My, a lot has happened in a month, hasn’t it! Last month, we were planning and smiling, scurrying about getting our camp and facilities ready for our largest summer attendance; we had hired a team of new part-time staff to help with spring grounds work and building painting; we were preparing for our largest summer camp attendance ever; we were outside in large groups, working and playing together, smiling, and totally ignorant of…COVID-19. My, how things can change almost overnight!
If you’re at all like me, then you’re a little bit confused, a little bit concerned, a little bit questioning, a little bit preparing, and a lot PRAYING. God, what are YOU doing? What are You teaching us through this? What are You teaching me? What are You teaching Americans? What are You teaching American politicians and worldwide systems? And what do You want us to do – each day? Are there lessons here about fear? About faith? About reactions? About having an Eternal versus a Temporal mindset? Teach us Lord, and let us learn from You through this. God never promised us all the answers. And He certainly never promised ease and convenience. We are reminded, as I’m sure you are as well, to “cast your cares upon the Lord; for He cares for you.”
Financially, like many other organizations, Oakridge has been hit hard, and we would ask for your prayers. We have already lost about $180,000 in spring and summer cancellations. Just like that, our potential biggest summer ever, with over 3,300 campers, has turned into a big question mark. Oakridge generates about 65% of its total ministry income in the summer, and now we are facing a question mark with finances as well. God, we look to You, and we trust You. Oakridge can definitely use your prayers and financial support at this time.
We are praying and planning that it will be safe to move forward with our summer camp programming. Lord willing, Oakridge is not going anywhere, and we believe it will be so healing to have a spiritually focused time with peers after isolation. It could be the most important summer of camp yet! We are asking parents and groups leaders to wait as long as possible to make any decisions to cancel camp plans for the summer. We will all know so much more in mid-May, and can plan together then how to best ensure a safe and meaningful summer of camp for our kids and youth!
Let us encourage each other to be strong in faith, hope and love; and to keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus, the Author and Completer of our faith. Think of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. What a crazy time in our nation to stop and ponder the ultimate sacrifice of our incredible Savior. Think of what Jesus endured for you and me. Let's be careful to not let the fear of a virus get the best of our spirituality. If God planned and orchestrated the death, burial and resurrection of His only Son for our good and His glory, surely COVID-19 isn't catching Him by surprise. Be strong in faith, my friends.
We wish you God’s deepest blessings of comfort, encouragement, strength and peace. We stand with you in God’s Kingdom as we all work through this difficult chapter of life together. I’m sure you have your stories of questioning and confusion, as do we; but God will show the way. Let us know of any prayer requests you wish to share with the team at Oakridge. Thanks for your friendship, encouragement, prayers and support. It means so much.
Blessings from the Oakridge family,
Brian Ball
