Filled with GOOD Things!
As we gather around tables and celebrate with family and friends this Thanksgiving, we’re reminded of how good it feels to be filled – not just with food, but with joy, connection, and purpose. Psalm 107:9 reminds us that God is the One who “satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” This month, we’ve seen nourishment take many forms here at Fort, from new beginnings to generous giving, from family time to spiritual renewal.
This month we celebrated a joyful milestone with the dedication of the Happy Day Creative Arts Building. Board members past and present, along with staff and community members, gathered for a meaningful moment of gratitude and reunion. It was a beautiful reminder of how God has used so many hands and hearts to nourish this ministry over the years. Just one week later, Creative Arts Retreat attendees filled the new space with color, laughter, and creativity – an early glimpse at how God will continue to pour out “good things” through this program.
We are also eagerly anticipating the new Stables, another project made possible through the extraordinary generosity of the Fort family. After years of dreaming, planning, and praying, we officially broke ground this month and began site preparations for what will become the new home of our horsemanship ministry. Funds are still needed to complete the project, and we are trusting the Lord to provide every penny, just as He has done before.
We are overjoyed by the Lord’s provision for these Fort Future projects. HE is the author of this beautiful story, nourishing it step by step, and we are grateful to be part of what He is building.
Coming soon: A new home for the horses, safer place to serve campers, and a place where God shapes hearts in eternal ways!
Turning your RMD into Transforming Camper Impact
| If you’re 73* or older, you likely know the IRS requires you to take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) each year from your traditional IRA – income that is typically taxable. But it doesn’t have to be. After decades of faithfully saving, you want those resources to do the most good. One meaningful way to stretch your impact is by giving all or part of your RMD directly to Fort as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). When you give from your retirement fund, the amount you give never becomes taxable income. It’s a simple, effective way to support ministries you care about while reducing your tax burden. *NOTE: at 70½ you have the option to start giving QCDs, though you do not have to until age 73. Your generosity helps fuel the work God is doing here: more campers encountering His Word, more families experiencing the beauty of the Northwoods, and more opportunities to offer warm fellowship in Christ’s name. Sharing opportunities like this is one way we seek to care well for our community. If an RMD gift fits your situation, we’d be glad to help you walk through the process.Contact Craig Holmquist at craigholmquist@fortwilderness.com or 715.715.7920 (direct) with any questions. |
Nourishing your youth – register for Youth Camp!
Year after year, we hear from parents and campers about how Youth Camp is a place where faith deepens, friendships grow, and hearts are nourished by God’s truth. One parent, whose three children attended camp last year, shared:
“My 8-year-old accepted Jesus into her heart at camp this year, my 13-year-old shared Jesus with a cabin mate on a paddle board, and my 16-year-old attended LAB and, as he says, ‘had the best experience of his LIFE.'”
No matter which camp your child attends, we don’t want them to miss out. Spots are filling fast – now is the perfect time to reserve their place for an unforgettable experience
Feeding the Mind, Nourishing the Soul
Students at youth camp spend time nourishing their minds (and souls) with GOOD things!
A few days ago, my son asked if he could read a book he’d heard about at school. I’m familiar with the title and content, but as I usually do, I wanted to take a closer look to make sure it was “healthy” for him to read.
“Healthy?” he laughed. “I’m not going to eat it.” This lighthearted moment sparked a conversation about why we should fill our minds with healthy things.
Philippians 4:8 says, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”
Just as our bodies need nourishing food, our spirits crave TRUTH. When we fill our minds with negativity, lies, fear, or endless “junk,” our peace grows thin. But when we focus on all God has provided for us through His character, word, promises, and presence, we are strengthened from the inside out.
Here’s to experiencing the satisfaction only available through the goodness of our Lord!
This season, as we gather around tables filled with good things, let’s also be intentional about what we feed our minds. God has given us more than enough to nourish our hearts and thoughts – through His Word, His creation, and the adventure of life with those we love. And that’s certainly something to be grateful for!
Happy Thanksgiving, Fort Family!
With Gratitude,
Heather
Heather Lenox
Content Development Coordinator
heatherlenox@fortwilderness.com
715.277.2587
fortwilderness.com
