The Wilds Newsletter Fall 2014

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Fall 2 014 Volume 33 Number 2


2/16newslett er fall 2014

The Wilds Christian Association, Inc. is anindependent, nondenominational, nonprot,501(c)(3) organization created for the purposeof operating Christian camps and conferencecenters. We are fundamental in our beliefs,Bible-centered in our philosophy, andevangelistic in our outreach.

The Wilds Christian Association, Inc. presentlyoperates a Christian camp and conferencecenter in the Blue Ridge Mountains of westernNorth Carolina that is open year-round. Thecamp has a carefully selected and trained staffand averages over 20,000 campers per year. In2009 The Wilds of New England began ministryat our campsite in Deering, New Hampshire. Inthis peaceful, rural setting we experienced goodgrowth in attendance at our summer camps aswell as in our limited fall schedule programs.We anticipate a continuing steady growth andexpansion of the ministry at this New Englandlocation.

In addition to providing a God-honoring musicpublication service as an integral part of ourministry, The Wilds Christian Association, Inc.has also established the CampsAbroad programto assist others in the formation and operationof Christian camp ministries around the world.

The Wilds Christian Association, Inc. publishesThe Wilds NewsLetter. Change of addressinformation and comments should be sent to:

The Wilds Christian Association, IncPO Box 509 Taylors, SC 29687-0009Phone: (864) 268-4760Fax: (864) 292-0743E-mail: [email protected]

Visit our website at www.wilds.org or visitThe Wilds Online Store at www.wilds.org/store.Editor: Ken CollierGraphic Designer: Craig StoufferPublications Coordinator: Vickie Ebner

Fall 2014 Volume 33 Number 2 2014 The Wilds Christian Association, Inc.All rights reserved.

The Wilds and CampsAbroad are registeredtrademarks of The Wilds Christian Association, Inc.

North Carolina Campsite:

The Wilds1000 Wilds Ridge RoadBrevard, NC 28712-7273Phone: (828) 884-7811Fax: (828) 862-4813

New England Campsite:

The Wilds of New England1181 Deering Center RoadDeering, NH 03244-6529Phone/Fax: (603) 529-0001

T he Wilds has six Core Values thatwe treasure! Our six Core Valuesare things that should never change aslong as the Lord sees t to keep thisplace around for His glory. A Core Value is the DNA of a ministry and, by de nition, that which is inside,

nearest the center of a thing. With most of our Core Values, we hope that

a picture may immediately come to your mind and you might say, Yes, Ive

seen that happen or felt that feeling at The Wilds. If I said that one of the

Core Values of The Wilds is faithful to the Bible , I hope everyone would

immediately relate to that being a proven core of anyones experience at

The Wilds. But, what if I say, One of the Core Values of The Wilds is a

refreshing enjoyment of life in Christ ? Huh? Would that resonate? We

b y K e n C o l l i e r

P r e s i d e n t T h e W i l d s

B r e v a r d , N o r t h C a r o l i n a

to the Core!


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certainly hope so! In this NewsLetter we want to take you

on a thoughtful and maybe even slightly zany tour of what

it means to be at one of our campsites and experience a

refreshing enjoyment of life in Christ.

Several staff members are going to be presenting lists from

friends in a variety of age groups and interests who have

been campers or staff members at The Wilds. Well try to geta glimpse of what they think brings a refreshing enjoyment

of life in Christ. Obviously the ideas will varydefying the

potential of being con ned to a little box. Its hardly possible

to be wrong! Here are a few observations that might remind

former campers about a refreshing enjoyment of life in

Christ. The key to refreshing enjoyment is the phrase life

in Christ. This start s off everything at The Wilds in the right

way. Why would we not enjoy such an atmosphere? Why

would we not be refreshed in our spirit? We have Christ! Our

greatest issue in life (restored fellowship with God) has been

solved by His grace!

Refreshing enjoyment is not relegated to doing an activity,

though that may be the case. Refreshing enjoyment of

life in Christ comes in sharing something of a treasured

memory with an acquaintance, hearing an encouraging truth,

seeing something delightful, or being greeted or treated in a

pleasing way.

Part of refreshing enjoyment is being in a totally

different, out-of-the-ordinary environment.

How refreshing it is to be away from it allfor

instance, beautiful, majestic surroundings that

display the power of God in creation.

Refreshing enjoyment is hearing Gods Word

and works magni ed in singing and preaching.

Its opening your Bible not just in services, but

in Gods presence as He speaks through it when were

spending quiet time with Him.

Here are questions to help us remember and recall

refreshing enjoyment of life in Christ at The Wilds. Maybe

you could give us a list of 3-5 things to help us grow in our

pursuit to help The Wilds be a joy to Gods people! Test drive

the questions in thebox if you've been

to The Wilds before.

I sometimes try to

imagine what our

world would be like

for many people if

God had not chosen

to bring The Wilds

into existence. For

years and years Ivehad the privilege

of watching people

enjoy The Wilds

campsites and go

away refreshed and

renewed with Gods

blessing. The Wilds represents many wonderful things to

Gods people. The Wilds is the ready place for enjoyment,

but the refreshing enjoyment is all brought about by the

hope that life in Christ brings to each of us .

What do you enjoy at Thethat makes you want to com

What comes to your mind tha smile as you remember yo

The Wilds?

What do you hope and prachanges at The Wilds?

If you brought a friend to Twhat would you make sur

wouldnt miss?



W e had atremendoussummer withour summer staff

members. The freshness andenthusiasm this group

brings to The Wilds

is amazing. What a privilege it is to work with

dedicated young adults who were certainly

examples of people who embodied this

refreshing enjoyment we talk about! In

surveying the summer staff, the word joyful

was used over and over to describe their

experience at camp. Here is their take onrefreshing enjoyment of life in Christ:

Closeness, unity,family atmosphere, andcomradery of the staff

Funtime

Hiking to the 4th Falls

Tubing the creek Spiritually uplifting andChrist-honoring music

Preaching thatcommunicates love for Godand others

Scriptural philosophy groundingeverything we do

In a few short minutes, being able togo from 100% craziness in a game tocounseling a camper from Gods Word

Beauty of the campsite

Joyful attitude of the full-time staff

b y M a t t H

e r b s t e r

D i r e c t o r T h e W

i l d s




1. The screams of excitement as two teens y atblazing speed towards the ground then are caught by the

harnesses and swing back and forth on our 65-foot GiantSwing.

2. The laughter and cheers as someone scores agoal in Human Foosball or GaZEEball.

3. The colorful face paint and the roar ofcheering as the winning team is announced during

Final Scoring.

4. The uncontrollable laughter , sometimesdriving the person to tears, that happens when watching

Funtime.

5. The cheers and yells ofhundreds of teens playing theirhardest to hit the Bigball betweentheir teams ag or run the fastest totheir teams goal.

6. The smiles and excitement in ateens eyes when he accepts Christ or alignshis life with God's will.

7. The wide-eyed excitement during Orientation when campers see the newactivities all over the campsite that are waiting forthem to experience.

8. The splash after a camperis launched off the Blob or the

excited yells as they leap off the 20-foot Jump Off Tower at the Lake.

9. The sense ofaccomplishment in the

eyes of campers as they worktogether to complete the

ropes and wire team-buildingcourse called The Summit.

10. The way the congregational singinggrows and swells throughout the week as God

continues to work in the hearts of each one attneding.

b y J o e F a n t

P r o g r a m D i r e c t o r T h e W

i l d s



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HONG KONG JULY

More area churches participated in camp this year than everbefore. Wade Peltier ran the program while Mark Herbster

represented CampsAbroad and did the main

speaking for the camp.

Many of the counselors were greatly impacted

by the principles of servant leadership and

expressed interest in counseling again in future

camps.

One young man shared that he now realizes that

he needs to eliminate sin in his life while he is

young so that it does not control him later.

Around 50 people

from many local

churches across

eastern Chinaattended the staff

training.

After a month of solid rain, the Lord gave us 3 clear

days for the campthen it started raining again!

The clear days were a great blessing because the

campers ended up sleeping in tents when the

property owner went back on the agreement to let

us use several buildings.

In spite of this, the kids attending had a great time,

and 16 young people professed Christ as Savior!

CHINA MAY

This campsite in a beautifully wild, remote setting is blossoming

through sacri cial work.

About 50 people showed up for the staf f training, many of them

traveling over 24 hours to come to camp, and some brought their

families with them! They did well learning the ropes of a brand new

philosophy of camping.

Many of the campers who

attended had zero exposure tothe gospel before coming to

campthey were mostly rough

inner city kids. About 25 of

the very rst batch of campers

made decisions to trust Christ

as Savior. In evaluating the

camp, the campers offered only one suggestion: extend the days

of camp!

MONGOLIA JULY



Do you think thatyoung people all overthis world, most ofwhom do not evenspeak English, canunderstand the corevalue of refreshingenjoyment of life inChrist ? I sure do!

by Dan Brooks Assistant Director CampsAbroad

Brevard, North Carolina



REGIST ER NOW FOR S UMMER 2 0 15!

Early Bird registration discountavailable until February 1, 2015.

Register online for Summer Camp andwell waive a $10 processing fee.

(Early Bird and online registration discounts do not apply to the week of Juneas it is already discounted.)

For more information about Summer Camp 2015,contact us at [email protected] or (864) 331-3


10/160 newsle tt er fall 2014

by Rand HummelDirector The Wilds of New England

Deering, New Hampshire

What is it and how do othersknow if youve got it?Refreshing : ri'freSHiNG; adjective. Serving to refresh or

reinvigorate someone; invigorating, revitalizing, reviving,

stimulating, exhilarating

Enjoyment: en'joimnt; noun. The state or process of taking

pleasure in something; fun, entertainment, amusement, diversion,

recreation, relaxation

Life in Christ : The phrase is alive with some wonderful and colorful

theological words: redemption (Romans 2:24); no condemnation

(Romans 8:1); sancti ed (1 Corinthians 1:2); triumph (2 Corinthians

1:21); new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17); simplicity (2 Corinthians

11:3); consolation (Philippians 2:1); exceeding abundant grace, faith,

and love (1 Timothy 1:14); and salvation (2 Timothy 2:10).

Photo courtesy of Carr ie Markey.



Camp is a great place to show-off

what God has done for you. Think about

it! Once you know that you are saved,

redeemed, forgiven, and sancti ed with

the promise of living a triumphant life as

a new creation in Christ that is immersed

in Gods abundant grace and love, howcould you not smile with your eyes, your

face, and your heart?

I wondered why so many campers come

to camp walking like Eeyores but leave

bouncing like Tiggers. So we asked them

four simple questions, and here are their

simple answers.

What do you enjoy at The Wilds of

New England that makes you wantto come back?

* Counselors, encouraging staff, people who work here

* Everything!* Preaching, messages, and services

* The Zipline and Laser Tag

What comes to your mind that brings a smile to you?

* Funtime* The crazy, fun, encouraging staff

* Everything!* Friends, food, and so many wonderful

memories

What do you hope and pray never

changes at The Wilds of NewEngland?

* The philosophy, spirit, and attitude ofTWNE

* The music and standards * Everything!

* Spiritual atmosphereIf you brought a friend to The Wildsof New England, what would youmake sure they wouldnt miss?

* Zipline, Laser Tag, and crazy games * The services and preaching

* The song services and God & I Time* Everything!

The refreshing enjoyment of life in Christ is a core value

of our ministry. It is a simple way to show all who come to

our camps that it truly is wonderful to be a Christian. I love

to see it in our ministry, endeavor to see it in my own life,and know that God desires to see it in your life. Eeyore or

Tigger? Its your choice.

Download our app today!http://buff.ly/1x0nKTi



by Dick ReidVice President The Wilds

Taylors, South Carolina

A s Christians, saved by grace, we should alwayshave a refreshing enjoyment of life in Christ because we know how undeserving we are as

recipients of the greatest giftsalvation and eternal

life with God. However, how many of us also have a

refreshing enjoyment of life in Christ through giving

to the cause of Christ ?

Recently I was made aware that a friend of our

ministry, who faithfully supports our various

fundraisers for campsite improvements, was

disappointed that he had not received any recent

fundraising requests from us. He literally enjoys

being able to nancially support Gods work

through our various ministries. That is an individual

who has a refreshing enjoyment of giving to the

cause of Christ.

During the last 27 years that I have had the

privilege of serving God here, I have been blessed

to hear and receive many encouraging comments

from our faithful suppor ters. Here are some of

the reasons that cause them to have a refreshing

enjoyment of giving to the cause of Christ at

The Wilds:

All of the funds donated to The Wilds are

ALWAYS used for the speci c purpose stated.

Many projects are accomplished at bargain

prices (good value) because the donors

contribute the cost of the materials and

volunteer labor does much of the construction.

Over the years, the leadership of The Wilds

(Ken Hay, Ken Collier, Bob Stoner, Rand

Hummel, Gary Williams, Steve Leatherwood,

Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things,how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak,

and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said,It is more blessed (better, a greater blessing, makes one happier, more enjoyable)

to give than to receive.

2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart,so let him give ; not grudgingly, or of necessity:

for God loveth a cheerful giver (joyous, one who is enjoying it, one whose heart is in it).



AItems received:2 Chainsaw Chaps 4 Dressers 2 Air hoChild Blood Pressure Cuff 4 Sandwich B5 Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems 8

Needs: Bunn Coffee Brewer - $800 Large Ice Chest (4) - $65 Each Pulse Oximeter (2) - $75 Each Entry Mat (6) - $95 Each Back Board Headblock - $125 Rafting Boots (20 pair) - $30 Pair Pump Up Sprayer (3) - $30 Each Fall Protection Harness (4) - $90 Each Fall Protection Hardware Set (4) - $55 E 100 Fall Protection Rope (2) - $95 Each

N Items received:7 Aprons Professional Coffee Grinder

Needs: Shed for ZIPLine - $800 Safety Fence (top) (15) $10 Each Safety Fence (bottom) (9) - $50 Each Shovel (4) - $20 each Chainsaw Chain (4) - $25 Each Headset Microphone (2) - $275 Each Small Powered Mixer - $100

I want to A or NEnclosed is a gift toward the cost of the indicated

Rev./Dr.Mr./Mrs./Miss _________________________________

Address _______________________________________

City _______________________ State ____ Zip _____

Mail to: The Wilds PO Box 509 Taylor

N e e d s C o r n e

r

T h e

ww w.wilds.org 13

Matt Collier, Matt Herbster, and others) have

proven themselves to be faithful stewards and

prudent investors of the resources entrusted to

us.

High quality, safe facilities and activities

signi cantly help to eliminate negative barriers to

our primary focuspresenting the Truth of God

with the love of God so lives can be changed to

the glory of God.

People love what God is doing in the hearts

and lives of those at tending the various camps,

conferences, and retreats at our different

locations, and they want to be a participating co-

laborer with us.

I hope that you personally have a refreshing

enjoyment of life in Christ. I TRUST that you are also

having or will consider having a refreshing enjoymentof giving to the cause of Christ at The Wilds.



CAREERS:

Jared and Tiffany [Fleming] Guerrant (07,08,09,10-12) were married on8/16/13. They live in Stephenson, Virginia,where Tiffany works in a doctors of ceand Jared is in the Air Force.

WEDDINGS :Katie Betancourt (09,10,11,12,13)and Matt Ashley, 5/17/14.

Heidi Davis (08) and Loren Crisp,5/12/14.

Melanie Mulder (08,09,10,11,12-13) and Michael Whitteberry(09,10,11,12), 5/31/14.

Emily Sowers (06,07,08,09,10,11,12) and Terrence Jones (06,07,08-12), 6/14/14.

Brit Kern (11,12) and Tory Martin(09,10,11,12-13), 7/5/14.

Jamie Yow (11,12,13,14) and CalebDavis (11,12,13,14), 8/9/14.

Emily McAllister (11,12,13,14) andRoland Kassales (13,14), 8/15/14.

Leah DeBruler (14) and CharlesGourley (10,11,12,14), 8/23/14.

Heidi Desmarais (08,09,10) andJames Smith, 10/12/13.

BIRTHS:Lance and Julie [Bate] Ficek (96),Isaiah Emerson and Eleanora EllieFaith, 5/8/13.

Chris (01,02,03,04) and Susana[Cooper] McAviney (02,03,04), LydiaSandra, 7/16/13.

George (98,99,00,01-04)and Becky [Greer] Clements (94,95,96,97,98,00,04), MarcellaHope, 10/16/13.

Toby and Jenny [Council] Long (99),Weston Luke, 1/8/14.

Jesse (07,08-10) and AnneRichardson , Beechel Beech David,6/11/14.

Nathanael (05,06,07,08,09)and Krista [Henager] Gorsline (05,06,07), Avery Elizabeth, 6/19/14.

Jonathan and Amy [Haynes] Parsons (97,98,10-13), Kathryn Grace,7/11/14.

Ben (06) and Ashley [Stoner]Fairchild (00,01,02,03,04,05), ElenaKatherine, 7/14/14.

John and Anna [Brooks] Robinson (02), Hannah Grace, 7/15/14.

Brett (03,04,05,06,'07-'08) andElisabeth [Mohler] Castelloe (03,04,05,06-08), Gabriel Stephen,

7/17/14.

Chris (99,00,01,03,04,05,06-11) and Laura [Weathers] Lynch (03,04,05,08-11), Kinley Evelyn,8/17/14.

Michael (03,04,05,06,07,08) andNatalie [Collier] Durso (00,01,02,03,04,05,07,08), Emera Jenevieve,11/1/14.

Former Staf,help keep us updated on your career

moves,

marriage, and children! Send

announcements to:

The Wilds, Where Are They Now?

PO Box 509Taylors, SC 29687-0009or e-mail [email protected].

where are they

Its 1932. Dr. Du ncan McDonut and Daddy Starbucschedule the grand openings of their brand new co

for the very same day.A coffee war is declared. Each entrepreneur u nleashes his own stcapture the taste buds of Bostons coffee connoisseurs. Join us thisexperience a creative caffeine high that you will never forget.

www.thewildsofnewengland.org1181 Deering Center Road, Deering, NH 03244Phone: (603) 529-0001Fax: (828) 862-4813

Contact Us



MARY A. COLLINS Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Ron Nol

PASTOR SAM CRITES Given by: Jessica Bright Mr. & Mrs. John Crites Mr. & Mrs. Joe Harper Mr. & Mrs. Michael Withers

NORA ERICKSON Given by: E. North Street Academy: Jennifer Brown Victoria Gilbert Mary Masse Sherry Moore Lauren Runion

STEPHEN FARRELL Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Ron Nol

DR. JAY FLECK Given by: The Robert & Grace Ulsh FamilyDR. WALTER G. FREMONT Given by: Peggy Holt

JOSIAH DANIEL HORKAVY Given by: Dr. & Mrs. W. C. Adams Mr. & Mrs. David Auman Susan Auman Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Beadles The Benson Family Benson Kiwinis Club, Benson, NC

Jim, David, & Linda Blakesle Mary Buffaloe Catawba Christian Church Teens, Apex, NC Mr. & Mrs. Roy Cochran Jean & Mary Helen Creech Joanne Esposito Hugh Francis

Garcia Lanzoni Families Winn Graham Family Mr. & Mrs. Landis Hall Harvey Financial Services, Inc., Sanford, NC Mr. & Mrs. Jesse Higgins Dr. and Mrs. Carl Horkavy

Dean Horkavy Mr. & Mrs. Rodney Horkavy Mr. & Mrs. Larry Massengill William M Massengill

Josie Matthews Mr. & Mrs. Ray McSparranMr. & Mrs. Rodney Mitchell Charles Morganti

North Carolina Chiropractic Association, Raleigh, NC Mr. & Mrs. Randy Phelps Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Pierce Mr. & Mrs. Russ Poppe Mr. and Mrs. Danny Rhodes

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Robinson Miriam Rose Mr. & Mrs. James Rushia Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Simpkins

Helen W. Smith Mr. & Mrs. Gil Steiner Mr. & Mrs. James Stephenson Mr. & Mrs. Benny Tart

Bonnie Tilley Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Utley Mr. & Mrs. Jack Whittington Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Williams

Pastor & Mrs. Chuck Woodruff Ricky ONeil Young

JAMES H. HUGHES Given by: Ismael Gullon

MELODY KOENKE Given by: Mr. and Mrs. Jim McAdams

LOUISE MORRIS Given by: Linda Murray Yarborough

JIM ONEAL Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Comer

ELLA PARNELL Given by: Linda Murray Yarborough

ART PFLUG Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Ken Hall

RONNIE PITTMAN Given by: Ann Jones Brenda W. Pittman

FLEMING REEDER Given by: Mr. & Mrs. John Ridley

JUSTIN JOHN RIDLEY Given by: Mr. Carl Boone

MADELINE SAMUEL Given by: Anna Marie Carmean JONATHAN MICHAEL SMITH Given by: Mr. & Mrs. Gary Smith

ANN STONER Given by: Anonymous Donation Bob Jones University, Greenville, SC Lynda Bowman Mr. & Mrs. David Clea Pamela Crouse Mr. & Mrs. Don Gorslin Gospel Fellowship Association, Greenvi Mr. & Mrs. Andrew King Mr. & Mrs. J Mr. & Mrs. Steve Lpez Mr. & Mrs. Ca Mr. & Mrs. B. W. McKendree Mr. & M The Robert & Grace Ulsh Family Mr. & M Mr. & Mrs. Paul Wickensimer

ALEX STRICKLIN Given by: Abigail Gorsline

JANET THOMPSON Given by: Mr. James Thompson

GRACE ULSH Given by: Mr. & Mrs. David Cleary

ANN WOODARD Given by: Linda Murray Yarborough

GIFTS GIVEN IN HONOR OF

Les & Kelly Galloway Given by: Linda Murray Yarborough

Kimberly & Jeff Carlson, Sarah & KevGillenwater, and Hannah & Ransom Lo Given by: Mr. James Thompson

Michael Blackstone, Ed Cone, Todd Orand Roland Thompson Given by: A Friend of the Ministry

Honor a loved one or friend with a Living Memorial gift to The Wilds.

In Memory Of:Rev./Dr./Mr./Mrs./Miss ________________________________________________________Please send card to:

Rev./Dr./Mr./Mrs./Miss _______________________________________________________Address ____________________________________________________________________City ____________________________________________State _______Zip ______________Given by:Rev./Dr./Mr./Mrs./Miss ________________________________________________________Address _____________________________________________________________________City ____________________________________________State ______ Zip _____________Phone _______________________________________________________________________

The Wilds Living Memorials PO Box 509 Taylors, SC 29687-0009

M e m o r i a l g

i f t s r e c e

i v e d a s o

f O c t o

b e r

2 0

, 2 0 1 4

M E M O R I A L S

L I V I N G

Seth and Vickie Ebner are happy

to announce the arrival of their son,

Logan Todd. He was born on August

18, 2014, weighed 8 pounds 4

ounces, and was 20 inches long.

Staff News:


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NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDGREENVILLE, SCPERMIT NO. 687

F a l l 2 0 1 2

PO Box 509

Taylors, SC 29687-0 009

Address Service Requested

I Cling to Christ The words of these meditative, quietly triusongs admonish us "to look to, to rest in, tobefore, and to stand complete in" one persoone alone Jesus Christ, our Savior. Thesestylings remind us that we must cling to Hiand forever. This recording features guitar Billy Peters and Matt Taylor. TWS1459 . . . . . . . $13 .95 Also available on Amazon and iTunes.

Documents

The Wilds Newsletter Fall 2014