Invitation to the Unseen
Did you know it often takes six or seven invitations before a man finally says, “Alright, I’ll go to a Men’s Retreat at Fort”? But when he does come, he’s rarely disappointed. Men’s Retreat #1 was no exception.
Thursday night, the men gathered around tables piled with brats, sweet corn, and homemade baked goods. Laughter mingled with the smell of campfire as strangers became brothers and walls began to fall.
One first-time camper shared the pain of being separated from his wife. His hurt was clear, but so was the hope in his eyes. That weekend, seeds were planted, steps taken closer to God, to other men, and, Lord willing, toward reconciliation.
At Fort, we’re reminded that God often works in ways we cannot see. The transformation that begins quietly in someone’s heart may only become apparent later.
By God’s grace, we keep inviting, praying, and showing up, knowing that even when the full picture isn’t visible, God is moving beneath the surface.
Do you know a man who might just need one more nudge to join us for next week’s Men’s Retreat #2? If that is too quick, then what about Winter Family Getaway or even Dad’s Weekend? Your invitation could be part of the unseen work God is doing in his story.
Around the table (or campfire), stories are told, burdens are lifted, and hope begins to rise. This is what God does at Men’s Retreat.
Meet Steve Carr, our new CFO
If you’ve spent any time at Fort Wilderness over the years, the names Steve and Dawn Carr probably sound familiar. Their connection to Fort runs deep, stretching back to years on summers staff, which Steve describes as “foundational years” in his life.
Since those early days, Steve and Dawn have built a legacy of faithful service and leadership. After a long career with PricewaterhouseCoopers, Steve followed God’s call into ministry, serving as CFO for Big Idea (creators of VeggieTales), Executive Director of Flannel (a film ministry dedicated to telling the way of Jesus in new and creative ways) and later with Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission.
Now, after relocating to Verona, Wisconsin to be closer to their children and grandchildren, the Carrs are stepping into a new season – one that brings them back to Fort. Steve shares that his passion for ministry is rooted in Colossians 3:2: “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”
We are so grateful for how God has guided Steve and Dawn through each chapter of their journey, and we’re excited to see what He will do through them as they serve once again at Fort Wilderness.
A New Way to Support Fort – Donate Your Vehicle!
We know generosity looks different for everyone, and we’re thrilled to announce a new way to partner with Fort’s ministry. Through CARS, you can now donate a car, boat, or plane (running or not!) and the proceeds go directly to Fort. What might be sitting unused in your driveway could help change lives here at camp.
When you donate through CARS, they handle everything- pickup, paperwork, and processing – so it’s truly easy! The proceeds from your vehicle go directly toward Fort’s mission of developing relationships for eternal impact.
If you’re considering replacing or retiring a vehicle, consider blessing Fort in the process!
God at Work Beneath the Surface
Take a moment to pause, give thanks, and celebrate God’s unseen work in your life.
I wouldn’t call myself a gardener, but our family loves planting vegetables in the spring and harvesting them in the fall. This year, even with the busyness of camp and family life, the garden seemed slow to grow. More than once I wondered, Am I doing enough? Will anything actually take root?
But as the weather cooled, my son kept showing up at the back door with baskets overflowing with vegetables – more than we can use! Even in the moments I questioned the garden and my own efforts, God was at work beneath the surface, bringing growth and abundance I hadn’t yet noticed.
We’ve seen that same truth at Fort this fall. Seeds of faith are being planted at retreats, in staff encounters, and through everyday moments in God’s creation. Some fruit is immediately visible: joy, laughter, renewed hope… and for that we rejoice! And yet we know, even beyond what we can see, we trust that God is at work, quietly cultivating growth until His perfect time. And, in faith, we celebrate what is unseen as well!
We may never fully see this side of eternity the impact of the time we pour into others.
Maybe you’re in a season like my garden this summer, faithfully planting seeds in your family, your work, or your community, and wondering if it’s making a difference. Take heart: God is working, even in ways you may not yet see.
“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9
Let’s keep planting and trusting, knowing the Lord is faithfully cultivating His harvest at Fort, and in every heart that belongs to Him.
In Faith,
Heather
PS. Two exciting things to remember this month! 1) Summer Staff applications are OPEN and 2) Youth Camp Registration opens OCTOBER 15! Make sure you head to the website for all the details!
Heather Lenox
Content Development Coordinator
heatherlenox@fortwilderness.com
715.277.2587
fortwilderness.com
