How have you seen the Lord at work?
Each week of Family Camp, we ask on our week-end survey, “How did God work?” We are always so encouraged by the answers to this question, and thought you might be as well! Here are *just a few* of these testimonies. We pray you’ll be encouraged: God is always, ALWAYS at work!
“I saw God work in my youngest son… who has struggled with an intense anxiety disorder over the past two years. He had already come a long way in the past six months through medication and therapy, but this week he made a new friend and roamed the camp independently for the first time ever. It was so encouraging to see his confidence blossom.”
“The verse this week really settled my heart and helped me realize we are in a quiet season as a family, and it is a good thing to embrace it and just listen to God’s gentle whisper… I had such a peaceful week here with my family, focused on the Lord.”
“The sessions impacted a friend that we brought and motivated her to want a Bible of her own, which we were able to buy for her at the Campgrounds coffee shop, and we were able to let her help choose the Bible.”
“I see God’s influence most in the relationships developed at camp… I don’t think I have ever left a week at Fort without making at least one new friend. I have found that friends are significantly harder to make in the adult world, but Fort still makes it easy.”
We can’t help but praise the Lord for the many, many ways He has made Himself glorious in the lives of our staff, volunteers, and campers here at Fort this past summer! Thank you for your prayers for this season of ministry
From the Navy to the Northwoods: Welcome to the Demers Family!
We’ve been introducing new Missionary Staff over the last several months. We are excited to introduce you to another family who will be joining Missionary Staff in the coming month. As you read about each new missionary, would you pray for them during this time of commitment and change, of heading to Fort, and of raising a team through Ministry Partner Development?
Aaron & Laura Demers: Program Director
Aaron grew up as a Fort Missionary Staff kid, while Laura first experienced Fort through youth winter retreats. Aaron & Laura were introduced while serving at camp in 2018, and it only took a few rounds of sheepshead and a lot of prayer for the two of them to end up married in June of the following year! Today, they have two boys, Jeremiah & Isaiah, and are expecting their third child in December of this year!
Even as Aaron served in the Navy in Charleston, South Carolina over the past five years, God continued to put the ministry of Fort on their hearts. When He made their next steps to join Fort Missionary staff clear earlier this year, they knew the answer was an unquestionable “Yes!” as He had been preparing them for this all along.
Aaron will serve as the Program Director, mentoring and supporting program staff, as well as creating an environment where staff and campers alike can experience and enjoy God in His creation, His Word, adventure programming and in fellowship. Additionally, he will work to ensure program staff has everything they need for their program areas to run smoothly, freeing up space for Gospel conversations and building relationships. Their family will relocate to the Northwoods the first week of September, beginning their role in early October.
Come see us soon!
Summer may be over, but we still have a lot going on here at Fort and would LOVE to see you! Take a moment to consider the upcoming retreats and events – and try something new!
For the Creative Types:
For Married Couples:
Connection with other believers can turn our hearts heavenward!
Asking this simple question can change your mindset.
We love sharing the testimonies of what God has done at camp this summer. And we all KNOW the Lord is moving wherever we go, yet sometimes, it can feel harder to see it when we get caught up in the busyness of every-day life.
A summer staffer told me over lunch one day that she was hesitant to return home when camps ended.. I asked her what made camp so impactful for her. What she said really struck me: “Here at Fort, we are always asking each other where we see God at work, so I’m always looking for it. No one asks me that question in everyday life.”
How right she is! Looking for what the Lord is doing is very much part of our culture here at Fort. After opening with prayer, our staff meetings begin with that thought-provoking question.
How simple would it be to include it in our daily vernacular while not at camp? We get together for coffee with friends, shoot “checking in” texts to our kids and relatives – why not lead with “where have you seen the Lord at work?”
So here’s my challenge to you: before you plunge into the crazy transition of fall, take a moment to reflect and ask yourself, Where have you seen the Lord at work in your life this summer? Share how He’s been working in your life with a friend, through a post on social media, or even shoot me an email (heatherlenox@fortwilderness.com). I assure you; it would be an HONOR to rejoice with you!
“On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
and I will declare your greatness.” Psalm 145:5-6
Celebrating all He’s done and yet to do,
Heather
PS. One more big way we’re seeing the Lord move – the Fort Future Campaign is 89% funded! We KNOW the Lord is guiding us in this venture – is He calling you to help us close the gap? Find out more here.
Heather Lenox
Content Development Specialist
heatherlenox@fortwilderness.com
715.277.2587
fortwilderness.com
