Winter 2013/2014 Volume 32 Number 2

2 newsletter winter 2013

The Wilds Christian Association, Inc. is an independent, nondenominational, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization created for the purpose of operating Christian camps and conference centers. We are fundamental in our beliefs, Bible-centered in our philosophy, and evangelistic in our outreach.

The Wilds Christian Association, Inc. presently operates a Christian camp and conference center in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina that is open year-round. The camp has a carefully selected and trained staff and averages over 20,000 campers per year. In 2009 The Wilds of New England began ministry at our campsite in Deering, New Hampshire. In this peaceful, rural setting we experienced good growth in attendance at our summer camps as well as in our limited fall schedule programs. We anticipate a continuing steady growth and expansion of the ministry at this New England location.

In addition to providing a God-honoring music publication service as an integral part of our ministry, The Wilds Christian Association, Inc. has also established the CampsAbroad program to assist others in the formation and operation of Christian camp ministries around the world.

The Wilds Christian Association, Inc. publishes The Wilds NewsLetter. Change of address information and comments should be sent to:

The Wilds Christian Association, IncPO Box 509 • Taylors, SC 29687-0009Phone: (864) 268-4760Fax: (864) 292-0743E-mail: newsletter@wilds.org

Visit our website at www.wilds.org or visit The Wilds Online Store at www.wilds.org/store.Editor: Ken CollierGraphic Designer: Craig Stouffer

Publications Coordinator: Vickie EbnerWinter 2013 • Volume 32 • Number 2© 2013 The Wilds Christian Association, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Wilds and CampsAbroad are registered trademarks of The Wilds Christian Association, Inc.

North Carolina Campsite:

The Wilds 1000 Wilds Ridge RoadBrevard, NC 28712-7273Phone: (828) 884-7811Fax: (828) 862-4813

New England Campsite:

The Wilds of New England1181 Deering Center RoadDeering, NH 03244-6529Phone/Fax: (603) 529-0001

Thank you for looking in on The Wilds Winter NewsLetter. We have just ministered through what we would term our fall season at The Wilds and The Wilds of New England, and the landscape has been beautiful. Nobody paints like the Lord paints! But God not only graciously colors His natural creations, He is actively “painting” in our lives and in the lives of our campers in the seasons of life!

I’ve always been a “definition freak” much to the chagrin of my eye-rolling staff, family, and friends. When we talk about a camp for all seasons, I simply must jump off with the definition of that word, season. A season is a period of time characterized by or associated with a particular activity or event. We’ve been through many seasons at The Wilds this year. Here are a few of the times and events through which we have progressed and been blessed!

Four Seasons: Our ministries are so blessed to be characterized by the fact that there are 4 distinct weather seasons at The Wilds and The Wilds of New England. God has placed us square in the beauty of His magnificent creation. Amazing and delightful!

One Big Season: It’s called summer season, but for us, it’s the season for a particular activity—weeklong camp for the junior and teen age groups! At The Wilds of New England, 1,366 teens, juniors, and sponsors enjoyed the campsite located in Deering, New Hampshire. Many found Christ as Savior and grew stronger in their faith! In North Carolina, 10,638 teens, juniors, adult sponsors, and family campers did the same. It was a season characterized by spiritual victory and by the blessing of safety for our campers.

seasons!A Camp for all

by Ken CollierPresident

The WildsBrevard, North Carolina

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A Season of Discipleship: Over 300 older high school and college-aged young adults got the education of their lives living and serving for 3 months during the summer at The Wilds and The Wilds of New England. Was it a “period of time characterized by” a transformation in their lives? Undoubtedly! Just ask one of them!

A Season for Beginning:We praise God for the inaugural year of a brand new and potentially life-changing program at The Wilds. The C.A.M.P. Program (Camp Apprenticeship & Ministry Practicum) officially began the last week of August and will run through mid-May each year. The program enrolls 20 students eager to learn camping and advance in their spiritual lives through discipleship. Already, staff, campers, and sponsors have commented positively about coming into contact with these fresh, enthusiastic staff members. They are diligent, godly, growing young adults. They seem to be everywhere and have added much to the camp experience.

A couple of testimonies from these students will be included later in the NewsLetter.

Seasons of Global Outreach: CampsAbroad participated with missionaries and national Christians all over the world to conduct 6 camps during 2013. What a great privilege we have to work with saints all over the world for the sake of the Gospel message!

Seasons of Transit ion: This year has been “a period of time characterized by” various transitions in the staff.

A young man from Oregon, fresh out of high school, was drafted by the New York Yankees as a first baseman but turned his back on that offer. Instead, he determined that God had drafted him into the ministry of the Gospel in a Christian college. While at Bob Jones University, he also determined that God would have him explore starting a Christian camp in the Southeast. He, along with Joe Henson and Carl Blythe, laid the foundation of what was to become known as The Wilds. That

man—Ken Hay—turned 80 on November 13th. While his age may make it seem as if he is in the “fall season” of life, his spirit says he is in the “spring season.” Happy Birthday, Doc Hay!

Ken Collier, after having served as director of The Wilds for 26 years, serves solely in the president’s role which he has held for the previous 7 years.

Matt Herbster was installed as director of The Wilds on September 2, 2013. His family, as most of you know, has gone through a serious transition with the home-going of his wife, Julie, on March 25th of this year. Please pray for Matt in his new role, and continue to pray for his family in all transitions.

Joe Fant has assumed the position of program director in Matt’s place. Pray for Joe as he manages the planning as well as the split-second decision-making it takes to keep hundreds of campers moving with fun and purpose each day.

Matt Taylor is the music director at The Wilds. Stepping into the position held by Mac Lynch is an imposing responsibility, but by God’s grace and through your prayers, Matt will continue to glorify the Lord in a very important position.

Seasons of Blessing: Please rejoice with us in these seasons of blessing, as rehearsed for you by the special servants that do the work of the ministry at The Wilds, The Wilds of New England, and CampsAbroad! In this NewsLetter, we want to show you in pictures and words how good God has been and how our staff has seen the hand of God work throughout the seasons this year! God has been with you and with us each step of the way.

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In my position, I get to see God provide financial blessings on a daily basis. In fact, I literally pray for God to give us [The Wilds] this day our daily bread. When things get “tight” on the economic front, it stretches my faith and puts me on my knees…and I’m sure that’s where I need to be more. All the staff covets and prays for God’s daily spiritual blessings, but it also takes the financial provision to keep the ministry open and functioning. The most humbling aspect of all of this provision is donations. It never ceases to amaze me that so many friends give faithfully and sacrificially to The Wilds. Praise God from Whom ALL blessings flow—the God of all seasons.

Gary WilliamsBusiness Director

The Craft Shop, as an arm of The Wilds program, is a lively AND MESSY place in the summer! During camper Freetime, one can find up to 100 intently focused young people busily “creating” leather crafts, painted wood or plaster items, or handmade jewelry. There are 9 Craft Shop workers—7 who are summer staff members. In the midst of the chaotic “creating,” pounding of leather hammers, and spilled paint, these workers are confronted daily with opportunities to practice our mission statement by patiently demonstrating the Truth of God with the love of God to each camper. As the summer staff members minister to the campers, the full-time staff, in turn, has the wonderful joy of investing in them. I have found that my favorite thing of the summer is the privilege of having 7 young women to disciple for 11 or 12 weeks. I love being around young people! Each of the girls this summer mentioned how life-changing it was and how excited they were to continue growing in knowing God. Now THAT is rewarding beyond description.

Mardi CollierCraft Shop Manager

Praises!Testimonies from our staff

Over the past year it has been fun to experience the different camping seasons for the first time. I have enjoyed the fall season bringing a change of pace from the packed summer schedule. While the spring camping season is similar to the fall in the types of camps we offer, we are also prepping for the arrival of 270 summer staff and more than 10,000 campers and sponsors. There were times this past spring that I wondered if all the necessary tasks would be complete in time for summer. Looking back now, I can see how God faithfully provided the strength and help to bring together multiple details so that campers' lives (and staff members' lives!) could be changed for His glory.

Meghan LeachNorth Carolina Office Manager

I’ve seen God provide a free 15 passenger van for some ministry partners in Mexico to continue holding mobile camps. And I’ve been humbled to receive offerings of $278 and $562.04. Both were given to send unsaved young people to camp. Both were given almost entirely in small change. Both represent the sacrifices of children for the cause of Christ.

Mat t CollierCampsAbroad Director

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I was able to witness many exciting works of God while traveling for CampsAbroad this year. Some of the most exciting reports, though, came through e-mails from ministries continuing to hold camps years after our training.

From Haiti:One very staunch Catholic young man attended camp free through a memorial scholarship gift given in honor of a son who passed away. The young man stated that he “found eternal life because of another young man’s death.”

Another camper said, “I come from a very poor family. I didn’t learn to read or write until I was 15. I blamed God for this. I stayed angry and fought with everyone. Then I got saved. From my Bible study this week, I see that God has a good plan for my life, and I can trust Him completely. I know He is making a way for me to live my life in difficult circumstances.”Another camper said, “Until I studied Jonah, I didn’t understand that disobedience has such big consequences.”

From Timothy: Camp Director from the Republic of Chad, to the CampsAbroad Committee

We thank you for your support in prayer and help which allows us to have the camp for the glory of God. We would like you to pray specially for Fatime and Abdoulay, these 2 Muslims who got saved. According to Abdoulay, he will have trouble with his mother who always took him to the mosque. Pray also for Caroline, the Catholic girl who got saved and gave us her “god of protection” given to her by her grandmother. We do not yet burn it. We kept it for the testimony. The Camp Joy committee and I thank God and all of you that have been involved in the ministry for the glory of God.

Dan BrooksAssistant Director CampsAbroad

Amy Brooks and I have the great privilege to co-manage the General Store. We are grateful and count it a blessing to have such a beautiful store to serve the campers. One way we have seen God work in our area of ministry is in helping customers find the right resource that they can take home to help them and their family grow and learn more about the Lord. It is neat to see their excitement to have something to help them or their family take that next spiritual step or just continue in the things that they have learned. We continue to work to add new resources that can help challenge and encourage campers in their walk with the Lord.

Ellen StonerGeneral Store Manager

Going into this year we recognized that we needed a season of maintenance rather than construction. Giving toward maintenance is not nearly as exciting as giving toward a great new project, but the Lord has provided this year through some specific donations, volunteers, and a couple incredible price quotes. These have allowed us to maintain a number of needy areas such as:

roofing staining replacing some air conditioners and water heaters replacing a walk-in cooler painting (inside and out) our 100,000 gallon water tank upgrading the Land Trolley replacing Fireplace Room chairs replacing bathhouse toilets

To a maintenance man, this was a very exciting year!

Rick StonerFacilities and Safety Director

After 37 years of serving behind the scenes in the Galley here at The Wilds, last May I made the transition over to Cool Beans Coffee Shoppe. What a fellowship place! It has been great to be able to actually see everyone face to face: greeting them with a smile, putting a little “extra” whipped cream on their coffee drinks, handing them a straw, or just catching up with their siblings, kids, and grandkids. These are just a few ways I would love to continue to let campers, sponsors, and staff know that we care for each and every one of them.

Cal MairCool Beans Coffee Shoppe Manager

For me, the most gratifying way that I have seen the Lord work is how He has put two great teams of people (both seasons of The Wilds Ministry Team) out on the road to minister in churches, schools, and youth rallies. Beginning with the initial contact with a pastor, working through a significant amount of details along the way, and then hearing about how blessed the churches and schools were to have our Ministry Team has been a great experience for me!

John Bot tProgram Marketing Director

6 newsletter winter 2013

I had the great privilege of watching God use the in-depth training of the CIT program to ignite and transform many teenagers for God this summer. To be able to noticeably see the difference in their lives was truly amazing. We’ve heard from youth pastors and parents that God is still doing His work in their lives!The sovereignty of God was clearly seen this summer in the way He used the Operational Staff to impact the campers. On several occasions, God strategically put the right Operational Staff member in the right place at the right time to give His Truth to campers in a way the Counseling Staff could not give it. What a blessing to see God use the “complete package” of staff this summer. Although tried and tested on many fronts, our sound systems were under the watchful eye of the Lord this summer. Despite the difficulties, not once was God’s Truth stopped from being heard. God’s Truth was proclaimed, and hundreds of campers responded to it!

Steve StodolaAssistant to the PresidentSummer Operational Staff Coordinator

We praise the Lord for a safe summer at the Lake. We had a great crew of lifeguards who were prepared and ready to handle emergencies. We are thankful the Lord kept everyone safe. We are also thankful that the Lord spiritually rescued a few souls at the Lake this summer. It is always neat for the lifeguards to see that God is using even the water activities to break down barriers.We are also thankful for a very experienced cleanup staff this year. They played a huge part in making sure things were ready for over 10,000 campers to come and hear God’s Truth. They cheerfully served behind the scenes and made our campers feel like we were expecting them. They served in a lot of unusual ways this summer whether it was helping other departments or jumping in on contingency plans because of all the rain. We are thankful for how the Lord used them to encourage us!

Andrew StonerCleanup & Lake Supervisor

Band-Aids, decongestants, ace wraps, and freezy pops! That is our department in a nutshell. While there is “a little more” that goes on in the Health Service Building, we are privileged to clean scrapes, bandage cuts, and calm the faint of heart. As nurses, we get to see God use our interaction with campers concerning sickness and injuries as a way to build bridges and help them continue to have an enjoyable camp

experience. Sometimes a smile with some sympathy is the right prescription. Other times, it is reminding the camper that “God is in control” and “God cares about and loves you, even if you’re not feeling well." It is a joy to work with people who love the Lord and have the same common goal...pointing others to Christ in every situation.

Cherie MealsHealth Service Supervisor

I have the privilege of preaching to the campers on a weekly basis here in North Carolina and seeing God work through the power of His Word. It is so encouraging to see God saving teens on a regular basis and watching as teens dedicate their lives to Him. God truly is at work, and we have a front row seat to watch Him change people’s lives.

Joe FantProgram Director

After a summer of major rains and wear and tear on the soggy Ballfield, the Lord provided a donation of seed, fertilizer, and lime for the renovation of the destroyed Ballfield. In addition, we also received a new mower and 4-wheeler upgrade to care for the grounds in the future.

Doug GorslineLandscape Supervisor

We have been praying that God would give us a dry end of summer and fall season so the field would be dryer which would enable the leach field project to go smoothly. God gave us a very dry fall season.

Roland BougieTWNE Maintenance Supervisor

Our mission statement for the Snack Shop is “to be the fun and refreshing place to make lasting memories.” We desire that to be true in the lives of campers who come to the Snack Shop counter as well as in the lives of those who work behind the counter. This summer we had the opportunity to minister to hundreds of campers as they came to be refreshed. We also had 43 different staff members rotate through the Snack Shop to work behind the counter. We witnessed campers and staff alike come to the Snack Shop burdened down and leave with lighter loads. It is a special place to work!

Rhonae StodolaSnack Shop Assistant Manager

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Philippians 4:6 states Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. The past few years the Lord has allowed me to serve at The Wilds of New England as the Sweet Shoppe Manager. Each summer and fall I can honestly say that I have personally experienced the truth of this verse. Most recently, the Lord provided a much needed third blender to keep up with the demand of making Nor’eastahs and milkshakes. When I had a need and began to worry about how it was going to be taken care of, I was reminded to trust God. Each time that I stepped aside, I saw God provide and take care of the Sweet Shoppe.

Joy HibbardTWNE Sweet Shoppe Manager

What a privilege it is to be able to work and live at The Wilds! Recently I have witnessed first-hand the provision and goodness of God as He brought the perfect crew for the kitchen this summer. These past few months my area of this ministry experienced quite a bit of transition. After 37 years of faithful service in the kitchen here at camp, Cal Mair made his way across the parking lot to Cool Beans and handed me the responsibility of managing the kitchen and Dining Hall. Cal is a very good teacher, however, and I can’t imagine this transition having gone any smoother. The changes continued this summer, when, for the first time in over 20 years, we had some young ladies helping in the kitchen with the cooking and food preparation duties. The sweet spirit these 3 godly young ladies brought to the kitchen crew of 13 was refreshing. God provided the exact crew needed, because right in the middle of the summer, my family experienced a transition of its own as Tracy baby #4, Emmalynne Claire, was born on July 10th. If it weren’t for God’s provision of a great crew this summer, and His grace in providing me with a great teacher, it would have been difficult to be out of the kitchen for 5 days in the middle of our busiest season. This is another small evidence reinforcing the truth that God will take care of us. (Matthew 6:25-34)

Mat t TracyFood Service Manager

I’ve had a part in monitoring our social media, and we frequently receive messages from people who have been touched by the ministry of The Wilds. In some cases it’s people talking about how God used The Wilds in their lives, and in some it’s them thanking us for our involvement in the lives of someone close to them. There’s not much cooler than that!

Joel RowleyNorth Carolina IT Supervisor

Praise the Lord for allowing the Cool Beans Coffee Shoppe to be used as a place of ministry for our campers this

summer. Our shop was often occupied by counselors and campers pouring over God’s Word together as they enjoyed a relaxed atmosphere and a Cool Beans drink. Cool Beans is also blessed to have a donation of new chairs to replace our well used black chairs.

Sonja GorslineCool Beans Coffee ShoppeAssistant Manager

I see God working at The Wilds office in Taylors, South Carolina, through the lives of those around me. While a lot of what goes on in our office is “behind the scenes,” I get to see the hard work that goes into getting campers to camp. Whether it is answering the phone, recording donations, registering campers, taking music orders, making sure the computers are working, or handling details for a golf tournament, I am privileged to see how much the people in our office love God and others.

Susan BurkeSouth Carolina Office Manager The Lord allowed us to add professional

laser tag as a permanent activity through the sacrificial giving from a friend of TWNE. This became one of the campers' favorite activities this past summer!

Josh PratherTWNE Program

8 newsletter winter 2013

Changing seasons. Transitions. Moves. Shifts. In most places these are not all that uncommon. Transition happens at the White House (every 4 or 8 years and more often in the congressional branch of our government), in sports, in large corporations, and in small businesses. But major transition has been unusual here at The Wilds. Only 3 directors in 44 years? I had 4 youth pastors in 6 years! God has blessed The Wilds with great staff stability, and we have not had to go through this type of change very often.

Guess what? Change also happened in the Bible, and one of the more obvious transitions was that from Moses to Joshua in leading the children of God. While Ken Collier would not claim to be Moses, I’m definitely no Joshua, and I’m pretty sure our staff does not want to be compared to the Israelites, there are some things we can learn from this time in Israel’s history. And while the circumstances that necessitated the change in leadership from Moses to Joshua are not similar to our circumstances (Moses was dying and was moving on because of disobedience—neither of which fits with Ken), there are plenty of other similarities between this godly man Moses and Ken Collier. I

think it is important to celebrate God’s goodness in using Ken Collier as the Director of this ministry.

Numbers 12:3 says, Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth. Does this not speak to what we have learned from the lips and life of Ken Collier? While attending a leadership conference at The Wilds of the Rockies during my junior year in high school, I remember being challenged about “laying aside my crown, picking up a towel, and washing dirty feet,” “Just two choices on the shelf, pleasing God or pleasing self,” and “The man with the dirtiest towel wins.” This has been Ken’s life. He has taught us. Nearly every one of us on The Wilds staff has experienced his mercy. We have had kindness shown to us when we deserved harshness. He has given patient thoughtfulness when we deserved a quick judgment. This camp is known for a servant’s spirit because our leader has modeled it. It would not be a stretch at all for me to say (in the realm of people on this earth that I know personally) “Ken Collier is very meek, above all the men whom I know on the face of this earth.” Thankfully Ken is not going anywhere. It is a privilege for me to be able to

continue to serve with him and learn from him.

Speaking of Moses, Deuteronomy 34:10-11 says, And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face,

none like him for all the signs and the wonders that the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land. No wonder Joshua (because of following a man like Moses) had to be told at his commissioning service in Deuteronomy 31 and then again after Moses had died to be strong. He was told this 3 times in the first 9 verses of Joshua 1. Phrases like I will not forsake you and do not be frightened were spoken to Joshua. Why did God have to keep reassuring Joshua? Why did God have to keep repeating be strong and courageous? Well, how would you feel following a man like Moses? The 10 plagues. The Red Sea. The 10 Commandments. Manna. Quail. Loved by all (the people mourned for him for 30 days). Moses was greatly used of God, and God has greatly used Ken Collier to lead this ministry to wonderful new heights for God’s glory.

I take great comfort in the reminders given to Joshua. I need them greatly…more than ever in my life. Only God

by Matt Herbster

Director, The Wilds

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by Matt Herbster Director • The Wilds

Brevard, North Carolina

could plan this kind of changing season for me in the midst of the hardest personal change I will most likely ever go through. I need: Be strong and of a good courage…the Lord, He it is that doth go before thee; He will be with thee, He will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed (Deuteronomy 31:7-8). I don’t know how to be a director. I don’t know how to fill the shoes of a Ken Collier, but I have a great God Who tells me I can be strong in Him!

The Wilds is not broken. That’s an obvious statement! This transition is not happening because Ken Collier was failing. Not even close! I’m not coming in as director feeling like I need to fix anything in particular. I’m simply hoping to not mess anything up! If you think that doesn’t sound like I have any vision, you must not know me well! I have too much vision sometimes. My point is simply to say that The Wilds is strong right now and by God’s grace I want to do my part to make sure it stays that way.

What change is God leading you through right now? Be strong in the Lord. May God give us all the courage and strength to be strong in Him so we can show the next generation the glory and goodness of our great God.

C.A.M.P. stands for Camp Apprenticeship and Ministry Practicum and is designed to give young adults the true camp experience! The program runs from August to May.

C.A.M.P. is primarily designed for young adults who are college age or recent college graduates. Because it is a paid position, only a limited number of positions will be available each year, and most decisions for the upcoming year will be made in March.

The C.A.M.P. program is sure to give a broad ministry experience that will be helpful in future occupations. Through the unique benefits of camping, these individuals will develop their interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and philosophy of Biblical ministry. The intent of the program is to equip them to become more grounded in the Bible and versatile in ministry.

C.A.M.P.2013-2014 Participants

Top Row: Joe Baker-Greenville, SC; Jason Clark-Decatur, AL; Joshua Yates-Ravenna, MI; Chad Choquette-Rindge, NH2nd Row: Nate Krug-Goulais River, Canada; Jacob Fafard-Agawam, MA; Michael Cutler-Kansas City, MO; Thomas Burns-Clayton, NC; Caleb Fordham-Daleville, AL3rd Row: Ethan Ellison-Maysville, NC; Rebecca Petty-Swansboro, NC; Monica Mulder-Marshaltown, IA; Anna Brooks-Greenville, SC; Rachel Smitley-Greer, SCBottom Row: Lauren Champ-Brevard, NC; Holly Matthews-Middleton, TN; Tara Anastos-Raleigh, NC; Holly Broadwater-Jane Lew, WV; Candace Montgomery-Springfield, GA; Katrina Reed-Andrews, NC; Titus Hopper-Valley Center, KS

10 newsletter winter 2013

Missionaries that we meet in tropical climates sometimes like to joke that they experience 2 seasons: “hot and dry” or “hot and rainy.” Or some claim 3: hot, hotter, and hottest. Personally, I’m extremely grateful that I get to experience 4 distinct seasons every year—I love the variety! But I’m also thankful for those who are faithfully serving the Lord in less than ideal environments.

When it comes to international camping, 2 seasons have consistently proven to be the busiest: summer and winter. Summer is the obvious one. After all, in the U.S. we call it “summer camp”! For many Americans, winter conjures up images of ice and snow and diving temperatures. Those are not exactly the best conditions to send kids off to experience outdoor activities—that is, unless you happen to live in the southern hemisphere—where our winter is their summer. For example, winter in

Brazil runs from July to September. And of course if you do happen to live near the equator, you don’t really have winter at all. All these factors result in plenty of year round opportunities for camping. You just have to watch out for “typhoon season” and “malaria season”!

Besides weather, the school system remains the biggest variable we face in planning international camps. Schools in developing nations are notorious about changing school dates without warning and for no apparent reason. Schools in other cultures have given education priority over everything else. We’ve had more than one camp submarined by last minute exams. But that’s just a chance we are willing to take—because the benefits far outweigh the risks. One thing is certain: the ever-fluctuating seasons of international ministry guarantee that we will never get bored!Th

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In 2014, CampsAbroad is pursuing opportunities in the Philippines, China, Peru, Malawi, Hong Kong, Mexico, Lebanon, Nicaragua, India, Mongolia, and Australia.

by Matt Collier Director • CampsAbroadBrevard, North Carolina

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by Rand HummelDirector • The Wilds of New England

Deering, New Hampshire

New England has 4 distinct yet beautiful seasons, each with its own character and appeal. New England wakes up in the spring as the crocuses and daffodils peak their heads up through the lingering snow. Summer in New England is alive with blue skies, ice cream, green grass, ice cream, and summer camp at TWNE in full swing (and did I mention ice cream?). New England’s fall foliage is unbelievable as God takes His creative paint brush and turns the entire countryside into an unsurpassed art gallery with bright oranges, magnificent yellows, and the distinctive reds of the sugar maple. Winter is a magical season as the Currier and Ives touch falls on the New England town centers, mountains, and valleys turning them into live Christmas cards.

God has made everything—that is everything—beautiful in His time—even you! Whatever season of life you find yourself in, God has a purpose and a plan to use you now, in this very season of life, for His glory. As new creations in Christ, God will use His Word and His Spirit to develop godly characteristics in you such as love, joy, peace, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Nothing is more meaningful and beautiful than a joyful child, a loving teen, a discerning young adult, and an understanding grandparent. No matter what season we are in, God works in us by giving us both the desire and the power to please Him. All we need is to humble ourselves before Him in whatever season of life we find ourselves. (Ecclesiastes 3:11; Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:22; Proverbs 2:2-3; Philippians 2:13; James 4:6)

GREETiNGS from The Wilds of New England!

To every thing there is a season, and a t ime to every purpose under the heaven: He hath made every thing beaut iful in His t ime.

Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11a

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Of all the typical reasons listed for the benefits of playing golf, seeing life-changing, eternal results in the lives of young people is not usually one of them. However, for the past 21 years, The Wilds has been hosting an annual fall Golf Tournament in which the primary use of the funds raised has provided camp scholarships for needy, “at risk” young people. A week in the mountains of North Carolina at The Wilds or in the hills of New Hampshire at The Wilds of New England can be a mountaintop experience that cultivates changed lives. Read what some of those “beneficiaries” have to say, and, if you are like me, you may want to grab a box of tissues!

• Thank you for all of the fun adventures. Thank you for letting me talk to God and get saved.

• I love the way you guys get us to know about Jesus.

• It’s crazy how 5 days can change your entire perspective about yourself and your walk with God. The whole week was just a big “wake up!” button in my heart, refreshing my mind, and showing me how great God’s power and glory is when you put your faith in Him.

• Thank you for sponsoring me for a week of teen camp this summer. I had a great time. Thank you for the meals, my favorite was the pizza! I really enjoyed the services. I appreciated hearing about God’s forgiveness.

• This year, we were able to take four teenagers to camp. Each of these teens is involved in our bus ministry, comes from a difficult home situation, and is not accustomed

to the godly environment they were able to experience at The Wilds. It was a blessing to hear how God showed these young people how the gospel of Jesus Christ enables us to overcome sin and bitterness and actually lead lives that are useful to the Lord.

• Thank you for making it possible for these young ladies to come to camp at The Wilds! You had just as much a part in leading these children to Christ as did the staff, counselors, our speaker, and our church ministry. Words can’t really express our gratitude for your supplying the funds.

• I got a lot out of the services and the Christian life seminars. I have learned that God is all I need to succeed in life and through Him nothing is impossible. I accepted God into my life. I had a lot of fun playing the games also. My favorite was probably the group cat in the hat game in the rain!

• If it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t have gone to camp this year. Words do not describe how thankful I am for you.

• This was an amazing week. The Lord and the people worked wonders in my life. I realized that before I fix things with the people around me, I have to fix things with God. And I have a lot of things to fix with Him. I want to prove to myself and the people around me that I am NOT a failure and I can do great things with God’s help.

• Thank you for giving me one of the best weeks of my life. God impacted me about my relationship with my mom.

Reasonsby Dick Reid

Vice President • The WildsTaylors, South Carolina

www.wilds.org 13

• The Wilds has introduced me to new lessons that I will keep with me for the rest of my life as my search for even more lessons continues. I am very grateful for the pushing in the right direction, the only direction.

• Overall I had a great week, despite the rain which actually helped make many more memories. Thank you so much to all the kitchen staff for planning, cooking, and organizing all the meals. Thank you to the nurse’s station, all the store staff, op staff, and a huge thank you goes to the counselors and people who cleared paths, built bridges, and monitored/worked in the pouring rain so that we campers could walk places and stay safe. That was by far the most memorable experience of camp, and I’m so thankful I came!

Some might think that I have the most boring job at The Wilds—working in the Greenville office, away from both campsites where all of the “excitement” takes place. However, God provides encouragement when I read testimonies like these from grateful campers who, through the generous support we receive from our golfers and other friends like many of you, were able to attend. They reaffirm to me what an honor and privilege it is to have a very small part in this God-blessed ministry, and I am quickly reminded that participating in any small way in God’s work of changing lives is never boring! I TRUST that you will also be zealous and content in the work God has called you to do for Him.

AItems received:2 Pneumatic Sanders • Network Laser PrinterCommercial Food Processor • Glucometer Test Strips2 Traffic Safety Vests • 4 Radio Chest Harnesses1 HeadlampNeeds:

Rescue Backboard and Headblocks - $250 Battery DeWalt Sawzall - $100 Caulk Guns (4) - $15 each Portable Woodburning Firepits (2) - $100 each Safety Glasses (24) - $5 each Dust Masks (3 boxes) - $15 each Office Chairs (2) - $270 each Adult Blood Pressure Cuff - $30 Child Blood Pressure Cuff - $30 Swiffer Sweeper Vac Starter Kit - $40 Swiffer Sweeper Vac Refills - $8

NItems received:1 Mattress • 8 Playground Balls • BasketballGenerator • Pop-up Display • Food Processor16 Funtime Costume Shirts

Needs: Stihl Weed Trimmers (2) - $329 each Mattresses (39) - $125 each Mattress Covers (35) - $48 each Sta-Rite Pool Filter Set - $500 Basketballs (5) - $25 each Par-can Stage Lights (9) - $38 each Dimmer Packs (4) - $225 each Professional Blender - $820 Professional Coffee Grinder - $575 Espresso Grinder - $200 Aprons (7) - $9 each

Needs CornerThe

I want to help A or N

Enclosed is a gift toward the cost of the indicated need.

Rev./Dr.Mr./Mrs./Miss _________________________

Address _____________________________

City _______________ State ___ Zip ______

Mail to: The Wilds • PO Box 509 • Taylors, SC 29687-0009

14 newsletter winter 2013

Careers:Eric (’96,’97) and Elizabeth [Uppena] Gustafson (’97) live in Pennsylvania, where Eric is the senior pastor at Paradise Valley Baptist Church in the Poconos. Elizabeth serves as the church secretary. They have six children: Abigail-13, Emma-11, Anne-9, Erin-8, Andrew-4, and Ethan-2.

Mark (’01,’04) and Candy [Blow] Martin (’01,’02,’03) live in Anderson, South Carolina, where Mark is the youth and music pastor at Oakwood Baptist Church. They have three children: Lily-4, Micaiah-2, and Levi James, born 8/27/12.

Chris (’01,’02,’03,’04) and Susana [Cooper] McAviney (’02,’03,’04) live in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, where Chris is the pastor of Mountain View Bible Church.

Weddings:Amber Mills & Aaron Armstrong (’09,’10), 3/9/13.

Kayla Murray (’07,’11-’12) & Keith Billings (’11,’12), 7/27/13.

Hannah Thompson (’10,’11) & Ransom Love, 5/18/13.

Ashley Burchett (‘08’09,’10-’12) & Jed Roberts (’09,’10,’11-’12), 5/24/13.

Cerelle Shultz (’81,’82-’92) & James Tolleson, 3/2/13.

Fleur Allen (’07,’08) & Matthew Weathers (’04,’05,’07), 7/20/13.

Births:Wes & Kami [Wickensimer] Carr (’99,’00,’02,’03,’04), Sullivan Marshall, 7/21/13.

Brett (’03,’04,’05,’06,’07-’08) & Elisabeth [Mohler] Castelloe (’03,’04,’05,’06-’08), Hope Christine, 4/23/13.

Christopher & Stephanie [Moss] Dale (’03,’04,’05,’06-’08), Parker Alan, 6/9/13.

Michael (’03,’04,’05,’06,’07,’08) & Natalie [Collier] Durso (’00,’01,’02,’03, ’04,’05,’07,’08), Shadric (Shad) Mccrae, 6/8/13.

Shawn (’99,’00,’02,’03) & Valerie [Lightfoot] Hatcher (’00,’01,’02,’03), Abigail Faith, 12/26/12.

Mark (’87,’88,’89,’90,’91-’97) & Kim [Lamb] Gillen (’91-’97), Suzannah Ruth, 5/3/13.

Drew & April [Thornton] Peters (’95,’96,’97,’99,’00), Shepherd Spencer, 1/12/13.

William & Mary [Berg] Schleifer (’04), Miranda Violet, 6/7/13.

Scott & Hannah [Jewell] Shafran (’01,’02), Eli Bentley, 2/16/13.

With the Lord:Mark Neiger (’13), 9/26/13.

Former Staff, help keep us updated on your career moves, marriage, and children! Send announcements to: The Wilds, Where Are They Now?PO Box 509Taylors, SC 29687-0009or e-mail formerstaff@wilds.org.

Sweetheart overnight Getaway February 14-15 – Hummels

Ladies’ Retreats March 14-15 – Laurie Beachell April 11-12 – Barb Leatherwood

Spring Weekend Family Camp March 21-23 – Jason Ormiston

College & Career Retreat March 28-30 – Joe Fant

Senior Adult Conference April 15-18 – Billy Martin

Father/Son Campout May 2-3 – Brad Higgins

Couples’ Conference May 2-4 – Steadmans

For more information about these retreats, go to www.wilds.org/camps/adultfamily or contact our registration secretary at tw.spring.camps@wilds.org or (864) 331-3293.

www.wilds.org 15

Staff News:Andy Anglea and Carrie Cummings were married on August

17, 2013. They live at our North

Carolina campsite, where Andy

works in our IT department and

Carrie works in our office.

Joe and Becky Fant are happy

to announce the arrival of their

son, Kossler Joseph. He was born

October 30, 2013, weighed 7

pounds 4 ounces, and was 19 inches

long. He is welcomed home by his

big sister, Karis.

Brandon and Jessica Hamilton

are happy to announce the arrival

of their son, Colton James. He was

born July 9, 2013, weighed 8 pounds

11 ounces, and was 24 inches long.

Joel and Hannah Rowley are

happy to announce the birth of

their son, Caleb Matthew. He was

born November 8, 2013, weighed

7 pounds 11 ounces, and was 20

inches long. He is welcomed home

by big sister, Lauren.

Matt and Heather Tracy are happy

to announce the arrival of their

daughter, Emmalynne Claire. She

was born July 10, 2013, weighed 6

pounds 13 ounces, and was 20.5

inches long. She is welcomed home

by siblings, Noah, Caedon, and

Taylor-Grace.

Charlene Brooks is serving as our

pianist and administrative assistant

for the music office. Jai Johnston is

serving in the kitchen as one of our

cooks. Chris “Moose” Pleasants

is serving as a construction

assistant. Joe Wisener is serving

as our videographer and an audio

assistant.

MICHAEL ANTHONY TIMOTHY ARTUS Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Timm Artus

ELEANOR ASHE Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Sprout

OWEN BLACKWOOD Given by: Mr. & Mrs. William Shifflett

MATTIE RUTH BULLOCK Given by: Mrs. Marie Cobb

GEORGE CHALKER Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Sprout

SHIRLEY COLE Given by: Mrs. Marie Cobb

SANDIE COOPER Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Billy Kincaid and Caleb

MR. & MRS. ROY R. CRAWFORD, JR. Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Scott McCracken

MIKE GREENE Given by: Rev. & Mrs. Rick Greene

ROGER HENRY Given by: Dr. & Mrs. Ken Collier The Richard Mowrey Family

JONATHAN HAMILTON Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Doug Gorsline • Mr. & Mrs. Steve López Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Sprout

JULIE HERBSTER Given by: Anonymous • Mr. & Mrs. Joel Brighton Mrs. Pat Burrell • Mr. & Mrs. Tom Butts James R. Clark • Dr. & Mrs. Ken Collier Mr. & Mrs. Robert Coursey • Mr. & Mrs. William Shifflett Rev. & Mrs. George Stiekes • Mr. & Mrs. Paul Wickensimer

RONALD HILL Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Rick Stoner

JAMES H. HUGHES Given by: Ismael Gullon

EVELYN HULICK Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Miles Heitzenrater

DON JOHNSON Given by: The Vernon Perry Family

JOANIE LESLIE Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Sprout

JEROME LINDSEY Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Sprout

TODD LURTEY Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Doug Gorsline

DAVE MATSON Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Rick Stoner

ELWOOD MOHL Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Al Kaniss

MILDRED MOONEY Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Matthews

LUCAS ROBERT NICHOLS Given by: Mr. & Mrs. John Byers • Mrs. Katherine Franks

JUSTIN JOHN RIDLEY Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Carl Boone

TEEKA SAILORS Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Sprout

ERIN HOXWORTH STIEKES Given by: Rev. & Mrs. George Stiekes

GEORGE & GRACE THOMPSON Given by: Rev. & Mrs. Marc Mortensen

DAVID WENGER Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Bob Stoner

RICK WONG Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Sprout

GIFTS GIVEN IN HONOR OF:ELIZABETH CARRICK Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Gene Carrick

Honor a loved one or friend with a Living Memorial gift to The Wilds.

In Memory Of:Rev./Dr./Mr./Mrs./Miss ________________________________________________________Please send card to:Rev./Dr./Mr./Mrs./Miss _______________________________________________________Address ____________________________________________________________________City ____________________________________________State _______Zip ______________Given by:Rev./Dr./Mr./Mrs./Miss ________________________________________________________Address _____________________________________________________________________City ____________________________________________State ______ Zip ______________Phone _______________________________________________________________________

The Wilds Living Memorials • PO Box 509 • Taylors, SC 29687-0009

Memorial gifts received as of October 31, 2013

memorialsliving

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDGREENVILLE, SCPERMIT NO. 687

Fall 2012

PO Box 509Taylors, SC 29687-0009

Address Service Requested

Join us at The Wilds this summer!You don’t want to miss the unique games, the exciting high-flying, free-falling Land Trolley and Giant Swing, the incredible Freetime activities, the piled-high plates of good grub, and a hilarious, side-splittin’ Funtime skit performance! Best of all, the crews all pause with anticipation to listen to godly, caring men bring God’s Word with excitement and precision. Join us for the greatest week of your summer!

For more information about this camp, go to www.wilds.org/camps/youth/summer-teen or contact one of our registration secretaries at tw.summer.camps@wilds.org or (864) 331-3286.