WSS March '08 Ministry Report

Overview

March was a busy month of preparation for Easter, summer programs and ministry to military families, including the Quantico ladies’ retreat, our own Resurrection Retreat and the Carlisle Barracks Chapel/OCF retreat. We celebrated our 30th Anniversary (OCF’s purchase of WSS) by breaking ground on the new access road for Heritage House (attached photo). We also hosted 13 ROTC (Olivet Nazarene) cadets and 5 West Point cadets during their spring break for a volunteer work session.

Significant Events

- The Quantico ladies graced us again with their presence during the first weekend. As always these ladies had great fun and enjoyed good spiritual refreshment from Rochelle Wheeler. Also, OCF member Jim Carter brought a small group of boys from Immanuel Bible Church for personal ministry and outdoor fun.

- Having had two open weekends, by the time Easter came, we were ready for a good sized group of military families that we hosted for our own Resurrection Retreat. Philip Feist, pastor/lawyer/OCF special Council member, was our speaker and brought four spiritually challenging talks that gave us a fresh perspective of our Savior and His passion for the Father’s will. Most of our guests braved the cold for Easter sunrise service at the gazebo where we worshipped our risen Lord. We are greatly blessed to have Philip with us, and he really enjoyed having his son Matt and family here for the weekend too. The children’s program was fantastic by virtue of the leadership of eleven U.S. Coast Guard Academy cadets who came with Jim and Carolyn Groves in order to handle the various classes. The kids loved these cadets and did not want to be picked up after class by their parents! Thank you, USCGA!! We are very grateful also to Jim and Carolyn who each year recruit a great group of academy students to lead this program. It’s a win-win because they get to visit not only WSS staff families but also friends in Milligan’s Cove nearby.

- The month was rounded out by our wonderful friends from Carlisle Barracks Chapel and OCF community holding their annual spring retreat here. LTG “Van” and Paula VanAntwerp were here to speak and minister in their special way to these senior warriors and their spouses while several students from Messiah College helped with the children’s program. Chaplain Art Pace led a blessed Sunday worship and communion service. Horseback riding, hiking, fishing, bowling and climbing loft were enjoyed by lots of the 123 folks that attended. Jeff and Debbie Troxell coordinated the whole event, and we were sad to see all the folks go on Sunday after lunch. Upon returning to Carlisle, the Chapel community collected a sizable designated offering for the Growing and Building Campaign. Thank you, Carlisle friends!!

- We were particularly blessed this month to have 10 ROTC cadets from Olivet Nazarene University and their sponsor Major Jason Creek and his two sons, along with five USMA cadets from West Point volunteer to help out with various work projects during their spring break. While many young people head out for personal pleasure and debauchery, it was gratifying to see these students give of themselves sacrificially for the Lord’s work here. It was amazing how much they accomplished in such a short time although the weather was rainy for a good part of that time. We are very grateful to these future leaders for their hard work and servants’ hearts.

- As you can see by the attached photo, we broke ground on the new access road to the future Heritage House site and in doing so we celebrated our 30th Anniversary! This was a fun way to capitalize on the timing. Matt Warren of Warren Service Co. used his big front loader to move a good bit of earth, transfer a stone table and begin the work. We plan to solicit bids in April for the new road construction which will connect to the existing camp road at the corner of the horse barn. From there the road will be improved up to the “Y” from where one can view the Heritage House site across the corn field. Come see for yourself! We hope to have the road improvement completed before the summer programs start in mid-June.

Challenges and Opportunities

Continuing to plan for the 24 April Growing and Building local dinner event here at WSS.

Hindrances

None new.

Ministry Support

We were grateful for the help of Lee and Marcie Deremer from our Advisory Committee during the Carlisle Barracks weekend. They really were a blessing by helping with all the meals for a totally full house of guests. Also, we appreciated the Halvorsons and Buckinghams hosting the USCGA cadets during their ministry trip over Easter.

Ministry Recommendations

None new.

Prayer Requests

- Praise God for good responses for our summer Senior Staff. Pray that those whom the Lord calls will be faithful to come and serve here with us.

- Pray for the planning for a 24 April Growing and Building Campaign dinner here at WSS and that it will be effective in raising local support in Bedford County. Pray for a good response to the invitation letters that have been mailed out.

- Pray for our country and our future direction as we select nominees for president. Pray for President Bush’s busy schedule of events that he will be uplifted and refreshed by various Christians who meet him. Pray for our leaders and our troops to achieve victory over terrorism. Pray for those who have been wounded in the war on terrorism and for the families of our fallen warriors.

- Pray for Dailey Chandler and David Braddy as they recruit high school students to participate in Youth Leadership. Pray for a positive witness for Christ to these young people as Dailey and David facilitate the program.

- Pray for increased attendance at our summer programs this year. Pray for our speakers as they prepare for their presentations during summer family camp.

Rejoicing in Christ Jesus,
Clay Thomas