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Running for 30 hours. It sounds crazy, right? Let’s be honest- it is! Over the weekend of November 14, a group of runners was able to fundraise for Cedar Lake by doing exactly that. I am honored to have been one of them. There is much preparation that goes into such a feat- training, nutrition, hydration, gear, and so on. Then it all has to come together along with weather, a support crew, and a can-do attitude.
We were blessed with absolutely great weather, even throughout the night, until an hour-long rain came through near the end. The rain coupled with wind made the last few miles even more challenging. We also had great support from family and staff. They were there to serve food, offer encouragement, and sometimes pace with us.
As the hours passed the miles added up. As the miles added up, so did the pain. Eventually, my feet became so sore it hurt every step. My knees had radiating pain every time they came down and eventually, the muscles in my legs were so tired all I could do was walk. Some of you reading this are saying, “Why in the world would you do that to yourself?” But others, who enjoy finding your limits, understand that in pushing yourself you grow. Grow what? Character. The Apostle Paul says, “Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance produces character; character produces hope.” To be clear, he is speaking to a group of believers who faced persecution under the Roman Empire. But the principle remains. Hardships test our limits, cause us to dig deep, and we are tougher and better for it on the other side.
In the end, notable finishes include a marathon from an 8-year-old, a 100K (62 miles), a triple marathon (78.6), and a 100-mile completion. Congratulations to all who participated! And a big thank you to our sponsors as well as all who offered their support.
Our annual auction and dinner fundraiser was a great time of food, fellowship, and vision casting. Throughout the evening guests heard testimony from board member Todd Daugherty about his upbringing at camp and the influence Cedar Lake had on him and other young people. Associate Director Jared Marsh told the story of a camper who received the life-changing salvation of Jesus Christ this summer and went on to begin influencing others in the same direction. Executive Director Ryan Higgins spoke about the victories of summer 2020 and how greatly the Lord has blessed CLC.
We give a huge thank you to all the businesses and individuals who donated items for auction and for all those who participated in the online and in-person auction experience. Our thanks to Lee Ammonet at Eagle Auction & Realty for hosting the online portion of the auction as well as Ted McWilliams of McWilliams Auction & Realty for his assistance and auctioneering that night. In all, over $20,000 was raised towards the construction of a new gym and pool.
October is particularly beautiful at camp with fall colors and mild weather. It’s a great time to be outside playing Gaga ball, taking a hike…or making fun chemical reactions such as “elephant toothpaste.” Campers at our seasonal camps experience activities that aren’t available or possible during summer camps. Making pumpkin art is just not a summer thing! But what never changes is the message of God’s love toward the world displayed in the person of Jesus Christ. His life supplies the example we need of how to love God and love our neighbor as ourselves. His death provides the pure and spotless sacrifice necessary to satisfy God’s wrath against our sin. But the grave couldn’t hold him- Jesus is alive today and beckons us to join Him in the work of proclaiming that message. Thank you to all the staff who spent the week investing in the kiddos!
Rejoice with our staff family as we welcome baby Graham to Cedar Lake Camp! Graham was born November 15 weighing 7 lbs, 11 oz. Proud parents are Associate Director Jared Marsh and wife Megan along with big sisters Evie and Emery. We thank the Marshes for their service to Cedar Lake these past seven years!
Life is precious from “womb to tomb” and we celebrate when we have it and mourn when it is lost. For the Scripture says, “You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Registration for summer camp 2021 is now available online at www.cedarlakecamp.org! We look forward to seeing all those smiling faces soon!