|
 |
"Maranatha!" is an Aramaic greeting (the language Jesus spoke)
meaning "The Lord is coming!" In I Corinthians 16:22 it says, "If
any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema
maranatha."
Camp
Maranatha exists today because of Christ's love. Chris and Brenda
Edmunds were traveling around New Hampshire in 1972 with Evangelist
Wade Akins when the subject of what to build on a certain piece of
land came up.
The
unlikely spot was a 55-acre tract in New Durham. It was hilly, ledge
covered, the pond had a muddy bottom, and there was no road through
the property. So the site choice looked highly unlikely if not
downright foolhardy. In addition, people told us that the economy
looked bad. And besides, there were plenty of other camps around!
But
God had definitely given Chris a vision to use this land for a camp
despite his lack of formal preparation for this type of ministry.
His wife didn't see it at first and even quietly hoped that the
whole idea would pass! But God in His gentle and compelling manner
drew Brenda into the same vision. Once into the project, however,
Chris began to see why Brenda had had her doubts! But as the two of
them began sharing what God had shown them two other men, Jim
Blanchard and Paul Hedstrom, started praying about the development
of this land into a camp. They met weekly for prayer asking for
year-round camp facilities before anything existed. Many doubts and
fears were dispelled as the prayers were answered time and time
again.
In
its first year under construction, the camp facilities included a
parking lot and a road constructed with a borrowed bulldozer and
trucks. The first fall two cabins were started. Two more were begun
in the following spring. They were by no means finished, but at
least they were usable in time for camp by making do with a plastic
sheet as a roof on the boys' cabin. (The boys loved the skylight
view of the stars!) That first summer in 1973 we had just one week
of camp with 15 campers and staff.
As
the board prayed for wisdom, God directed each member's thoughts
into the proper channels and moves were made only when unanimous
agreements were reached. Perhaps the strength of the board came from
its forced dependence on God since each member felt a personal
inadequacy in this thing of developing a camp to be used to the
Glory of God.
The
Lord has continually honored our requests for His wisdom as we make
plans and improvements. The camp board is determined that the camp
will always hold to God's Word which it accepts as the final
authority.
Building continued in the fall of 1973 with the pouring of the
foundation for the shower house and more finishing on the cabins.
Then in the spring of 1974 the lodge was started. In 1976 a step of
faith was taken in asking God for a 50' dining room. This prayer was
answered and the dining room was in use the first week in July
(Phil. 4:19). In 1977 it was decided by the board that we needed a
swimming area, and the site was chosen. But, it took over a year
just to clear all the trees! After 3 years of digging, the dream of
having a pond became a reality! Over 9 feet of peat humus was
removed in spots. Appropriately, the pond has been named "Miracle
Pond"! Construction continues today on the same basis. As God
provides the funds, we move ahead. And when there's no money, we
don't borrow. The camp's financial policy is not to borrow money or
solicit donations. Instead we pray that God will move hearts to
give. In this way, both the giver and receiver can know for sure
that God has provided. A few specific examples of answered prayer
are our camp bus, canoes and an institutional size toaster.
Another aspect of the camp's financial policy is that it's open to
all regardless of their financial status. That means that people pay
the set fee if they can, but they're welcome to attend even if they
can't pay the whole thing. The balance is made up by donations.
Our
focus has gradually turned from "reaching today's youth for Jesus
Christ" to "reaching today's family for the Lord Jesus Christ."
(Malachi 4:6) In 1978 we had our first father-son retreat as well as
the first family retreat. This led naturally to a week-long session
for families the following summer with family speaker, Pastor & Mrs.
Dick Peters. Our main goal is to work with the family to strengthen
it. Strong families equal strong churches. So this fits with one of
our goals of strengthening local churches. We have retreat weekends
for the whole family, mothers and daughters and fathers and sons as
well as fathers and daughters.
At least 2 couples
have met at Maranatha! Ray and Barbara Evans met here when both
served as counselors for the summer of 1976! Also, Doug and Sherry
MacDonald had their first dinner date in the camp kitchen in January
of 1980! In 1981 our first couples' date night was a huge success.
Married couples came to thoroughly enjoy a night out with a buffet
dinner and marriage enrichment programs.
In
1981, we formed an advisory board which is comprised of pastors and
churches which are very active in the ministry here. Their input
allows us to really understand and implement the kinds of programs
their churches need. It is the goal of this ministry to give genuine
support to Bible-believing churches which are not part of the NCC/WCC
since our goals would not be compatible with theirs.
Since
1978 our summer camp programs have included 3-day off-site canoe
trips on the Saco River.
The
Lord blessed us that year with capable leaders, 8 new canoes and a
canoe trailer! Since then a 2nd canoe trailer and 8 more canoes have
been added to the fleet! (John 14:14) In 1980 the giant step of
taking teens to Quebec for white-water canoeing began. We searched
for a white water that's nearby with the qualities of the Jacques
Cartier River in Quebec, but were unable to find one that served us
better. So we found the 12 hour bus trip worthwhile. We see
tremendous spiritual and emotional growth on these trips as well as
during the regular weeks at camp. The activities and options during
camp have been designed to involve the campers and give them the
feeling that the camp can't operate without them. (It can't!)
For
years people have asked us "Where is the ball field?" 1983 was ball
field year. It went from trees and rocks to grass!
On
August 15, 1983, the camp board voted to take action on purchasing
what we now know as Grace Cottage. This was indeed a real step of
faith since the financial balance showed only $300 left to use on
such a project! However, through a marvelous series of events, God
provided all the needs and the property was purchased on June 15,
1984. This story is written up in detail and is available upon
request of "The History of Grace Cottage."
For
years one area of real need had been the gravel road winding up to
the cabins and campsite area. Paving would be a definite advantage.
So, after much planning, praying and God's provision, July 10, 1985
was asphalting day. The entire area is now beautifully paved.
1985
also brought our first Maranatha-sponsored women's retreat. What a
joy to see lives permanently improved! One mother who attended later
wrote and shared that the retreat had enabled her to establish new
stability in her home by revealing to her the most rewarding
priorities of her life - being a wife and mother for God's glory!
In
September 1988 we were pleased to host our first group of retired
volunteers. They arrived in their trailers & motor homes. Since this
project, both Roving Volunteers in Christ's Service, and Mobile
Missionary Assistance Program have helped with projects such as
painting, wallpapering, building decks, etc.
We
had prayed specifically for approximately $2,500 which would be
needed to do excavation for His Storehouse as well as for clearing a
road through the woods and for clearing for a future building.
Confirmation to go ahead with this project came when we were
approached with the promise of a gift for exactly - $2,500!
We
trust that faith is encouraged by all that God has done at Maranatha
(Phil. 1:6.) Hundreds of friends have been involved in this
tremendous project. Some have given time in labor, by praying and
serving on the camp staff. Others have donated financially or
donated materials. We feel a real partnership with those working
with us on this ongoing project.
In
1990, a 280 sq. ft. addition was built on the front of the main
lodge to add much needed bathroom space.
In
1991, additional insulation and new siding brought the shower house
up to date. New pressure-treated decks have replaced all the
existing old ones.
Much
time and energy are now invested in maintaining the existing
facilities each year! In 1992, two campsites were added.
In
1993, the old playground was replaced with newer and safer
equipment. We were able to secure a license for signs on Rt. 11 and
to erect three new direction signs. Just before camp the walkways to
cabins Daniel's Den and Shalom were asphalted. Specific gifts this
year include a commercial ice maker for the dining room and
computers with printers for the office. We are encouraged when God
answers our specific prayers with non-solicited gifts! A major
project for 1993 was the cleaning and deepening of Miracle Pond!
In
1995 "Towers" were added to the playground area. We lost Grace
Cottage due to a fire caused by arson. We await God's provision to
rebuild.
1996 was a
building year here at Maranatha. On March 20th a propane fire
destroyed the restroom facilities building. We immediately began to
rebuild and dedicated the new building on June 23rd. The new
facilities are larger and include a much needed multi-purpose room.
Building has also
progressed on Grace Cottage II including the floor, walls and roof.
We have never had the blessing of so many quality builders. Over 125
feet of paved walkways were also added. We also had teens that have
made some serious decisions about following the Lord.
1997 - Whether it's our bodies or our building, as
we age and mature, maintenance becomes a higher priority, doesn't
it! This year we stained 4 cabins & the front of the main lodge and
tended to several small repairs. MMAP's in June and RVIC's in
September accomplished a lot. We finished Grace Cottage II which now
stands completed with its 4 bedrooms and 4 baths as testimony of
God's provision! For 11 years we had prayed to add Mercy Cottage to
our property. Finally on June 30th, papers were passed after an
outpouring of financial gifts came in, allowing us to acquire this
companion cottage adjacent to Grace, debt-free. It nestles in the
woods, ready to serve with a completely renovated bathroom, along
with a new roof & foundation. Thank you to each of you who have
given your time, skills and energy to finish the job with
excellence!
1998 saw a lot of progress on Summit Shelter after a
number of idle years. The first phase is now framed and shingled
thanks to many gifts and work teams from area churches.
Our first retreats for Home Schooling parents were
overwhelmingly received, so we'll be hosting more this coming year.
Mercy Cottage now wears new windows and siding. One
of our goals was to see an increase in retreat usage, and it did
double!
Most fulfilling was the salvation of over a dozen
young people during summer Junior Camps!
1999 was a fruitful year with many lives challenged.
This was the year of installing signs with over 20 now marking
rooms, roads & buildings. Construction on Summit Shelter continued
with 3 milestones accomplished. The well is hitched up, the line to
the leach field is installed and the unbelievable details of getting
electricity in are ALL DONE! You get a better grasp of our
excitement realizing the access road to the building was put in way
back in 1985.
2000 saw two wonderful Family Camps and a
dramatically changed Boys Week. Construction on Summit Shelter
continues with the finishing of the siding, and the installation of
a sprinkler system along with many other details.
2001 - We continue to hear reports of lives that
have been changed after attending a retreat here! What
encouragement! Summit Shelter's first phase is nearly finished. A
September MMAP's project completed 3 decks on the new building.
The year 2002 housed special blessings. Nine young
ladies at Girls Camp made commitments to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Families grew closer together at Family Camps.
Summit Shelter's Phase I was completed with
landscaping and an asphalt parking lot. Phase II's foundation was
completed. The Director's family moved up from the Main Lodge to
Phase I and they love their new home on the hill.
The Main Lodge, which previously housed the
Director's family ("temporarily" for 25 years!), is now boasting
three bedrooms with queen-sized beds for staff and guests. Even the
office has had a new face-lift with the addition of a registration
counter, freshly painted walls and new carpeting.
It's exciting to behold the history of Maranatha
Ministries unfold before our eyes. In 2003 we enjoyed a bustling
winter with five weekend retreats in a row.
Our painful setback was a bursting pipe at Grace
Cottage which wreaked two days of destructive water damage. Most of
the wreckage was cleared out and replaced within two weeks, just in
time for retreat guests to move in. Grace Cottage, equipped with
kitchen and sleeping for twenty, is now used nearly every weekend
for mini-retreats or as housing for our larger retreats.
In June we promoted Maranatha family weeks at a
booth at a Syracuse, NY conference. It's immediate yield was two new
families with evidence of more to come.
Phase II
of Summit has radiant heat installed in the lower floors, much of
the framing is complete and 1000 feet of driveway was paved
following extensive preparation to the roadway and shoulders. Pond
View and one section of the main lodge were shingled. Gifts made
2003 a banner year for purchasing equipment, including a dump truck,
backhoe and compactor. We are grateful to all those God has used to
provide so wonderfully.
2004 - We continued to work at the maintenance of 15 buildings, some
now 30 years old. The dining room was re-shingled and new outside
lighting installed. Teen programs were restored with each gender
having their own program. These were a great success. Teen girls
will enjoy a 9 day program in 2004. Our first Family Fair Day in
October was enjoyed by nearly 200 people who participated in
numerous activities. Construction continued on Phase II of Summit
Shelter with the two-story area framed and the entire phase roofed.
Two parking areas were paved. Cabins were pressure washed and
re-stained, additional parking spaces were added for Grace Cottage.
2005 - Family weeks were fuller. The homeschool Mom's Retreat saw
hearts turned towards their husbands and children in a supernatural
way. Major renovations in the dining room included a new
concrete floor with radiant heat, a new furnace, new tile and
carpet. "Pond View" received a new living room carpet and new
asphalt on the driveway. The campsite road was paved along with the
parking lot at Summit Shelter. Portions of the Summit's
heating and sprinkler system were completed. This year
we committed to sending a monthly prayer list to area churches
involved in this ministry. We are excited about you who uphold
us in prayer. The board instituted a "Let your light shine"
adoption program and encouraged individuals, families and churches
to adopt a building or a project.
2006 - Maranatha is a spot where life long friendships begin.
It's a joy to see all the reunitings here each summer!
Work progressed on Summit Shelter's phase II including installation
of ten exterior doors and extensive plumbing. Culvert work was
completed. Main lodge renovations included new walls,
sinks and flooring in the bathroom, new lighting which washes the
buffet table with brilliance as well as a new roof on the office.
Campers on Mission, a group of volunteers from Arizona to South
Carolina accomplished many of these projects. Our Columbus Day
Family Fair Day brought out over 300 people this year. |
|
|
|