Southern Alberta Bible Camp Update
Please check out the following update from Jon Gartly at Southern Alberta Bible Camp:
Summer is officially over
September and October have slipped by and Christmas is just around the corner. I apologize that I have not been up to date with this email. Things are quite different these days, but the work still continues. We ask that you would help us by praying for the following:
Kids impacted by the summer Camp4U ministry - Our summer was not normal, but yet we still were able to interact with campers who took part in the CAMP4U video series. There were over 31000 views of the videos. Parents were extremely appreciative and said that it was a huge encouragement to their children during this locked in summer. Please pray for these kids and these families. Pray that God would continue to work in their lives and that the word that they heard and stories/verses from scripture would be remembered and take root as the Lord shapes and molds them into His image.
SABC Board - Our board has met a number of times over the past 2 months. The budget was presented at our Annual Meeting in early November. We are working towards a goal of running some sort of in person summer camp in 2021. Please pray for our board as they make decisions and communicate to their respective churches and constituencies. Pray that the message would be well received by our extended camp family.
Planning for Summer 2021 - As stated above, our staff are planning for in person camps in 2021. Pray for these preparations, for creativity, for special insight as we follow the news of the day and the recommendations laid out by our Chief Medical Officer here in Alberta. Pray that camp would be allowed to run next summer.
Year Round Staff - Our staff continue to work hard at keeping Dave’s Meals running smoothly as well as working on other tasks that they wouldn’t normally do at this time of year. Not surprisingly, our staff are tired and frustrated with the present reality. Yet, they are thankful for their jobs and will continue to do what it takes to keep the camp ready for when it will be able to open again. Pray for them, for their spirits, for their attitudes, and for their capacity to withstand the difficulties that are prevalent.
Dave’s Meals - This idea that was originally supposed to be a temporary solution has now continued as a replacement for our year round group rental income. It sprung out of necessity for raising funds to help with the ongoing operating expenses of the camp. In partnership with FCSS we were able to give meals away to families and individuals in need because of lost employment or isolation, etc. because of COVID. That unfortunately has run its course. It was so fun to give meals away! Even so, we continue to provide this service to people that both want to support the camp as well as fill their freezer with easy to make meals. Pray that we will be able to continue to meet needs in our community through this service as well as pay the bills here at the camp.
Building Project - The addition to the lodge here is now completed! Now the task remains to fit the building for guests and campers to use it. This includes putting together some of the final details such as sound equipment for the main chapel, appliances, and eventually furnishings. We continue to raise funds for this project as approximately $2 million will be paid down over the next 4-5 years. Pray that people will give and give generously.
There are definitely up and down days. I can’t say that I’m enjoying this new reality. However, I do appreciate your prayers. It is truly an honor for us here that you would commit to helping in this way.
You are welcome to pass this on to your friends and others you think would appreciate the word of SABC.
Those interested can sign up for this on our website at https://www.sabc.ca/contact-us/prayer-and-news/
Jon Gartly, Executive Director