Expensive Pudding?

Do you ever wonder why we do this ministry the way we do? Is it really a good idea to spend the Lord's money and ministry time on things like challenge courses, paintball equipment or gift shops? Would our ministry and money be better spent serving the underprivileged instead of on adventure activities, disc golf courses, and Hawaiian Ice machines?

These are not only reasonable questions but necessary ones! Because this generation of young people is so hard to reach, we really do need to be sure that what we are doing is valuable in getting their attention and expanding the Lord's purposes in the the world.

Well, the proof of that is in the proverbial pudding. When all is said and done, are the results worth the expenditure?

One assumption must be addressed at the beginning... the assumption that since much of what we do costs a lot of money, then we can't be ministering to the needs of the underprivileged.

No doubt there are many who come to Doe River Gorge who are wealthy. There are also many who come who cannot afford the fees of our ministry. People from all walks of life need Jesus. I was recently told by our Director that we have never turned anyone away because of finances. So far God has provided the money to help those who need it.

Doe River Gorge has great comfortable facilities, fantastic activities, amazing food, and over 100 staff providing an unforgettable fun experience for kids ages 8-18. Is it really worth it to do all this?

"Taste and see that the LORD is good;

blessed is the man who takes refuge in him."

Psalm 34:8 NIV

Many who come to Doe River Gorge have not had good experiences with the church and have a poor image of who God is. We want them to taste and see that the Lord is good. We do this by giving them a comfortable bed in an air conditioned room...by giving them great food...by providing the fun and adventure that they're looking for...by loving and accepting them for who God made them to be...and by teaching them about how much God loves them. When they realize just how great our Father is, many of them become eager to turn to Him through the drawing of the Holy Spirit and through the work of Jesus on the cross.

It is an amazing thing to see!

In just the first two weeks of Adventure Quest this summer we have seen:

• 83 young people accept Christ as Savior
• 154 more dedicated their lives to Him
• 102 made other significant life changing decisions.

Those are pretty cold numbers until you think about the fact that each one of them is a soul loved by our Father...someone changed forever by Him.

I'd call that some pretty good "pudding"!

~ jefe