Credo Extra Friends & Family Retreat Camp Success Beyond What We Could Have Asked or Hoped From seven families last year, the recent Family Retreat hosted 21 families, filling the resort on the shores of Pigeon Lake to capacity. Over and over again, the testimony from family and volunteers was that God had done this. For the second year, a partnership between Christian Horizons and Joni and Friends (JAF) became a life changing event at Elim Lodge from Aug. 27 to Aug 31. Chantal Huinink, coordinator of the team of Short Term Missionairies (STM), said she “never, ever, ever, ever thought the retreat could get so big so fast in one year. “The week has been so safe and so enjoyable. We couldn’t have planned it this way—it’s God’s working.” She said she can’t wait to see what God is going to do next year. “We’ll be back here at Elim for sure.” The big question is how many other camps will there be next summer. Discussions will start in October to determine if a second Family Retreat in Ontario is possible. Talks are also underway to establish first time camps in Alberta and British Columbia. Janet Nolan, CEO of Christian Horizons, said that this camp was a “huge step forward” for the organization. She said she believed that the family camp concept is going to be an important focus and success for Christian Horizons in the years to come as a way to reach out to families with a real need. Andrea Kelly and Laura Nixon, two Short Term Missionaries at the camp, were also there to do research on behalf of their church in Calgary. Both girls agreed that they have had a wonderful experience and feel there is a need for a similar camp in Alberta. “We came here to experience it first hand.” The Centre Street Church in Calgary where the girls attend, has a large special needs group of 170 families. “I can see it being very popular. We are actively looking for possible campsites.” A contingent from Christian Horizons will be travelling to British Columbia this fall to meet with a church board and staff. Heather Siebenmorgen, Director of CH Global, said one of the opportunities to discuss is the family camp. “That may even happen next summer as they do have access to a camp site.” Neil Cudney, Director of Pastoral Ministries, predicts that within five years there will be five camps happening in Canada — “including a second one here in Ontario. Growth seems inevitable. Thea Hiemstra who was at the Elim camp with her daughter warned organizers to expect a lot more people next year. “I have no doubt this will happen. We have the framework and structure to go ahead and create these experiences for families.” He said the camps will have a Canadian identity but keep connected with the Joni and Friends theme. Laura said the church has run family weekends in teepees. But she said there is a real need for the week long experience. “You realize we are all going to go home and share with other families what a great time we had.” Laura (l) and Andrea (r) from Alberta joined the STM team of 41 to see what it’s all about. Hold on to your hats. But Neil is not worried… “God always provides what we need.” Credo Extra—Friends and Family Retreat Page 2 Reflections on the Week at Camp Below is a compilation of the comments from families and STM’s: “Tubing was the highlight. Our son was smiling from ear to ear afterwards.” “Each person in our family had a true vacation, sometimes individually and sometimes together. A huge answer to prayer.” “The highlight was getting to share experiences and the faithfulness from other parents, some of them having more than one child with a disability. They are doing well, in their trust in the Lord, and Myles and STM Corina enjoy the through church or Christian double tube ride. Horizons support.” centred emphasis.” “Our family loved everything about camp. The kids asked As for the STM’s their highlights to come back next year on included: Tuesday morning.” “Awesome. I totally want to “The peace, love and joy that come back.” was shown and felt through “It was the love of Jesus within the whole week.” every leader, the focus on Christ “Our family felt total satisfac- and serving.” tion with the Elim staff, Chris“I enjoyed seeing the parents tian Horizons’ leadership, get refreshed and connecting group size, atmosphere or with other parents.” acceptance and the Christ- “Enjoyed having time alone with my spouse to talk for even 30 minutes.” Victoria lets her Mom, Rachel know she doesn’t need any help with her song. A Popular Spot at Camp “My highlight was helping those who needed it and making someone feel special and loved.” Jericka-Lyn signs to her STM Jenna her feelings (I love you). It Was All a Big Mistake—NOT Judy and Thea were planning to take their daughters to a family camp this summer. So Thea Hiemstra checked on the internet and booked into the Christian Horizons Family Retreat week. Turns out it wasn’t the camp Judy, her friend, had talked about. But they all came. A mistake — NO. “It was God’s way of bringing us here. Our time here has been an incredible blessing,” says Thea whose daughter is Sara, 20. Bethany (l) and her STM Purim enjoy the nail experience with Jessica (r). Jessica Petkau found herself surrounded by campers, STM’s and parents as her talent for doing nails proved to be one of the hits of the Family Retreat week. There were lots of conversations, laughter and satisfied customers at Jessica’s table. She isn’t sure if nail design and application will be a career choice for her. But Jessica says she is taking the next step in learning how to do a manicure. “People are amazed that I can get that much detail on the nails,” she said. After camp, Jessica, 15, will continue her volunteer work back home — doing nails. She described the week as a “good shot in the arm. It has been such a wonderful time to be encouraged and renewed.” And as for the work of the STM’s, Thea had nothing but praise. Jessica’s creation — Galaxy Nails “They gave up a week to ensure our children were looked after and safe.”