Christmas 2020
“Behold, I will do something new. Now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it?”
Isaiah 43:19 NASB
Most people missed it. The birth of the long-awaited Messiah came so unexpectedly that the vast majority of people crowded into Bethlehem that night had no idea what was happening. They were expecting a valiant warrior and a mighty king to lead them against the Romans. It was a reasonable expectation. After all, the Lord had brought deliverance to Israel in a similar way many times before.
Instead, Jesus came in the form of a baby, born to a virgin, lying in a manger. And He didn’t come to drive the Romans out; He came to save us from our sins. God was doing something new, but the residents of Bethlehem were not aware of it. It serves as a great reminder for us to recognize that we serve a creative God who does new things.
The Lord has certainly done some new things at South Mountain Christian Camp this year. Covid restrictions led to the cancellation of our summer camp programs, most of our retreat groups, and all of our school programs. Rather than focusing on what we’ve lost, however, we’ve chosen to focus on the new things God is doing through this ministry. We were able to conduct our first-ever virtual camp programs with 70 online videos which have been viewed over 24,000 times. We also held two new backpacking programs, giving kids the opportunity to sleep in tents and cook over the fire. And the Lord gave us the opportunity to organize a tractor show fundraiser--a great new event that we hope to repeat in the future. We were even able to live stream a virtual banquet program in April and a virtual awards ceremony for our 5k trail race, thanks to our friends at AE Global Media.
On top of all this, my new book, Footsteps of Faith, was released this year. For those of you who have asked for a follow up to Fingerprints of God by camp founder O.A. Fish, this is the book you've been waiting for. In Footsteps of Faith, I share some of the most amazing things God has done at South Mountain Christian Camp over the past 20 years. See below for your opportunity to order free copies of one or both of these books.
Perhaps the greatest miracle of 2020 has been how the Lord has sustained us through our supporters. We often discuss how those who give to SMCC are essential partners in this ministry—vital members of our team. And it’s true. This year, we lost well over $100,000 in revenue. However, due to the generosity of our donors, every bill thus far has been paid on time, and the ministry continues to move forward. We’re even beginning construction on our Multi-Purpose Building—another new thing that God is doing in 2020.
There has definitely been a great deal of heartache this year, but, along the way, we have held to the above scripture from Isaiah 43. It is clear that God is actively at work in the ministry of South Mountain Christian Camp, and we look forward to what He will do in 2021. We are so very blessed to have ministry partners like you, and we pray that your 2021 is blessed in every way as the Lord does new things in your life as well.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year
from the staff of South Mountain Christian Camp!
A Free Gift for You
I'd love to send you a free copy of my book, Footsteps of Faith, and/or a copy of O.A.'s book, Fingerprints of God. If you've read either one of these books, you'll likely enjoy the other. If you haven't read either one, we want to send you a copy of both, free of charge.
In fact, these books can make great Christmas gifts. That's why we're offering up to six free copies of each book--so you can bless others with them. There is no charge for the books, but donations are appreciated. Place your order using the button below, or call 828-245-3322.
