In Your Own Words – What a Fall Retreat Meant to Campers
Fall ministry at Fort is special in that each weekend offers something completely unique. From Men’s and Women’s Retreats to married couples and youth groups, no two weekends are exactly alike. The Lord, however, works consistently through His word, nature, solitude, fun, and relationships. Young and old, male and female, singles and couples – He is changing lives every weekend here at Fort.
Here are just a few testimonies from a variety of campers we’ve met this fall:
“The Lord opened up once closed off parts of my heart in our marriage this weekend.” – Relate Well Marriage Conference Attendee
“I saw people decide to follow Jesus and I saw guys commit to grow in new ways.” – Men’s Retreat Attendee
“God has plans for my life and I felt close to Him this weekend, as He worked in my heart to remove doubt and guilt and barriers.” – Women’s Retreat Attendee
“I felt a lot of conviction in areas of my life I was struggling as well as given weapons to combat my struggles.” – Youth Retreat Attendee
“ I am leaving changed, happy, and looking forward to my new relationship with God & Jesus.” – Margo Fieseler Ministries Weekend Attendee
WOW. Not a single person listed here attended the same event, and yet the Lord worked in each heart in a tangible, beautiful way. Regardless of age, race, gender, time or place, the Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:18). And He is always, ALWAYS at work.
Rejoicing as God provides our Summer Staff Coordinator!
We’ve been introducing new Missionary Staff over the last several months. We are excited to introduce you to another family who recently joined Missionary Staff! 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?
Abigail & Richie Giles: Summer Staff Coordinator
First experiencing Fort as a high school volunteer in 2012, Abigail has served in just about every place and space at camp over the years, including serving as the Summer Staff Coordinator in an Apprentice Staff role for the last two years. The Lord used this time to make it clear this is the place and position to which He has called them.
Abigail’s job duties entail the leadership of the summer staff program; from the application process to the details of contracts, coordinating schedules, developing training programs, coaching and supporting supervisors, recruiting, culture/community building and intentionally investing in the next generation of leaders. It’s a big job, but one that utilizes well her calming presence, as well as her passion to see others grow into who God has made them to be.
Abigail met her husband, Richie, here at camp, and they have been married since 2022. The two are both deeply invested in the ministry at Fort as well as the local church. In her own words, “Walking alongside young adults who are living in community is a privilege; facilitating training where they can be called up as leaders and developing a safe place to speak truth and grace. This is where I want to be.”
We’re dreaming of a white Northwoods…
Winter in the Northwoods is really something magical. Your family is invited to join us for a post-Christmas Family Getaway at Fort (two Getaways available: December 26-29 OR December 29-January 1, 2025). Enjoy ice skating, tubing, the Vipukelkka (Spinning Chair), broomball, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, not to mention amazing Biblical teaching and worship, Fort food, fellowship and CampGrounds coffee. This time away with your family is bound to make it the best Winter Break ever! Spots fill quickly, so call the office TODAY to make your reservation. 715.277.2587
A Spiritual Lens
The Northern Lights over Spider Lake: truly a splendor to behold!
Were you one of our fortunate friends who was able to capture the Northern Lights earlier this month? Since moving to the Northwoods, I’ve been unapologetically obsessed with chasing these marvels of creation. I know many people who are disappointed to realize that in our neck of the woods, you can rarely see their vibrant colors unless you’re looking through the lens of a smartphone camera. It’s almost like they aren’t really there. And yet, there’s something so incredible about the moment you hold up that smartphone and realize “WOW! This is what’s really happening around me, even though I can’t see it!”
Oh friends, isn’t that such a picture of what FAITH looks like? It can be easy to look at the world around us and feel like God is not at work, the world is falling apart, and we can lose heart. But when we hold up the lens of scripture, the Holy Spirit, and faith, we suddenly come face to face with the reality that there is so much happening beyond what our natural eyes can see. God’s work around us is vibrant and stunning, and our prayer for you today is that you’ll experience the marvel of Him at work as you learn to engage your spiritual lens!
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 1 Corinthians 4:18
So THANKFUL for the gift of faith,
Heather
PS. We love to communicate through digital means like these email newsletters, social media and texting. But be on the lookout: we’re sending some traditional snail-mail to your mailbox at home, sharing even more stories of how God has been at work. You don’t want to miss it… and hope you share it with your family and friends!
Heather Lenox
Content Development Specialist
heatherlenox@fortwilderness.com
715.277.2587
fortwilderness.com
