2009 CAMP MANAGER’S REPORT
This past year, since August of 2008, has
been a year filled with mountaintops and valleys. First, bringing my only daughter to live away
at college brought mixed feelings – happiness that she is beginning a new and
exciting chapter of her life, but a “shadow of sadness” that Daddy’s little
girl will be so far from home. By far my
most difficult experience has been the loss of my father to a painful bout with
cancer. He was, in every way, a loving,
supportive father – and one of my most faithful advocates. Knowing that he is with His Lord and Savior,
Whom he served so faithfully and so well, somewhat softens the blow. Another low point was the sudden and
unexpected loss of one of my best friends.
However, God is faithful, and although we go
through the valleys, He always brings us back to the mountaintop. A high point of this year has been the
graduation from college and the marriage of our oldest son to a wonderful
Christian young lady. This July marked
two very special anniversaries for me – first, 24 years of marriage and 20
years as Manager of Acadian Baptist Center.
Thank you for allowing us to serve you and minister here over the years.
Our attendance and camp & retreat
revenue are up this year in spite of the economy and fears of the flu. Our church contributions have been very
consistent, while our individual gifts are down, some possibly because of the
down turn in the Stock Market.
96 Professions of Faith were recorded during
our summer camps, with a number of rededications and quite a few are dealing
with a call to the ministry.
Highlights of the past year include land
leveling & building new ditches on the new property purchased. Our 3rd cabin was started and
nears completion.
God’s timing is not our timing - our
Cafeteria/multi-purpose Building construction appears to be starting in
September. Plans have been finalized
with the Fire Marshall’s approval and bids completed. We have raised $285,000.00 in cash and
$130,000.00 in pledges. Our maximum
guaranteed cost is $812,000.00. Please
consider making a gift or monthly pledge to help us with this endeavor. The finished project will enable us to
minister more effectively. If you or
your church is interested in helping us, please call, as we plan on utilizing
volunteer labor. We will need the
prayers and support of everyone in this major undertaking.
The Outdoor Education ministry gained
momentum this past year. In 2008-2009 we
had 19 groups and 748 people compared to 12 groups and 463 people in 2007-2008.
We have a lot of “special events” planned
for this fall & winter. Please help
us by promoting them in your church and consider having your retreats or
conferences at ABC.
A new feature has been added to our website – in accordance with the times, and for your convenience, we have added “e-giving” to our website. You can now support ABC via the internet. Check out this option in giving and also our plans for the Cafeteria/Multi-purpose building expansion at www.ABCCamp.com
.
Thank you again for allowing me to serve as
your Camp Manager.
James R. Newsom
Manager