Luther Point Bible Camp's Executive Director's Report 

“The voice of truth tells me a different story. The voice of truth says, ‘Do not be afraid.’ And the voice of truth says, ‘This is for My glory’. Out of all the voices calling out to me, I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth.” Lyrics from “Voice of Truth” Casting Crowns

There is no doubt, 2009 has been another year of significant challenge for the camp and the overall ministry. It has also been a time of faithful witness and joyous celebration.

2009 is our 60 th Anniversary Year of celebrating ministry with campers and families since 1949. The camp was incorporated in 1946 and the first campers came in the summer of 1949. The camp hosted a 60 th Anniversary Kick off event in May with a camp open house and pancake breakfast. It was a cold, windy day which perhaps prevented some folks from coming out but the volunteers were fantastic. The culminating event for the 60 th was held on Saturday, September 19 th and included a staff alumni event, annual quilt auction, commemoration program, pig roast dinner and battle of the bands. Many good memories were shared and it was a good time for staff and campers to fellowship and reminisce about their time here at Luther Point.

The year round staff continue to work very hard and diligently for the sake of the camp ministry. We may be small in number, but we continue to do some amazing things to provide quality facilities, hospitality and care for all of our guests. A sincere word of thanks to the year round staff that continue to serve faithfully and with commitment.

Luther Point moved into a management agreement with Luther Park Bible Camp in Chetek, Wisconsin beginning September 19 th, 2009. Both camps are looking at what the future of outdoor ministries will look like in the years ahead. Perhaps there are ways for the camps to become more streamlined in our operations. From a stewardship perspective of trying to utilize staff and facilities more efficiently this could be a positive move for both camps.

The Opening More Doors Together campaign has slowed significantly this year with the national and international economic downturn. In anticipation of kicking off the congregational phase, church council visits were conducted in the spring of 2009. 58 church councils were visited with about 22 congregations responding with congregational leaders recruited. The Board of Directors moved the congregational leader training event back to January and February of 2010. This was done in part, in order to be sensitive to the realities that many congregations are facing with reduced giving and budget cuts due to the economic downturn. It will also allow more congregations the chance to recruit a congregational leader. The camp would like to see at least 40-50 churches with congregational leaders so the training events and the campaign can gain more momentum.

With the current financial state of the camp corporation, we are looking for a windfall of gifts from congregations and individual and family donors in the final months of 2009. The camp has consistently been in the black for general operating expenses and revenue for the past 15 years. If the support proves to be weak in the next two months, this could be the first time in many years that the camp would enter into the new year in the red financially.

Despite the many voices and messages that seem to be telling me that the camp ministry is going in the wrong direction. Despite the many voices that seem to say Bible camp ministry is not important to the congregations of our camp association. Despite the fact that I do personally get discouraged when I see camp participation declining and retreat activity dropping off dramatically. Despite all of this, I do hold firmly to ‘the voice of truth’ that says keep moving ahead faithfully, hold fast to God’s grace and mercy through our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.

hank you all for continuing to support, pray for and uplift the importance of this ministry in this time and place. Let us continue to trust in the voice of truth.

Together in Ministry for the sake of Christ Jesus our Lord ,

Rev. Craig M. Corbin, Executive Director