Dear Rose Park,
Yesterday morning, I went for a walk with the Executive Director of Camp Geneva, Kevin VanderKlok. We met at 8:30 overlooking the pool on the Shores Campus. The sun was shining, the waves on Lake Michigan were calm, the sound of children’s laughter filled camp, the sight of tie-dye t-shirts were everywhere, and the joy of the Lord was palpable. Though Camp looks a lot different from when I was a camper, one thing still remains: Camp Geneva provides an environment where the presence of God is experienced, the love of Christ is demonstrated, and a Spirit-filled life is inspired.
If you haven’t been to Geneva recently, I’d highly recommend you take the time to visit; it was an absolute joy to see camp while hearing how God has remained faithful throughout the years and the exciting future that God has in store for Geneva. As Kevin and I walked, we shared stories and got to know each other. He expressed gratitude for Rose Park’s faithful support and volunteering throughout the years. We saw Charlie Duistermars laughing and playing with friends; his joy was contagious to all those around him. As we walked and talked, not only did we find ourselves playing Dutch-bingo and making connections, but we also realized we shared a common vision for how places like Camp Geneva and Rose Park are on the same team and striving for the same goal: we each desire to share the love of Christ in such a way that others are drawn towards Him.
Camp Geneva and the Church ought to be working together in building up the Kingdom of God. The opportunities for this hand-in-hand partnership are endless. For example, we can continue to send our children to Camp, but we can also volunteer as adults. A small group can go for a morning walk around camp to pray for campers and counselors. Consistory members can meet in the winter for a retreat. A full church picnic could be on the lawn next to the lake.
This summer, Camp Geneva will host nearly four-thousand children. That’s nearly four-thousand opportunities to share the love of Christ and inspire a life of discipleship in the Kingdom of God. At Rose Park, our mission is to connect, empower, and reconcile. Camp Geneva creates an environment for all three of those goals to occur all the while growing closer to each other as we draw closer to Him.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Mark