“Hush, little baby, let go of your fears.
The Lord loves His own and your mother is here.”
The babe fell asleep as the lantern did burn.
The mother sang on till her Bridegroom’s return.
Alleluia! The great storm is over! Lift up your wings and fly!"
Alleluia! The great storm is over! Lift up your wings and fly!
We joyfully give THANKS to God and the generous supporters of Camp Bethel and the ministries of Jesus Christ
as we announce VICTORY in reaching our pledge goal to retire the Trailblazer 2 debt!
THANK YOU to everyone who helped make this moment a reality, and PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!
More information coming soon, including a special presentation at the Virlina District Conference in November.
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Dear Friends,
About 4:30 p.m. today, (Tuesday, October 5, 2004), a check was sent to SunTrust
in Richmond, Virginia for $20,134 and change.. This check will remove the last
of the $540,000 indebtedness for the Trailblazer II property at Camp Bethel.
As you all know, this 247-acre, $600,000 purchase was accomplished in November
2001 and effectively doubled the land area of Camp Bethel. Efforts to
eliminated the indebtedness began in earnest in May 2002. As of October 5,
2004, 688 pledges of $595,864.10 have been made with $590,511.97 received to
date. We plan to announce appropriate celebrations to mark this meaningful
accomplishment. We praise God for this accomplishment. Now begins a time of
discernment as we seek God's guidance on how best to develop the whole of Camp
Bethel.
David K. Shumate
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Invest TODAY in Camp Bethel’s GREATEST tomorrows!
In April of 2001, our friend and neighbor, Gaynelle Crowder, passed away. Mrs. Crowder, who had no children, wrote it into her will that Camp Bethel have the “right of first refusal” on her 247 acre farm adjoining the camp’s property. In November of 2001, the Virlina District Board wisely exercised our option to secure this beautiful land for the camp.
Now, we must all work together to provide a lasting legacy for generations of campers to come. Our “Trailblazer II” endeavor seeks to be “debt-free in 2003” as we climb toward our goal of $600,000. We must complete this campaign as soon as possible.
The new “Trailblazer II” property helps bring to reality the 100-year vision for Camp Bethel. The future may hold a conference center and a second camping area to allow for multiple groups’ usage. Will your children and grandchildren be a part of that vision.
The sooner we reach our goal, the sooner we stop paying interest. Help us be good stewards of God’s money; pledge your help today!
Donations are tax-deductible, and each donor will be recognized on a brass “leaf” on our beautiful Trailblazer II Recognition Tree.
Your gift will permit Camp Bethel to realize a new foundation for ministry to children, youth, young adults and older adults in programs and ministries for the future.
Please make TB2 a major prayer-priority this year, and please help shine a light on God’s plan for Camp Bethel. Make checks payable to “Trailblazer II” and please send your contributions to:
TRAILBLAZER II
VIRLINA DISTRICT OFFICE
330 HERSHBERGER ROAD, NW
ROANOKE, VA 24012
hits since 3/19/03. Thanks!
Camp Bethel’s Trailblazer II land is part of a great vision of God’s plan for the future. Imagine each generation’s surprise as visionaries of our past enabled Camp Bethel to be what we know and love today… Do you remember what was said and done?
1926: “Our Church of the Brethren camp needs a permanent home, where crystal waters flow and hills provide the peaceful setting for outdoor worship.” Original 62.7 acres purchased in Fincastle.
1970: “Our campers need space to worship for a true mountain-top experience.” Vesper Hill purchased, giving camp an additional 78 acres.
1974: “Our hikers need land for rustic camping, outdoor living and sleeping under the stars.” Trailblazer I purchased, bringing 80 acres and improving Bethel’s potential for Outdoor Ministries.
2001: “Our modern camp and retreat center needs a buffer from residential areas and new space to provide future camp sites, conference, and worship centers.” Trailblazer II land purchased, adding 247 acres to the grounds.
Some people claim to be realists. Some claim to be dreamers. Somewhere in the middle are the visionaries, who can sacrifice today to ensure future generations with the promise of a camp that meets all needs.
2003: Ecclesiastes 11:1-4: “Give generously, for your gifts will return to you later. Divide your gifts among many, for you do not know what risks might lie ahead. When the clouds are heavy, the rains come down. When the tree falls, whether south or north, there it lies. If you wait for perfect conditions, you never get anything done.” (New Living Bible)
Will you be a part of the great vision of Trailblazer II?