Who Can You Really Trust?
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"Jesus didn’t entrust his life to them. He knew them inside and out, knew how untrustworthy they were. He didn’t need any help in seeing right through them."
Luke 2:24-25 (MSG)
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As I write these words I’m surrounded by people, but I feel alone and unseen. These words feel much easier to type than they ever do to say out loud. As soon as the words reach my lips, fear surges through my body, demanding I remain silent. But feelings ebb and flow, don’t they? A friend just entered the room and fought through the cobwebs of self-pity I’ve cloaked myself in to ask how I’m doing – to see me. And just like that, the feelings of loneliness and rejection start to melt away.
After millennia of experiencing the fullness of deity, I can’t imagine what it must have been like for Jesus to give it all up and put himself at the mercy of humans - someone weak and flawed like me. I can be scared to trust other people with my thoughts and my heart, but He was dependent on mere humans to feed Him, change His diapers, love Him and protect Him. The thought of making that choice gives me paralyzing anxiety. And yet, that never seems to be how Jesus felt.
Oswald Chambers in My Utmost for His Highest says, “Our Lord never put His trust in any person. Yet He was never suspicious, never bitter, and never lost hope for anyone, because He put His trust in God first…If I put my trust in human beings first, the end result will be my despair and hopelessness toward everyone. I will become bitter because I have insisted that people be what no person can ever be— absolutely perfect and right. Never trust anything in yourself or in anyone else, except the grace of God.”
When I find I have lost heart, it usually means I have lost focus. How often I have let circumstances and people dictate my perspective on life. Luke 5:16 says, “As often as possible Jesus withdrew to out-of-the-way places for prayer.” (MSG) He went to be with His Dad. God the Father was the only one He actually entrusted Himself to in the end. He trusted that His Father would make sure He had all He needed in His time here on earth. Though they cared for Him, Jesus didn’t entrust Himself to the people around Him. He had deep and meaningful relationships with them, but He put His trust in His Father alone. Sometimes His circumstances were great and other times they were awful. And yet, still, He put His trust in God.
This Christmas season, as many may be experiencing pain from broken relationships, lost loved ones, loneliness, sickness, or economic challenge – let us remember the infant Jesus and the trust He put in the Father to provide and care for His every need in His most vulnerable state.
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Kate Schweikart is originally from Louisianna but for the last 20 years has called Colorado her home. Kate attended Bodenseehof in Germany in 2003-2004. At Ravencrest, Kate serves as the Office Manager and over Women's Care.
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Bible School
Our body enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving feast with fellowship, worship and devotional before sending out the students to enjoy the holiday with family and friends. Unfortunately, as the Thanksgiving break unfolded, we started hearing reports of students testing positive for COVID.
Finding ourselves in a campus quarantine situation, we asked those who were away to stay where they were and we moved to an online Bible school program for the last two weeks of the term. Thankfully, for the few left at Ravencrest, the quarantine was more bearable due to atypically warm weather for December allowing us to be with each other outdoors for meals and activities. Technology made it possible to have fellowship with those near and far through various apps for devotions, teaching, family groups and prayer and share. By the last few days of the term everyone on campus was COVID free, so were able to decorate for Christmas and have a gingerbread house making contest! As we move into our Christmas break, please pray our students will keep Christ the pre-eminent One in their lives.
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LTC Update
Our LTC students are finishing the term with a 20 minute teaching on a small section of Scripture. They’ve been learning how to understand and teach Scripture exegetically this term, and now they’re putting their skills to work! We’ve been extremely grateful to have these four LTC students here this year, as they’ve been an encouragement to the staff and student body alike, and we can’t wait to continue walking alongside them next year.
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Accomplishments
Gym/ Shop Roof Replacement
Leaky roof be gone! There is a section of the gym roof that, despite myriad repairs, has been leaking for years! We were finally able to get that section of the roof fully replaced last week.
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Workout Room Repair
The room on campus that has suffered the most from the gym roof leak is the workout room. Now that the roof has been replaced, we can replace all the damaged dry wall and get this room renovated! We'll keep you posted on the progress.
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Betsy and Oliver Our New Vacuums!
Betsy and Oliver are our two brand-new commercial vacuums! Olivia has done a lot of research to find the best vacuums that can last longer with their heavy use here on campus. She called around to hotels and places in town to see what has lasted the longest for others who use vacuums as much as we do. She decided to go with these two commercial vacuums that the YMCA has been using for the last 20 years!
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Justin and Rachael
Justin and Rachael will be adding a new member to their family shortly after this year’s graduation! Rachael is due on May 17, 2022. They’re both overflowing with excitement for the child that the Lord is bringing into their lives, and we at Ravencrest are eager to welcome another child into our community.
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Germany here we come!
Ruben finally received his passport in the mail, which means we are heading to Germany for the holidays! After two years away from our friends and family in Germany we look forward to the fellowship that we can enjoy being reunited with loved ones.
Brooke and Ruben Dick
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Staff Christmas!
We had a wonderful Staff Christmas Celebration last night, filled with delicious potluck dishes, a gift exchange and a beautiful a Capella rendition of Silent Night.
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Maintenance Interns 2022
This next summer of 2022 we will be needing some maintenance help. For all those who are interested in our yearlong maintenance program, you can apply online by clicking the link below.
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Summer Program Interns 2022
We’re looking for anyone who loves the Lord and wants to share His life with guests to come serve with our Adventure Camps this Summer! Volunteers can expect to be serving in practical ways, sharing about Christ in structured and unstructured times, and leading our guests as they go hiking, biking, climbing, or kayaking, and whatever else the Lord provides the opportunity for. No prior training is necessary, but volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.
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The Gathering
We'll be inviting the community of Estes Park up to Ravencrest again on Friday, January 28th at 7:00 p.m. for The Gathering! Join us in the Student Center for a night of worship, games, hot chocolate, and ice cream!
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RECHARGE:
Men’s Retreat
Dates: July 31 – August 2, 2022
Cost: $150
Speaker: Ravencrest Staff Men
"Created to..."
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REFRESH:
Women's Retreat
Dates: August 3 – 6, 2022
Cost: $225
Speaker: Ravencrest Staff Women
"Deconstructing the Proverbs 31 Woman"
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RENEW:
Adult Retreat
Dates: August 8 – 13, 2022
Cost: $395
Speaker: Wayne Weissman
"Salvation through Exodus"
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God's Provision
A message from our Director,
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For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
I can remember growing up as a little boy so very excited about Christmas. The reality was that I was most excited about two things…the special treats that my Mum would make (specifically Nanaimo Bars…boy they were good!) and the gifts that we would receive. At that age the desired gifts always centered around Transformers or GI Joe. I got very excited!
At this stage in my life, I am finding that I get excited about things beyond treats or material gifts. As I reflect on all that has taken place this past year, it’s easy to see the circumstances and feel a heavy weight. But in reality, what we received from the Lord this year – the gift of His life and His provision – is truly immeasurable. This Gift transcends a specific season – He is Someone we had and could receive the gift of His life, EVERY DAY. Through these circumstances (COVID, evacuation, cancelations, challenges a plenty) we had the Son! Each day was filled with His presence, and we could experience His counsel, His might, His unending Fatherhood, and His peace. That’s a gift that excites me!
I desire to grow in the truth of enjoying the gift of His life, every day, regardless of the circumstances we face. In these challenging times, He is the gift, He is the provider, He is the One for us to receive and live in the truth of every day.
We are so thankful for the projects that we’ve been able to accomplish and continue to work on this year. Please pray with us that we would have further wisdom in knowing what projects to undertake and when to undertake them. It is our deep desire to be faithful stewards of this property and the Lord’s ministry here at Ravencrest. If you would feel led by the Lord to support any of these opportunities for growth, please see below for some different venues where there is need.
Here are some further details on projects we hope to accomplish this year…
- Student Center carpet: $15,000
- Lower Berghaus (Dorms) remodel - flooring and 2 bathrooms: $15,000
- New decks for Student Center and Berghaus : $40,000
- Window replacements – multiple buildings (approx. 30 windows): $24,000
- Additional projects/needs for consideration
- New 25+ passenger van/bus: $20,000+ (we just purchased a new school bus to help out with our Bible school and summer programs!!!)
- Ridgehaus basement completion – staff apartment + open guest room: $120,000
If you have any questions or would like to talk further on any of these, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly (970-372-8831 or erik@ravencrest.org). Thanks for your prayers and support. Peace to you, in Christ.
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Praise:
- For the Lord’s protection of our property and for His provision for our body during our mandatory evacuation due to a forest fire 1 mile from Ravencrest at the end of November
- For the generosity of YMCA of the Rockies, who opened their campus to house and feed our Ravencrest community as long as needed
- For our wonderful, encouraging, joyful Christ-focused staff
- That our COVID outbreak was swift and everyone has recovered.
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Pray:
- For our students, interns, and staff to finish the winter term well
- For grace for our international students returning to the US after Christmas break, particularly with new vaccination requirements for entry into the US
- For spiritual nourishment to our staff’s hearts during this time of Thanksgiving and Christmas
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