30 Years of familiar faces… it’s what makes the Fort, Family!
Fort campers and volunteers tell us of the joy they feel seeing faces they recognize time and again when visiting camp. Two of our Missionary Staff would tell you that 30 years in one place will do that!
Last month, the Fort Board of Directors and Staff took time to recognize two of our staff for three decades of service: Janet Merkel, Student Ministry Food Service Coordinator, and Lisa Torgerson, Office Director & Executive Assistant. Both serve in “behind the scenes” capacities here at camp, and yet without their generosity of time and talent, camp would not be what it is today!
Both Lisa and Janet exemplify Colossians 3:23 in their years of service, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” They serve with humility and care deeply for their coworkers and campers. Thank you for making Fort a place where friends feel like they’re coming home, Lisa and Janet! We appreciate you!
If you see Janet or Lisa around camp, take a moment to say, “thank you!“
New Missionary Staff giving his talents for the kingdom!
As we celebrate those who have been serving for many years, we are also so thankful for our newest Missionary Staff members, filling vacant roles this past year. As you read about each new missionary, would you pray for them during this time of commitment, change, and raising a team through Ministry Partner Development?
Adam Carlson, Fleet Coordinator
When he was 3 years old, Adam Carlson’s family was invited by friends to attend Family Camp at Fort Wilderness. Since then, Adam been at Fort every summer, from Family Camp 6 to attending TruNorth to serving on Apprentice Staff.
Utilizing his qualities of initiative, hard work, and grit, Adam has answered the call to be Fort’s Fleet Coordinator, maintaining Fort’s 20 vehicles, 20 ATVs, UTVs and boats, as well as the many trailers, small engines, and heavy equipment onsite. He organizes and coordinates scheduling for the vehicles and equipment, making sure camp has everything it needs to operate smoothly, as well as helping out with other needs the Operations Team may have.
Romans 12:6-8 reminds us of the importance of leaning into our gifts and giving them to Kingdom purposes: “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” Adam appreciates the to use the gifts God has given Him for kingdom purposes. “I can see how God has gifted me with skills, passions, and desires that work together when I work at a place like Fort Wilderness,” he says, ” There isn’t a more significant thing than serving Jesus Christ to the best of my ability, and God has gifted me with the knowledge, understanding, and ability to work as a mechanic for Him!”
From our hearts to yours…
We love you, Fort Family. Take a moment to click the video above to hear a special Christmas message from our Executive Director, Todd Leyden.
Giving of our time, talents and treasure: a response to the Giver!
Christmas has long been called “the season of giving.” But why do we give at Christmastime?
In 2 Corinthians 9, we are exhorted to give out of gratitude for what God has done for us. And at Christmas, we are reminded of the gift of God’s Son to the world, a gift of love, hope, and salvation. The season of giving is more than just a time for exchanging presents—it’s a call to reflect the heart of Christ, who gave His life for us, by remembering that gift, and in gratitude, giving of ourselves to others.
Honestly, that’s at the heart of why we love to serve you here at Fort. The work we do here as staff very much pours from the overflow of our heartfelt gratitude for everything God has done for us. We know our time, talents, and treasure ultimately belong to Him, and we seek to honor Him with how we use them all.
We are blessed to be a blessing!
As you move through this Christmas season, may your hearts be glad as you give gifts to family and friends, serve your neighbor, and seek to love others well. May you live with such an awareness of what God has given you in Christ that your own acts of giving flow out of the gratitude that fills your heart.
“For God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
We love you and truly wish you the very merriest (MOST cheerful) Christmas!
For the Fort Staff,
Heather
PS. In a recent mailing, our Executive Director Todd Leyden invited the Fort Family to contribute to staff Christmas gifts as a thank you to appreciate the staff and encourage the ministry, as well as toward staff who are under-supported. If you feel so led to give out of the overflow of your thanks, please click here
Heather Lenox
Content Development Specialist
heatherlenox@fortwilderness.com
715.277.2587
fortwilderness.com
