a portion we didn’t anticipate and leave us in awe.

Enjoy!

Eric Scofield Chief Development Officer, Young Life

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I am deeply appreciative of the excellent research and writing done for Made for This: The Young Life Story. Excerpts from this book have been used throughout this devotional and are cited at the bottom of each page with “(MFT , page number).” Information on how you can purchase Made for This can be found on the “Generous Portions” website referenced at the end of this devotional. All Scripture references are from the New International Version, unless otherwise noted.

We are grateful for Young Life Marketing and Communications and all they have done to make this project a reality. This was truly a team effort.

I am also grateful for the efforts of former development staff Tommy Batts and J.B. Sanchez, who each contributed three chapters and much research to this devotional. Tommy wrote the sections on Crooked Creek Ranch, Carolina Point and Tudor Farms, while J.B. wrote those on La Finca, Clearwater Cove and Wild Ridge.

Finally, I am thankful you have chosen to read this devotional. May these true stories inspire all of us to stronger faith, bigger prayers and greater generosity.

Jonathan Schultz

Senior Director of Alumni and Friends, Young Life

STAR RANCH — 1946

In 1935, six years before Young Life was incorporated, Maxine Rayburn recalled Jim Rayburn saying, “Maxie, I have a dream of a real camp for kids. A camp that’ll be so great that when they get out of the bus and they walk onto the camp, they’ll know somebody was thinking about them before they got there.” Jim had a dream, and he wasn’t afraid to share it with anyone who would listen. Fortunately, Herb and Gloria Taylor shared Jim’s vision and were willing to listen.

As told in Made for This: The Young Life Story , “In 1946, after a failed attempt to land Crystal Park, a property a few miles east of Pikes Peak, an excited Rayburn notified Taylor of another opportunity ... ‘I know why the Lord didn’t want us to have Crystal Park,’ Rayburn explained to Taylor. ‘We’ve found something better. It’s all complete, ready to move into. It’s a beautiful spot. I want you and Mrs. Taylor to fly out here and take a look at Star Ranch.” The Taylors accepted Jim’s invitation and, even though Jim was unable to join them due to a delayed flight, they toured the property. Later that same day Jim joined the Taylors for dinner. In Jim’s own words, “We weren’t very long in the meal until this eminent gentleman turned to me and said, ‘Do you think you could use Star Ranch for Young Life work? Is it the kind of thing you want?’ I told him I’d never seen anything in my life like that. It was a dream spot! I never imagined there could be anything so wonderful. Then he looked at his wife and said, ‘We’ve decided to buy it for you.’”

The Taylors purchased Star Ranch one month later, and it became Young Life’s first camp. Star Ranch hosted campers for 26 years and served as Young Life headquarters from 1947 to 1961. The Taylors purchased Star Ranch for $50,000 and leased the camp to Young Life for one dollar a year. When reflecting on Star Ranch years later, Taylor said, “Best investment I ever made. Probably thirty thousand kids heard the gospel at Star since we bought it. That’s about a dollar and a half apiece.” (MFT, p. 15)

“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions” (Joel 2:28).

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Jim Rayburn had a dream, a God-sized dream beyond anything he could accomplish alone. A dream that was affirmed and fulfilled in community. Do you have a God-sized dream? Have you shared it with anyone? Do you believe that God can and will fulfill it?

SILVER CLIFF RANCH — 1949

Do you consider yourself a patient person? How about when it comes to waiting on God? Often times we find ourselves with a limited view. We wonder what God is doing; we find it hard to see beyond what is right in front of us.

Only two years after its purchase, Star Ranch was packed beyond capacity and the mission of Young Life was in need of another camp. This search led Jim Rayburn to a vacation resort known as Chalk Cliff Lodge, located 100 miles west of Colorado Springs in Buena Vista, CO. “In the late fall of 1949, the board of directors agreed to purchase the property for $70,000, and the first camp was held over Christmas break of that year.”

The purchase of Silver Cliff Ranch not only impacted countless young lives for the next 34 years, but was part of a God-ordained camping “master plan” that could only be seen in hind-sight. In the words of George Sheffer, “Our great and loving heavenly Father worked miracles in kids’ lives through the love He displayed in the work crew and staff of Silver Cliff. As we would climb Mt. Princeton (14,197 feet) each week, we passed through another camp – one of the most exclusive dude ranches for boys in the USA.” That “dude ranch” may have never been known by Young Life if not for the gift of Silver Cliff Ranch. That “dude ranch” was later to become Frontier Ranch, a Young Life camp that hosts thousands of kids annually to this day. (MFT, p. 17)

“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts”

(Isaiah 55:9).

Buena Vista, Colorado

God blessed Young Life with Silver Cliff at a time when there were too many campers and too few beds, all along knowing that it would lead to eventually finding Frontier Ranch! Can you think of examples in your life where God’s wisdom and sovereignty became evident even though you couldn’t see it? Are there currently areas of your life where you need to trust that God is in control, and He has a plan and will bring it to completion?

FRONTIER RANCH — 1951

Built in the 1920s by a prominent St. Louis dentist, Round-Up Lodge for Boys was a private summer camp reserved for the elite. It was just up the hill from Young Life’s Silver Cliff Ranch and, after a visit to the camp in August 1950, Jim Rayburn revealed to his wife his confidence in God’s plan for the property. After serving as guest speaker at Round-Up Lodge’s banquet, Jim told Maxine, “Max, these folks don’t know it yet, but this place doesn’t belong to them anymore. I asked our Father for it this evening.” That same summer, without Jim’s knowledge, two work crew kids, Cy Burress and Jerry Kirk, had also been praying that God would give the camp to Young Life. Cy and Jerry would often hike up the mountain behind Silver Cliff to read the Bible and pray. On one such trip they discovered Round-Up Lodge for Boys. In the words of former Young Life President Bob Mitchell, who was Cy and Jerry’s work crew boss that summer, “They actually prayed Young Life would someday have that camp. When we heard what those kids were doing, we counseled them to pray more appropriately and not ask God for stupid things like that – especially right after He’d given us Silver Cliff. It’s a wonder we didn’t ruin their prayer life. Instead they strengthened ours.”

A short time later, on a humorous impulse, a friend (Ted Benson) sent Jim a clipping from the “New Yorker” magazine advertising an unnamed boy’s camp for sale in Colorado for half a million dollars. The asking price was lowered to $350,000; however, the price was lowered again to $250,000 by owner, Dr. E. Alfred Marquard, after meeting with Jim. The Young Life Board approved the project, and on March 20, 1951, Young Life closed the deal.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).

Buena Vista, Colorado

Isn’t it amazing how the prayers of two young men led to the acquisition of a camp that would impact countless lives for decades to come? What are you praying for today? Have your prayers become safe and “appropriate,” or, like Cy and Jerry, are you praying for “stupid things.” Take some time today to present your unrestricted requests to an unrestricted God.

MALIBU CLUB — 1953

In the words of Jeff Chesemore, author of Made for This, “By 1952 the mission had a wonderful ‘problem’: all three ranches were filled beyond capacity. Rayburn recognized the need to have a camp in the Northwest, since so many of the kids coming to Colorado were from Washington and Oregon.” Nobody could have imagined what God had in store for Young Life when it came to the answer to this Northwest camp need!

Malibu Club was originally built by Tom Hamilton as a resort to serve such Hollywood luminaries as John Wayne, Barbara Stanwyck, Walt Disney, Bing Crosby and Bob Hope. Located 100 miles from Vancouver, B.C., by air or sea, Malibu Club sat at the mouth of the Princess Louisa Inlet, one of the most picturesque locations in the world. When first introduced to Rayburn by friends Jim and Elsie Campbell, the asking price of Malibu was one million dollars, a price that was clearly out of Young Life’s reach. Regardless, when the Campbells flew Rayburn, Add Sewell and Bill Starr out to see the resort, Jim calmly stated, “There is Young Life’s next camp.” When, during a tour of the resort, Rayburn was reminded of the asking price, he responded, “If the Boss wants us to have it, we will have it!”

Jim’s next move, after praying, was to invite Tom Hamilton, the owner of Malibu to Frontier Ranch for a week. This experience resulted in Hamilton dropping the price to $700,000. Next, Hamilton and some associates sold a California hotel and needed a tax break to offset this sale. As a result, Hamilton lowered the asking price for Malibu to $300,000 and contributed a sizeable amount himself. Rayburn hit the road, seeking to raise a $150,000 downpayment, which God provided for, and the purchase contract was signed on December 21, 1953! (MFT , p. 32)

“You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance. The grasslands of the wilderness overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness” (Psalm 65:11-12).

British Columbia, Canada

We serve a very personal, yet powerful and capable God. He gave Young Life a camp in the Northwest at just the right time. He gave Young Life a camp that was “exceedingly more than we could ever ask or imagine.” Now consider this, He cares about you and the rest of the world as much as He does the mission of Young Life. What are your needs, the needs of those close to you and the needs of people around the world? Though we must trust in His wisdom and timing, we can never ask for too much!

CASTAWAY CLUB — 1963

Jim Rayburn met Sidney Smith in 1945, when he spoke at Smith’s Elim Chapel in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Thirty years earlier Smith and his wife had built a summer home on a piece of property on Pelican Lake in Minnesota. After Sid’s passing, and over time, the Smith family spent less and less time at the summer home. C. Gordon Smith, one of Sidney’s sons was on Young Life’s Canadian Board of Trustees and had helped with the acquisition of Malibu.

Phil McDonald, on staff in Minneapolis, Minnesota, recalled that in September 1963, “Bill [Starr] and I returned along with Jim Rayburn, and C. Gordon Smith met us at the property. We had a meal together and talked about what we would do to make it into a camp. After a while, Mr. Smith had to leave, so he tossed keys onto the table, shook hands with us, and walked out. The three of us just looked at each other. We owned a new camp.”

Smith and his wife believed that the property was “too valuable to sell.” That “giving the property to Young Life would allow it to be used in ways similar to how Sidney Smith and the rest of their family had used it.” Today, this property on Pelican Lake is known as Young Life’s Castaway Club, and countless young people have experienced “the best week of their lives” thanks to their generosity in response to God. (MFT , p. 55)

“Generosity: Readiness or liberality in giving.”

Lakes, Minnesota

When you consider C. Gordon Smith simply tossing the keys to Castaway on a table and walking away, what kind of response do you have? Are you baffled? Amazed? Inspired? What are the “keys” in your life? Where is God calling you to be generous today?

TRAIL WEST — 1964

Are you a busy person? Do you find yourself constantly running from task to task, seldom slowing down, resting or being able to listen?

Fortunately, even in the midst of running a growing mission, Jim Rayburn slowed down long enough to hear God’s plan for Trail West.

By 1959 the mission of Young Life faced a problem that became an opportunity for God to once again act and influence the future. Between the three Colorado camps, Young Life’s horse program had grown to include 120 horses and required more land. This “problem” led to the acquisition of a 640-acre ranch just west of Buena Vista, Colorado. Because Jim Rayburn was out of the country when this purchase was made, he was, in the words of Dale Kaiser, “none too pleased. You didn’t do anything without telling Jim Rayburn. So I took him in a jeep and we drove up into that country. As we were coming off the ridge where the Lodge now sits, down in that little valley were about 50 elk. Jim just came unglued. ‘This is it!’ Rayburn quickly realized that this land could be the extravagant answer to his prayer for Young Life’s first adult guest lodge.”

Rayburn fell in love with that property and often hiked through the aspen grove there. In the words of Char Meredith, “It was a small piece of heaven that he wanted to share. As he was sitting on a lichen-spattered boulder in the middle of the rocky hillside, God said, ‘Build it here.’” And that is precisely where he built it. Trail West Lodge was completed in 1964 and to this day serves as a world-class family camp and window into the Young Life mission. If you were to walk through the main doors today, you would see to your left that exact rock upon which Jim Rayburn sat and prayed when he heard God say “Build it here.” (MFT , p. 50)

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth”

(Psalm 46:10).

Buena Vista, Colorado

Like Jim Rayburn’s “lichen-spattered boulder,” are there places in your life where God has spoken? When was the last time you stopped and remembered those moments and places, and what God was calling you to? God still has plans for you, but He wants you to slow down. Maybe today you could find a “rock” to sit on and listen.

WINDY GAP — 1964

Imagine for a moment a pebble being dropped into the very center of a still pond. Picture the ripples extending out from this single impact. Now, consider the impact that the life of a transformed teenager can have. The ripple effects of a life impacted by Christ, reverberating out into the world, into eternity.

Ilene Douglas grew up in Florida and was the daughter of Lawrence and Sara. Ilene’s parents were friends with a member of Young Life’s board, Bouton McDougal, who suggested that Ilene serve on work crew at Frontier Ranch, which she did. Ilene returned from her time at Frontier excited about everything she had witnessed and told her family all about her experience. At the same time that Ilene was telling her family about her experience at Frontier, Young Life was searching for a property in the Southeast. The Douglas family owned a dairy farm outside Weaverville, North Carolina, and wondered if it might not be the answer to Young Life’s search.

Roy Riviere, Southwest regional director for Young Life at the time, along with Mal McSwain and Bill Starr, went to visit the Douglas’ property and found it to be magnificent and massive, at over 2,000 acres. They also found it to be cost-prohibitive with so much land and no existing structures. The asking price was sure to be too much. “Then,” in the words of Riviere, “in one of the most humble-spirited ways I have ever seen in any man I respected, Lawrence asked kind of politely, is there any chance we could use it? I assumed he wanted us to buy it. And when he realized that, he laughed and said, ‘Oh, no, we’d like to give it to you.’” (MFT , p. 56)

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’”

(Jeremiah 29:11).

Weaverville, North Carolina

It is amazing to think that God used a young Florida girl’s work crew experience in Colorado to influence the building of a brand-new Young Life camp in North Carolina. The impact of a life transformed by Christ truly has no limits! Can you think of other examples of God using individuals to impact their families, communities or even the world? Have you considered the ripple effects of your life as well?

WOODLEAF — 1966

Are you a good listener? Do you know a good listener? Did you know that Woodleaf, Young Life’s camp in the Sierra Nevada Mountains was made possible by two generous people who listened?

In 1966, Young Life was in need of a camp on the West Coast. “Vern Pynn, the district attorney for Walnut Creek, California, and a friend of Young Life, persuaded a local official to consider selling the land that would become Young Life’s next camp. ‘Have you considered maybe giving your rights to it to another group?’ Pynn asked the official. ‘I’ll tell you what I’ll do, Vern,’ the man replied. ‘You give me $3,000, and I’ll give you a week to look at it and see if it’s any value to your people.’”

Following a frantic week, which included assessing the property and receiving the necessary $3,000 from long-time board member Bob Stover, Young Life signed the papers to purchase Woodleaf for $100,000, “Everything was wonderful except for one item; We were short $100,000,” said John Miller, camp director at Trail West.

Fortunately, a few months later a couple of great listeners were guests at Trail West Lodge. Jack and Arlene Kough, being led by the Holy Spirit, first informed Miller that they would buy him a lot at Trail West where the property director and his family could live. Then, a day later, following a Sunday morning time of prayer, Jack Kough informed Miller, “God told me to buy Woodleaf.” Sure enough, the Koughs gave Young Life $100,000 and this 240-acre plot of land that served as a stopping point for stagecoach passengers in the 1800s during the gold rush era was now a Young Life camp. (MFT, p. 63)

“After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12).

Challenge, California

We all desire to hear from God, yet we do not always want to be quiet and listen. It’s interesting that Woodleaf was a direct by-product of a couple’s willingness to listen and obey. It’s incredible to think that 1,135 miles and four states of distance were not enough to squelch God’s voice. Take some time today to be still and simply listen. What is He saying to you?

SARANAC VILLAGE — 1969

As Young Life continued to expand and grow in its third decade, there was an urgent need for a camp on the East Coast. In the words of Jeff Chesemore, “After tirelessly looking at dozens of camps, Dr. Bill Keisewetter, a lifetime board member and a renowned physician from Pittsburgh, stumbled upon Camp Navarac.” Camp Navarac, at the time was an exclusive girls’ camp; however, it had originally served as a summer home for copper magnate Mr. Adolph Lewisohn in early 1900. Young Life President Bill Starr’s assessment of the potential new camp was as follows: “It has beautiful features of a complete water sports program with sailing, canoeing, small boating, waterskiing, and swimming coupled with a fabulous lawn recreation field which could accommodate a couple of football fields and lots more room left over. It would be a program director’s dream. Up the trail from the waterfront are the housing units, which are large, hunting-type lodges. They would be most adequate for a total capacity of 300.”

Young Life was able to purchase the property for $400,000 in September 1969, due to the generous gifts of several donors. In the words of one of these donors, “At that time in my life I invested in three major things: a jet, a yacht, and Saranac. The jet is rusting in a field somewhere, the yacht is transporting drugs off the coast of Cuba and Saranac is changing thousands of kids’ lives for eternity… I should have donated to three Young Life camps.” (MFT, p. 67)

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).

Saranac Lake, New York

When you consider the verse and the donor’s quote on the opposite page, what thoughts are stirred up in you? Are you prone toward storing up treasures on Earth or in heaven?

ADVENTURE CAMPING — 1970

Adventurecamping in Young Life found its footing in 1970, with the start of “La Vida” outside Saranac Village, and Beyond Malibu in the coastal mountains of British Columbia. Soon to follow would be Wilderness Ranch, in Creede, Colorado, and Pioneer Plunge in the Great Smoky Mountains near Windy Gap. These unique Young Life camping experiences were founded through the efforts of pioneers like George Sheffer III, Barney Dobson, Will and Betty Wyatt, and Jim and Sarah Hornsby.

Though uniquely different in location, at least three traits were shared by these Young Life adventure camps: experiencing God in and through creation, personal growth through physical stress, and learning to live life in community. These three attributes are summed up beautifully in Made For This: “Pushing themselves outside their physical zones paved the way for kids to open themselves up spiritually. Like the 20 minutes of silence in a traditional camp, the peacefulness found atop a mountain or under a sky of infinite stars provided space for receptivity to the Spirit’s dealing in their lives. Having this play out alongside a small band of like-minded explorers also helped instill in kids their need for Christian community.”

In the words of one Atlanta teenager who spent time at Pioneer Plunge, “My time was the greatest, most painful, joyfilled, cryingest, laughingest, into-it, out-of-it, concerned, indifferent, lovingest, hatingest time I ever personally spent! In other words, I’d do it again!” (MFT, pp. 75-78)

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse“ (Romans 1:20).

La Vida, Beyond Malibu, Wilderness Ranch, Pioneer Plunge - USA

Creation, physical stress and community are hallmarks of Young Life Adventure Camping. When you consider these three traits, which have you seen personal growth through in the past? Is it possible that God might be calling you back to these today? When was the last time you simply sat in awe of God in His creation, were pushed to a point of only getting through with His help, or truly gave yourself to the community that He has provided?

SOUTHWIND — 1972

“Itwas the fall of 1971, during a big weekend camp for over two hundred kids and leaders. We were using a large facility in central Florida we had rented many times. It was a bright Sunday morning, and I was in the camp manager’s office, preparing to pay the weekend bill when I was stunned by a comment he made. ‘Look out the window at that,’ he said, ‘you’re bringing too many of them here. We can’t have you bringing so many of them from now on.’

“When I looked out the window all I saw was a teenage couple, an African-American young man with his arm around a white girl, walking to the dining hall in the middle of a crowd of their friends. After what the manager said, I was in a state of shock. I distinctly remember thinking, as I wrote out the check, that this would be the last one I would ever write for this camp.” (Charlie Scott, longtime Young Life staff member, in his book The Story of Southwind.)

This experience launched Scott and the rest of the Florida Region staff on a mission to pray for and find the next Young Life camp “where every kid would be welcomed and accepted.” Four months later, the staff learned of a property for sale near Ocala. The owner happened to be the father of a kid in Scott’s Young Life club. The asking price was $175,000. For a mission with no money budgeted for another camp purchase, the only thing to do next was pray.

The first gift of $5,000 toward the down payment was given within a week, with the second portion of $3,600 being given by the owner himself. The rest was provided by 11 people, and Young Life had one more camp. (MFT, p. 78)

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:30-31).

Ocklawaha, Florida

Sometimes God’s generous portions flow out of our response to injustice, or a problem that needs to be addressed. Charlie Scott would not tolerate kids being referred to as “them;” he could not ignore God’s heart for every kid. Are there issues of injustice in the world that tug at your heart? What are they?

OAKBRIDGE — 1982

Have you ever wondered which Young Life camp was the first to be used exclusively for middle school students? The answer is Oakbridge. Did you know that this camp, and the adjacent 40 acres (along with a home) were given to Young Life? Yep, God’s generous portions again on display, but this time a family and a few sports stars would be involved…

In 1974, former NBA All-Star John Block and his wife, Margie, along with tennis great Stan Smith, who won both the 1971 U.S. Open Championship and the 1972 Wimbledon Championship, started Oakbridge Christian Family and Sports Camp as a collaborative effort with La Jolla Presbyterian and Young Life in the San Diego Region. Young Life often rented the property for middle school camps and staff retreats and, in 1982, the Oakbridge board gave the camp to Young Life. Four years later, the Chatelain family donated an additional 40 acres that were adjacent to the property. (MFT , p. 102)

Oakbridge was sold in October, 2019 and is no longer a Young Life property.

“‘Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7).

Ramona, California

It’s tempting to place our trust in fame and fortune, or the nest egg of a parcel of land. The story of Oakbridge is the story of both the famous and an un-famous family trusting God with their possessions and, in so doing, blessing countless people. God’s generous portions often flow through the obedience of His people, through our willingness to have open hands and open hearts. You may not be wealthy or famous; however, God has entrusted you with time, talents or treasures to be His generous portion to another. Spend some time seeking Him. What is He saying to you about generosity?

LAKE CHAMPION — 1986

What do you think might connect a wire tapper for gangster Mickey Cohen, Billy Graham, a chairman of the board for Chase Manhattan Bank and Young Life? The answer is two-fold ... Jesus and Lake Champion!

As told in Made For This, “In 1949, Jim Vaus, a wire tapper for noted gangster Mickey Cohen, met Christ at Billy Graham’s Los Angeles crusades. In the 1950s, he set up a ministry for troubled teens called Youth Development International, aimed at helping the kids in New York City’s Spanish Harlem. Vaus wanted a camp where he could take these kids, and in 1961, along with the financial assistance of George Champion, chairman of the board of Chase Manhattan Bank, they bought a 365-acre property in the Catskill Mountains.” Eleven years later, in 1972, Vaus sold the camp to another ministry designed for kids, Teen Challenge. Thirteen years later, Teen Challenge decided to sell the property.

At a time when Young Life was again in desperate need of an additional camp on the East Coast, God, in his perfect timing, orchestrated events that would bring Lake Champion to Young Life. In the words of Doug Burleigh, “I couldn’t believe that here was a place that with only a few months of work, we could bring 250 young people in, tell them about Jesus, and they’d have the best week of their lives. God had in mind for us to have that place and to use it to tell kids about Jesus. One thing that’s particularly special about Lake Champion is that it’s so close to New York City, to Newark, to Philadelphia, to all the urban centers in the East, and we so desperately needed a place to take kids to tell them about Him.” (MFT, p. 108)

“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together”

(Colossians 1:15-17).

Glen Spey, New York

Do you ever find yourself wondering if God is really in control; if everything is knit together and is held together in Him? The story of Lake Champion shouts “Yes!” Now, consider your own life, the seemingly coincidental occurrences that were actually God-ordained appointments. He has knit things together for your best and His incomparable glory. Reflect on this today and move forward looking for His divine appointments.

ROCKBRIDGE ALUM SPRINGS — 1992

Have you ever been really thirsty? (Stop reading and consider a time and place when you experienced this.) In the midst of your thirst, what did water mean to you? If someone had offered you a cup of water, would you have accepted it? Why? What if someone had offered you an inexhaustible supply of water?

On July 12, 1852, Stonewall Jackson wrote, “Boarding is 10 dollars per week. This place is more crowded than any other in the mountains, and I have not heard of a single person who is dissatisfied.” Jackson, along with many others, including General Robert E. Lee, was part of the 1850s southern clientele who were enjoying the restorative alum waters at Rockbridge Alum Springs.

More than 125 years later, if teenagers were writing home from this same property, they too might be sharing about a satisfying week at camp and, more importantly, an experience with the restorative, living water of Jesus Christ. Yes, in yet another display of His generous portions, God led Young Life to this historic 273-acre property located 12 miles northwest of Lexington, Virginia. The property was purchased in 1992 and eventually helped to boost the East Coast capacity to more than 18,000 campers and staff annually.

“Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life’”

(John 4:13-14).

Goshen, Virginia

Like teenagers, many adults are prone to base their value and identities on things that fall short — water that simply cannot satisfy. Jesus says, “I will show you a water that will never run out.” In fact, “I am the living water.” Spend some time today considering Jesus’ description of Himself as “living water.” What does this mean to you? Are you choosing to take hold and drink?

LA FINCA — 1992

In 1988, when Jim and Sarah Hornsby returned to Nicaragua to start Young Life, part of their vision was to find a property to buy for a camp. Not long after settling in Matagalpa, they found a property and, based on their experience with Windy Gap in North Carolina, they were confident it was the right place. According to the Hornsbys, days before the closing two burly men knocked on the door and asked, “Are you Jim? Are you planning on buying this piece of property? Well, don’t! We are the rightful owners of that property, and if you buy it you will be in court arguing over it for the rest of your life.”

As is often the case when the Lord is working, what seemed like the obvious way forward wasn’t. The Hornsbys’ plan, to go to Nicaragua and build another Windy Gap, was not in God’s will. Instead, the will of God lead them to La Finca de Mille Flor — meaning “The Thousand Flower Farm.” And this would become the place where kids would come for the best week of their lives encountering the Lord Jesus and discovering they were made for this.

If the story ended there it would be a great example of the way that the Lord provides. It is not the end, in fact, it was just the beginning. Indeed, more surprises were yet to come. The biggest one being La Finca happens to be an ideal place to grow coffee. With its prime elevation and perfect weather, the camp property produces excellent coffee. Now sold as “41&Change,” the proceeds fund local and regional ministries where disciples are made and then they go out and make more disciples!

“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that’“ (James 4:13-15).

Jinotega, Nicaragua

Planning is prudent. Past experiences can be great lessons for the future. However, God’s will exceeds our ability to see that future. There is something to being open to change, even when you have a plan in mind. Are there things that you are planning and preparing? Take a moment to consider the Lord’s will. Ask yourself, “If His will changes my plans, am I willing to live it out?” When you do, you may be surprised at what unfolds.

CROOKED CREEK RANCH — 1994

In 1994, Young Life purchased approximately 1,000 acres of the Murphy Cattle Ranch, located in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Frontier Ranch, the only Young Life camp nearby, was reaching capacity. As a result, there was a desperate need for more space.

The opportunity to acquire a large parcel of land in Fraser, Colorado, outside of Winter Park came to fruition. Young Life decided to build a camp from the ground up. This brought with it many exciting opportunities and many challenges, so much so that it felt at times like everything was against the project.

The initial cost of building the camp was nearly doubled due to so many changes and additions. The U.S., namely Fraser, Colorado, was also going through a major building boom, which made it difficult to get skilled labor. And, being one of the highest elevation mountain towns in the U.S. brought many challenges as well.

On top of all of this, Fraser, also known as “the ice box,” is the coldest town in Colorado. This made the window to build very limited. Much of the construction had to happen simultaneously and, due to the small community, there was much pushback from neighbors and locals in the area disliking the major construction nearby.

After all the pushback, Young Life said they would never build a property from the ground up again. However, that promise was quickly broken due to the need for more camps, God’s generous portions of land, and Young Life’s persistence in kids meeting Jesus!

Crooked Creek opened for its first summer camping season in 1999. Since then the camp has welcomed thousands of kids, leaders, volunteers and guests onto the property to hear the gospel.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2-3).

Fraser, Colorado

While building Crooked Creek, an overwhelming number of factors challenged this camp in becoming a reality. In your life, have you ever felt like things were against you? How did you respond to the situation? How did God show up?

WASHINGTON

RANCH

— 1997

As the song goes, “Our God is an awesome God,” and though every Young Life camp story is a powerful example of His generous portions and power, there are times when He appears to want to make an even stronger statement. The story of Washington Family Ranch Canyon is one of those statements.

Originally known as The Big Muddy, the 64,000-acre, 100-square mile ranch has existed in the high-desert country of central Oregon since the late 1800s. In its early years it was a stop on the Pony Express and a location well-known for ranching and mining ventures. Decades later, the ranch was bought by a cult leader from India and transformed into a commune for his thousands of followers in 1981. In the words of Jeff Chesemore, “For four long years the ‘Rajneeshees’ inhabited the land and made their presence felt to the thirtyfive residents of nearby Antelope, Oregon. In 1985 the cult disbanded after Rajneesh was deported for immigration fraud.” It would be an understatement to say that the ranch had fallen under a dark shadow, and some may have thought that its history could never be redeemed; however, God had a plan.

In 1991, Dennis and Phyllis Washington purchased the land. Through a series of God-ordained connections, Denny Rydberg learned of the Washingtons’ heart for the next generation and, like Rayburn inviting Hamilton to Frontier so long ago, Rydberg invited the Washingtons to spend some time at Malibu. The Washingtons left Malibu with an appreciation of Young Life and proceeded to graciously donate the entire property to Young Life in 1997. This new northwest camp began hosting campers in 1999 and was easily Young Life’s largest, able to host 7,000 campers each summer. (MFT, p. 131)

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland”

(Isaiah 43:19).

Antelope, Oregon

Our God is an awesome God, and He is in the business of redeeming people and places. Washington Family Ranch Canyon is a mindboggling, faith-growing, hope-inspiring example of God’s generous portions, and His ongoing redemptive work in and through a place, and with His kids. This story shouts that it is never too late and you can never be too far away for God to rescue and redeem. Do you feel there are things, situations, or even people in your life God cannot rescue and redeem? Take some time to present what comes to your mind to Jesus and know “He is able.”

SHARPTOP COVE — 1997

Jasper, Georgia

Like coffee percolating over a stove, sometimes God’s generous portions and plans take a while to not only percolate, but to be understood for what they were.

In the 1940s Lavelle Beene was at Wheaton College and was tasked with being “the person who would wait up for Jim Rayburn when he would come in at midnight, or one, or two o’clock in the morning,” according to Dave Carlson. Rayburn, who was scheduled to speak the next morning, would arrive by train, come to Wheaton, “and when Lavelle would open the door, Jim would say, ‘What do you have to eat?’ And they’d go and rustle up some eggs and bacon down in the kitchen, and Lavelle and Jim would talk until it was time to go to the student meeting the next morning.”

Now, fast-forward 50 years. It’s the late ’90s and Young Life is in search of yet another property on the Eastern Seaboard near a major city where Young Life is strong. Lavelle Beene is now the chairman of the board for the Burnt Mountain Assembly, a youth camp built by Cecil Day, founder of the Day’s Inn hotel chain, and now up for sale. “The doorkeeper for Rayburn would also prove to be the doorkeeper for the next Young Life camp, SharpTop Cove!” (MFT, p. 132.)

“‘For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?’” (Esther 4:14).

Do you think it was a coincidence that Lavelle Beene was chairman of the board for Burnt Mountain Assembly five decades after his time with Jim Rayburn? It’s awe-inspiring to consider the manner in which God positioned things for such a time as this. Are there things in your life you are waiting on God for? Does this story give you hope? Take some time to present your requests to God and, don’t forget that as much as He had a divine appointment for Lavelle Beene, He has appointments for you too!

LOST CANYON — 1997

Once established, it’s easy to take a Young Life camp for granted. It’s easy to assume that the process that led to its existence was simple, uneventful, and predictable. The reality is that it is rarely any of these, and is always a direct result of God’s generous portions.

Imagine trying to find land for a Young Life camp in a state where most of the land is owned by the federal or state government, and where water is very hard to come by? Imagine the cost, the politics, the limitations, and the absolute need for God to “show up.”

As Young Life searched for a new camp in the Southwest, 12 families had each joined the movement and had given one million dollars apiece to the project, as well as a lot of prayer, sweat and tears. This “Lost Canyon Founders Team” had helped Young Life narrow the search to the Flagstaff area, but the challenges were plenty. Not far from Flagstaff, in Williams, the team had found a 40-acre parcel that was surrounded by national forest and had an ample water supply; however, approval of the camp development was needed from the Williams City Council. During the council proceedings the city mayor said, “We’d like to have the kids of Williams be able to go to this camp.” Young Life staff member, Stu Graff said, “In Young Life we don’t send kids to camp, we take them to camp. So in order for that to be true, we’d have to start a Young Life club in Williams.” The mayor responded, “Then that’s what you have to do in order for us to approve!” Within a month, volunteer leaders started a Young Life club and that year took 18 kids from the high school to Woodleaf.” (MFT, p. 135)

The construction of Lost Canyon began in 2000, and the first camps began in 2001.

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth”

(1 Timothy 2:1-4).

Williams, Arizona

God’s generous portions come in many forms; sometimes they are financial; sometimes they are in the form of people or land. Sometimes, God’s generosity comes at a city council meeting through a mayor who helps to not only create a camp but start a new ministry. How have you experienced or witnessed God’s generous portions in varied ways? God used families, Young Life staff and volunteers, and governing authorities to bring about Lost Canyon.

PICO ESCONDIDO — 1998

In the same way that God’s generous portions for Young Life camping are not always simple or easy, they are also not always conventional. In 1998, the need for a camp in the Dominican Republic was apparent, and Chad Wallace was scouting the countryside in search of land. Chad, later to become the first property manager at Pico Escondido, discovered a parcel owned by a group of brothers. They were eager to sell; however, they insisted on being paid in cash.

“Scott Steele, national director of the Dominican Republic, did not let this minor detail stand in the way of such a beautiful acquisition. What followed would prove to be a one-of-its-kind transaction in Young Life’s history. Steele met up with his lawyer, ‘a really big guy’ who no doubt doubled as Steele’s security detail, and the pair quietly went to secure the deal. ‘We literally converted $35,000 cash to pesos (what an ordeal!), put it in this huge hockey bag and went with our lawyer up to the brothers and gave it to them,’ Steele laughed. ‘And then we owned Pico! It was crazy!’” (MFT, p. 140)

For years to come, Pico Escondido (“Hidden Peak”) was developed through God’s generous portions in the form of work teams from the U.S. and local men from the nearby Vida Joven (Young Life) ministry.

“‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight”

(Proverbs 3:5-6). Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic

Sometimes God calls us to the “safe” and “conventional”; however, it seems like the things that really matter are, more often than not, “risky” and “unconventional.” Examples of this can be seen in Young Life leaders entering the world of adolescents and in a staff member’s willingness to carry $35,000 in cash to purchase a camp. Neither are conventional; neither are safe. Has God ever called you to something risky or un-conventional? Could He be calling you to something uncomfortable, unconventional or risky today?

TIMBER WOLF LAKE — 1999

Sometimes God’s generous portions come through a cry that awakes a vision in an individual but requires the help of a benefactor and a community. Such is the story of Nehemiah, and such is the story of the gift of Timber Wolf Lake.

In 1994, while visiting Castaway Club as adult guests, Rick Poll and his wife were made aware of a geographical problem that Young Life faced in the Midwest. The upper Midwest faced a critical need for a camp, because of the many rural areas in Michigan and neighboring states, not to mention the many city kids living in places like Chicago, Indianapolis, Detroit and Cleveland — “a void with a 700-mile diameter.”

During their week at camp, a Young Life area director impacted Rick when he said, “Rick, more kids could come if we had a camp close to home.” This “cry” ignited a vision in Poll and began a five-year search, covering three states and more than 70 site visits.

Enter the benefactor. In 1998, God generously provided a benefactor who not only put Poll on his payroll so he could be freed up to continue the search, but he also found an ad in “The Wall Street Journal” advertising the land that would eventually become Timber Wolf Lake, and purchased the 876-acre property for $1.6 million dollars and gave it to Young Life! In 2001, campers began arriving at Timber Wolf Lake. (MFT, p. 139)

“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven” (Nehemiah 1:4).

Lake City, Michigan

A cry for help, a vision caught, a generous benefactor, a generous God, a new camp for kids! Which part of this story are you drawn to today? Perhaps you have a cry on your heart? Take some time to offer it up to God. Perhaps there is a vision He intends for you to catch? Take some time to listen. Perhaps you are being called to provide in some way, shape or form.

CLEARWATER COVE

Cove was set to open February 5, 2016. A few months before the grand opening, the mission realized the funding was not going to cover all the details in opening this new camp, including items as important as mattresses. While the camp staff and construction teams continued to prepare for the first-ever weekend, the Young Life Camping department in Colorado Springs made a call to Tempur-Pedic. Upon hearing of the need, Tempur-Pedic donated 250 mattresses to Clearwater Cove! God saw to it that kids and staff would have some of the most comfortable beds made to sleep in.

Clearwater

In Young Life we are very familiar with the gospel being heard at club and seen through the service of work crew and summer staff volunteers. In this instance, the gospel was also felt at Clearwater Cove. Every night excited teens are in awe and exhausted leaders are deeply thankful that they are sleeping on 13” memory foam mattresses. It was one of the most talkedabout aspects of the new camp that year and one of many examples of God’s generous portions unexpectedly showing up at a Young Life camp.

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25).

Lampe, Missouri

In Young Life camping, we strive to give kids “the best week of their lives.” From good food enjoyed around a table, to comfortable accommodations, we want kids to relax, enjoy and be refreshed. Interestingly, we are only able to refresh kids because of God’s generosity through others. TempurPedic’s generosity and refreshment served to refresh kids and their leaders. Have you ever been “refreshed” by the generosity of another person? Have you ever experienced being refreshed as a result of being generous and refreshing others yourself? Spend some time reflecting on these experiences and giving thanks to God.

CAROLINA POINT — 2001

In January of 2001, Jim Anthony, a developer of the Cliff’s Communities, donated 340 acres to Young Life for the purposes of building a Young Life camp. Located on the border of North and South Carolina, Carolina Point fulfills a huge need for camping in the southeastern United States.

During the early phases of building the camp, there was a need to have a pool for every kid to enjoy. Everyone would be able to participate in something like a lazy river: middle-schoolers and high-schoolers, including those with special needs.

Young Life tried calling businesses all over the country that constructed highend pools, never to get a call returned. Having had no luck at the time, the mission was directed to a man based in Asheville; literally right in the camp’s “neck of the woods!” The idea was shared about building an incredible pool for kids in a place where they would get to hear the gospel. This business owner, Mark, was interested and agreed to meet at the property.

After having a tour, Mark was in tears. For years, he had been building large, luxurious resort-style pools for the wealthy. However, it lacked substance, and he longed for more. Now his work would impact the sharing of the good news of Jesus. He agreed to build the pool, and all his services were given to the camp at no cost!

Today, Mark is the “go-to guy” for much of the pool-related business in Young Life. Each year he brings his family to Carolina Point and is tremendously impacted by God’s presence there. Similar to how He used Jim’s gift of land, God used Mark’s gifts and abilities to provide for the camp and, in turn, he became blessed by God’s work in and through the mission.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

Brevard, North Carolina

God gifted Mark with a set of skills and positioned him to do great work for this property and, in turn, helped to create a place where every kid is introduced to Jesus. What are the gifts God has put in your life? Where has He positioned you? How are you using those gifts and this position to further His Kingdom?

CAIRN BRAE — 2008

Decades

ago, an area director in Texas reached out to two girls who ended up meeting Christ through Young Life. Little did this area director know that many years later, God would translate these efforts into new connections and a Young Life camp in Scotland.

The two girls were the daughters of Don Stephens, founder and president of Mercy Ships. In 2008, Young Life Area Director Randy Nickel met Don, who declared Young Life was his favorite organization in America and both of his daughters had been involved. In the midst of their conversation, Nickel mentioned he was moving to Scotland, and Stephens insisted Nickel connect with the chair of their board, Ann Gloag, who lived in Scotland. Nickel did connect with Gloag, a Susan B. Anthony Humanitarian Award recipient, who longed for her grandkids and nephew to experience Young Life too. Incredibly, the very next summer they were among a group of eight kids from Perth, Scotland, who spent a week at Lake Champion.

Following his time at Lake Champion, Gloag’s nephew, Calum Souter, learned that 30 acres of lakefront property, which sat next to their estate, was up for sale. Calum told his dad the property reminded him of Lake Champion and that their family should “buy this so it can be a Young Life camp.”

The Souter Charitable Trust purchased the property with the plan to lease it to Young Life for one pound a year. If this was not enough, Gloag told Nickel she wanted to help with the cost of renovating the property. Young Life’s camp in Scotland opened in 2015. (MFT, p. 175)

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it ...” (Psalm 24:1).

Crieff, Scotland

Sometimes simply doing the right thing — providing for a need, inviting two girls to Young Life — can open the door to divine appointments and God’s generous portions. Whether you are in a position to extend a humble invitation, make a random introduction or provide a grand gift, you are a part of God’s ongoing redemptive plan. Spend some time today considering the many people and circumstances God has knit together to influence you. Now, ask God to help you to see the opportunities He is putting in front of you today to be a part of His generous portions.

OK,you’re in middle school. If you could create a place where you and 350 of your friends could spend a week together, what kinds of activities would it have? A pool, you say? OK, but I want you to dream a little bigger. A water slide, you say? Now you’re dreaming. Oh, and an indoor ropes course, a climbing area and miniature golf? All in a climate that has warm sunny days and cool comfortable nights? Well, guess what? We have that!

As if donating the 100-square mile property wasn’t enough, in 2008, 10 years after Dennis and Phyllis Washington donated Washington Family Ranch to Young Life, their foundation gave enough money to completely finance the building of a second camp on the property. A property now known as Washington Family Ranch Creekside actually outdoes all that is described in the above paragraph.

In an act of hilarious generosity, God saw fit to allow Young Life to have a middle school property that featured not one water slide, but eight. This water-park themed camp was designed especially for WyldLife campers and was the first of its kind in Young Life. Accommodating more than 350 guests, Creekside increased Washington Family Ranch’s capacity to more than one thousand guests per week. In the words of Denny Rydberg, “This unprecedented gift to the mission will allow us tremendous flexibility as we look to the future growth of our ministry to kids in the Northwest.” (MFT, p. 159)

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians:20-21).

Antelope, Oregon

There are clearly times when God flaunts His power and shocks us with a gift greater than we could have asked or imagined. The story of Washington Family Ranch Creekside is a story of “more.” It’s a common-day reminder that God truly “owns the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10). We are OK to pray big prayers. Is there anything in your life you have resisted lifting up to God? Any needs that just seem to be too much or too big? Perhaps you know someone who would appreciate your big prayers on their behalf? We serve a God of abundance, not scarcity.

PIONEER — 2013

You may need a quick history and geography lesson to truly understand the significance of this next story about God’s generous portions in Young Life camping. In 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed and Armenia officially won its independence. Young Life officially entered Armenia in 1998 and encountered a nation that longed to fill a spiritual void resulting from 70 years of communism.

For years during Soviet Union control, the government bused thousands of kids to this property to learn about communism and atheism. In July of 2017, after five years of praying, dreaming and being faithful to the Lord, the Young Life Pioneer Camp welcomed kids to a place that is now holy ground, with a new story of hope and redemption.

Pioneer is being built by Armenians and will be staffed by Armenians from within the community. By providing jobs to people within this village,Young Life is winning the right to be heard and building trust within a country that has seen much fear and suspicion. U.S. architects are collaborating with Armenian architects on how to build a camp that is accessible for kids with disabilities. This is a new concept, as kids with disabilities in Armenia are hidden from the public. There will also be a medical clinic on this property that can be used by the villagers. Young Life is very intentional about constructing a facility that can be used year-round in order to serve the people in this community.

In the words of Gary Parsons, Young Life’s senior vice president of the Former Soviet Union Division, “[Pioneer] is destined to be one of the most significant camping ministries in all of Young Life.” And yes, the name of this camp is “Pioneer” — a notso-subtle reminder of God’s redemptive work in this place and the pioneering effort it represents on behalf of the gospel in Armenia and throughout the Middle East. (MFT, p. 172)

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).

Artavaz, Armenia

Similar to the story of Washington Family Ranch in the 90s, the story of Pioneer is the story of God taking a camp once enveloped in darkness and redeeming it into a place that would speak of His’ love. It is a picture of God’s boundless love and redemptive power. Perhaps there are situations or people in your life you wonder if they can ever be redeemed or know the fullness of life Jesus offers? Take some time to write these things and people down, and present them to the God of generous portions.

CAMPING PROGRAMS — 2013

generous portions for Young Life camping do not stop at property, buildings or financial resources. His generosity extends to the realm of inspiration and creativity. There are many places in our world where Young Life camp looks different; it is not land and buildings, amazing rides or world-class accommodations owned by Young Life. Rather, it is a commitment to bring camp to kids, if we cannot bring kids to camp. It is a commitment to collaborate with the body of Christ worldwide through the use of affiliate camps or rented properties. It is a commitment to allow God to expand our thinking with regards to camp, so every kid might truly have an opportunity to experience a quality, fun, safe, Christ-centered camp experience.

God’s

In Latin America and Africa, this looks like the COW. (Camp on Wheels), or renting a local school facility while they are on holiday. In Kyrgyzstan, it looks like “Graffiti Camp,” where kids paint all day and hear stories about Jesus at night. In Portugal, Young Life staff created surf camp, while in Jamaica the Young Life Expeditions team runs annual orphan camps for kids outside of Montego Bay. In Germany and Northern Asia, it looks like English camps, where thousands attend day camps, or virtual camps, to learn both English and about God’s love. Then there are service projects for Eastern and Western European kids, helping those less fortunate, while experiencing a week of camp. These are just the beginnings of God’s generous portions when it comes to future innovations in camping. It is exciting to dream about what He will inspire and the lives that will be impacted!

“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, generous inside and out, true from start to finish”

(John 1:14 – The Message). Global

How about you? When was the last time you asked God for His generous portions with regards to your creativity, vision and inspiration? Take some time to bring this before your heavenly Father and begin to write down the ideas He gives you.

WILD RIDGE — 2015

“Locatedin the heart of West Virginia, there is a world-class camp just waiting to happen — a place where thousands of kids will someday hear the gospel and experience the best weeks of their lives. Situated on the cliffs of the Gauley River and near the banks of Summersville Lake, this stunning property with extraordinary potential is primed to become Young Life’s next iconic resort.” (wildridge.younglife.org)

Way back in 1990, Young Life staff on the East Coast were discussing the need for a property that would provide for the growing needs in that part of the U.S. Many years would pass before Young Life would be led to property in Mt. Nebo, West Virginia. The path to this location would, in the words of Isaiah 42:16 be “unfamiliar” and much of the land would be “rough;” however, God would faithfully light the path and smooth the way.

Wild Ridge is ideally located in a popular recreational area that is a natural match with Young Life’s intentional use of adventure, thrill, beauty and play. It will have an impact on ministry in five states including Pennsylvania, Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio. In the words of Wiley Scott, Young Life SVP of the Eastern Division, “With over 50 percent of the U.S. population living within an eight-hour drive of Wild Ridge, this camp will serve as a hub for thousands of kids to hear the good news of Christ.”

Unlike many Young Life properties that were acquired in large parcels, Wild Ridge is an assemblage of parcels making one lot. As you can imagine, the process of acquiring each of these parcels has reiterated God’s presence, guidance and generous portions. Much of the land in this part of West Virginia is rugged and heavily forested, making it difficult to see, let alone find, flat land that would be adequate for building a large central camp facility. After employing the use of LIDAR technology during a survey of the property, it was revealed that, unlike the surrounding, hilly area, the land that will be used for Wild Ridge sits atop a veritable table-top. It is flat and therefore ideal for building the camp. To be sure, God has made the “rough places smooth!”

“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them” (Isaiah 42:16).

Mt. Nebo, West Virginia

Do you find yourself, or those you know, on unfamiliar or rough paths? Maybe you feel blind, or a bit like you are walking in darkness? The story of Wild Ridge is the story of God’s sovereignty. He is giving sight, shedding light, providing guidance and smoothing the way. He “will not forsake” you.

TUDOR FARMS — 2016

by Young Life in 2016, Tudor Farms is a 6,500-acre property including a professionally managed wildlife habitat as well as a magnificent lodge and grounds. The land has been splendidly managed for waterfowl hunting, yet also boasts some of Maryland’s best hunting for whitetails, sika deer and wild turkey.

Acquired

God led Young Life to the opportunity to receive Tudor Farms when word from a local resident reached us, “An owner of a large property in Maryland is looking to sell it to a nonprofit organization.”

Having had extensive experience managing large properties, Young Life was in the running! After formulating a proposal, detailing hopes and dreams for a potential camp for kids, Young Life was given the property via a generous donation from the owner!

Without expectation or certainty, Young Life had again received a gift that was seemingly larger than life. Once acquired, studies were performed and long conversations were held about the property’s potential as a camp for kids. Limiting factors abounded; not ruling it out, but keeping the opportunity to build a camp further from reach. Today, Young Life finds itself in an open-handed posture, knowing God intended for the mission to have this incredible property, but unsure of what exactly God has in store for Tudor Farms.

God’s spirit and grace have been present throughout this process. Through hunting trips, hosting staff, volunteers and friends of the mission, God’s hand has clearly been on the property, transforming lives for His Kingdom. Unclear about what will ultimately happen with Tudor Farms, the mission is in the midst of discerning God’s direction.

Tudor Farms was sold in August, 2020 and is no longer a Young Life property.

“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does” (Psalm 145:13). Cambridge, Maryland

Tudor Farms is a gift that is beyond understanding and a statement of God’s dominion. It is an incredible property, however, at the time this section is being written, Young Life is not yet sure how it will be used longterm. Is there anything in your life that has happened, which you have no idea why? Whether easy or difficult, how are you opening your hands to God, trusting in His promises and faithfulness, and letting Him work in and through this situation?

LONEHOLLOW

Since 1946, Young Life camps have helped countless kids encounter Jesus in a life-changing way. But in the years before we owned these beautiful places, Jim Rayburn took boys into the great outdoors where they made their own adventures.

Since those modest offerings, the mission has purchased beautiful camping properties around the U.S. and the globe, but never in the state where Young Life was born. As Texas kids camped outside of the state summer after summer, many wondered if there would ever be a chance to purchase a camp here. During this time, God’s people prayed, watched and listened. In fact, for years one couple, Dan and Jenni Hord, hiked to the top of a ridge on their family’s ranch that overlooked a camp (Camp Lonehollow) and prayed specifically that Young Life would one day own that property.

In 2015, Young Life’s camping leadership organized a search team of staff and key volunteers, asking these men and women to create and implement a search criteria for the new camp. This eventually led them to Camp Lonehollow, a premier adventure camp aimed at enriching lives to create the next generation of leaders. While the property was still not for sale three years after they originally discovered it, the team re-engaged the owner and in the summer of 2018 she agreed to sell. God initiated the perfect intersection between the owner’s and the mission’s timing. It then became a question not of “should we purchase this camp?” but “could we?”

The pivotal moment arose when a team of board members along with mission and camping leadership toured the camp one final time. In a sacred meeting Bob Rowling (Dallas resident and Forward executive committee member) declared, “This is a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity and the greatest answer to prayer I’ve ever experienced.”

To back up his proclamation he offered a generous gift to begin the campaign. LoneHollow Ranch was an answer to decades of prayers, particularly those of Dan and Jenni Hord, for this was the camp they had literally prayed over for many years!

Billy Suess, Central Texas regional director, summed it up best by saying, “God used the original owners to unknowingly build a Young Life camp.” *

“I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.” (Psalm 40:1)

Utopia, Texas

As you look back, can you name times you have had to wait and trust the Lord would provide? After writing these down, consider what you might be waiting on the Lord for in your present circumstances. Write these down and lift them up in prayer to the One who hears your cry.

THE FINAL CHAPTER

Joining in God’s Generous Portions

Our hope is these reflections on God’s generous portions in Young Life camping have served to accomplish three things in your life. First, these true stories have inspired you in your faith. Second, that the Scripture excerpts and application questions have allowed you to slow down and reflect. And finally, you have been spurred on toward “love and good deeds.”

These are but a few stories of God’s many generous portions to Young Life thus far. We are confident He is not done and we are not done, so if this has inspired you to want to get more deeply involved in God’s redemptive work in kids’ lives through Young Life, we welcome you with open arms. If you would like to find out more about ways to be involved.

Thanks for taking the time to read Generous Portions. Please contact us at alumni@sc.younglife.org or find your local area here www.younglife.org/find

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds …”

(Hebrews 10:24).

We have amazing stories of generosity in this mission: Leaders giving their last bills of cash so a kid can go to camp, parents giving their home to Monday night Young Life clubs so often they had to re-carpet, and staff giving of their funds so other staff can “make it.”

The content of this “first edition” of Generous Portions is focused on some of the great and generous stories around Young Life camping.

— Eric Scofield Chief Development Officer