One-Hunder-Ten: 2015 Annual Ministry Report
As I wind down year number one as a staff member at Mount Hermon, I have enjoyed experiencing Family Camps, guest groups, marriage retreats, men’s and women’s gatherings, teen weekend camps, and so much more. But that is nothing compared to God completing one-hundred-ten years of impactful ministry at this special place. Think of that, 110 years of God’s hand upon this place!
Mount Hermon has experienced 110 years of staying on track biblically, 110 years of consistent faith and prayer, 110 years of God’s bountiful provision, 110 years of people choosing eternity, 110 years of marriages strengthened, 110 years of children and youth having the time of their lives, 110 years of godly leadership and staff, 110 years of people being refreshed and renewed, 110 years of families being together, 110 years of strong biblical teaching, 110 years of s’mores (not sure about the accuracy on this one), and 110 years of God’s hand working, moving, and blessing. 110 years. Wow!
Before we move forward I want to look back on what God has done at Mount Hermon this past “one” year. We will never know all the lives that were touched and transformed by the Lord, but we continue to be amazed at how many people God brings to Mount Hermon to be renewed, refreshed and transformed by Him. Each number I share represents people, lives that our Lord loves.
Last summer we served approximately 19,500 people in various ways and forms, from Kidder Creek to Ponderosa Lodge to Redwood Camp to Family Camp to Saturday night concerts to our zip line canopy tours. That’s just the summer. In the fall we saw over 700 Jr. High and High School students attend our “Fall Frenzy” weekend camps. This past year we had a combination of over 1,900 attend Mount Hermon sponsored women’s and men’s retreats, and more than 200 people at our couple’s retreats. On top of all this were thousands of people that enjoyed our grounds in guest group settings throughout the year. Overall Mount Hermon touches some 70,000 people in “one” year.
My favorite number that stands out from this past year is what God did at Ponderosa Lodge last summer. Only God knows the true number, but 258 Jr. High and High School students indicated that they made first-time decisions for Jesus Christ. Praise God! Look at what a few Ponderosa students said about their summer experience:
“Mount Hermon was one of the best weeks of my life. I was able to connect with God on a deeper level and I love how close I got to my cabin. It was my first time at camp so everything was
new and absolutely fantastic. I will 100% be returning next summer.”
“My week at Mount Hermon was really incredible and life changing. I really learned a lot more about God and it’s just an amazing feeling. Mount Hermon is really the best.”
“This was both a time to have fun and be myself, and a time to accept God and worship Him. This week, I first accepted the Spirit, and it has been one of the best weeks of my life.”
This is why Mount Hermon has been standing for 110 years. This is God’s place, and His hand continues to move in lives as He refreshes, renews and transforms.
One-hundred-ten with one outcome – glory to God!
