“It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure”
- Philippians 2:13
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This past week we had the extraordinary displeasure of watching our community of students spread their wings and fly the nest. What was once a busy and lively campus is now a place of quiet; the wind gently rustling the trees that tower over the now empty parking lots and vacant buildings. How fortunate we have all been to have something so difficult to say goodbye to.
It seems that, on this side of heaven, all good things must come to an end. But from every end comes a new beginning; and as we watched car after car drive off Pole Hill the pain of loss was overtaken by a joy of anticipation. The fruit of what has taken place this year at Ravencrest can now be given to a world that so desperately needs it.
For me, the school year held many challenges. Stepping into a new role brought new complications. Evacuation from record breaking wildfires. The adversity of food service during our covid outbreak. The circumstances were not ideal.
From these circumstantial hardships came a consequential unease. I found myself faced with my own inadequacy and weaknesses on a daily basis. Where I had once found solid conviction and trust in my heart I was instead met with doubt and fatigue. The foundation I had built my life upon was shaken.
But with the sorrow of recognized insufficiency comes a twofold realization of hope: Firstly, that pain is an expected part of sanctification. “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1 Pet. 4:12) The heat of a refiner’s furnace is required for the process of purification. The grain of wheat must die in the ground to reproduce.
Secondly, that Christ is faithful to fulfill His purpose in the life of a surrendered Christian. “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Pet. 5:10). In submission to Christ my weaknesses become an opportunity for His strength. My doubt a blank canvas for the brush strokes of His faith and fortitude. The misery of my despondency turns to a joy of anticipation: not in what I can do, but in what he is already doing.
“It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13)
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Evan Manning is originally from Wisconsin and attended Bible school at Ravencrest Chalet. He is the Assistant Kitchen Manager.
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Bible School Update
As the spring term came to an end, there was no lack of snow! Thankfully, we were all able to enjoy the last week with some sunny days together. At the start of the graduation weekend, we were able to celebrate 5 students choosing to get baptized. As the Ravencrest body had a time of sharing and reflection it was sweet to see the ways in which the Lord did His work in each one’s life. Through wildfires and COVID, God was faithful to show Himself to us through this sweet school year! Thanks to the Lord we were able to have a graduation this year and parents and friends were able to join us and take part in a meaningful encouraging parents’ reception. Our talented Media team put together an end of the year video that was a compilation of this year with all it held for our body. We were able to share in laughter as well as reflect on all God taught each of us this year. Because of the number of guests that came to join our students in their graduation, Mountain View Bible Fellowship hosted some of these events. The Ravencrest team would like to thank Mountain View, Wayne Weismann and their leadership team for supporting us in this way. On Saturday, May 15, our 51 students graduated and headed out from here to be a light to the rest of this world, sharing all that they learned about the Lord this year.
(Pictured below: Graduation Ceremony on the left and Baptism on the right)
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LTC Camping Trip
Our LTC students took a backpacking trip to the Great Sand Dunes National Park April 29- May 1 to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. Through the fun and the beauty as well as through the discomforts and unexpected turns, God brought about deep fellowship and growth in the time spent together. It was a powerful finish to an awesome year for LTC.
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Summer
We are now in the process of transitioning from the Bible School year to our Summer programs. The state of Colorado and Larimer county have both eased some of the COVID restrictions, for which we are very grateful!
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The Nest
During the last couple of months of having the new espresso machine, staff and students have enjoyed being able to spend time in fellowship around a good cup of coffee. We opened our little coffee shop (the Nest) in the mornings, and in the afternoons and had an amazing turnout. Additionally, we have been working on menu development so we can share some new fun drinks this summer. We hope the Nest will be a huge hit for our groups this summer and look forward to being able to serve our guests in this way.
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Upper Berg Remodel
Room 19 and loft renovations are nearing completion. We are finishing up some window trim and built-in closets for extra storage space. We are looking forward to these rooms being being a blessing to our students and guests.
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GREAT NEWS!
Last month we shared that Thibault had received his work authorization, but we are even more excited this month to share that he has now received his green card! Please join with us in praising the Lord for His provision!
One of our maintenance interns, Josh, who is here from Canada this year, needed a visa extension, and that was granted last week for which we are very grateful!
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SUMMER
With guidelines for childcare being very strict regarding COVID, we have felt it would be too challenging to offer our typical summer camp programming. Instead, we will be operating like a hotel rather than a summer camp. This means groups will be able to come and stay here, but we will not be able to lead them in any activities. Even though we will not be as involved with groups in the ways we are accustomed to, we are excited that we can still welcome guests and pray that they will experience Christ during their stay. Even with these changes, youth groups are still excited to come and spend a week at Ravencrest.
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YEAR LONG INTERNS
Kitchen Interns: We will have year long positions available starting in late August.
Maintenance Interns: If you or someone you know would be interested in volunteering for a year (or even just for the summer) on our Maintenance team, let us know! We have openings immediately. It's a wonderful opportunity to serve the Lord in practical ways.
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ADULT RETREATS
We are so humbled and excited to welcome three incredible teachers to come and share with us at our adult retreats this summer. If you would like to attend RECHARGE or REFRESH, please register by Friday, June 18th.
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RECHARGE:
Men’s Retreat
Dates: July 31 – August 2, 2021
Cost: $150
Speaker: Dave Jackson
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REFRESH:
Adult Retreat
Dates: August 5 – 8, 2021
Cost: $225
Speaker: Sadie Jackson
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RENEW:
Adult Retreat
Dates: August 10 – 15, 2021
Cost: $395
Speaker: Wayne Weissman
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God's Provision
A message from our Director,
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We just said goodbye to this year’s group of students this past weekend, and our hearts are full of joy with being able to celebrate all the miraculous work our Savior Jesus did this year. So many lives were deeply impacted by His love, grace and forgiveness, during what we know has been a turbulent time for all. It was obvious as we fellowshipped with parents and guests during our graduation week, that there was so much to be thankful for and to praise God for in the expression of His faithfulness and provision to us all!!!
As summer fast approaches, we are excited to still be able to welcome people (of all ages) to come to Ravencrest and experience who the Lord the Jesus is and learn more about their relationship with Him. With an adjusted program (due to COVID restrictions) we find ourselves with some more “free” time to work on capital improvement projects that have been needed for some time. We are not only looking at tackling these projects ourselves, but are eager to welcome individuals, or teams of people (skilled and unskilled) to come and participate in the beautification process.
Below are some further details on the projects we are considering. If there are any that fit your specific giftings/profession, or any that you feel the Lord leading you or a team to participate in, please contact our office at 970-586-8118 or office@ravencrest.org, and we’d be happy to see how the Lord can have us all work together. If labor is not your thing, then you can certainly support us by donating towards these efforts.
Many of you know there are lots of areas that need attention on our property. Our prayerful hope is to be faithful stewards of what the Lord has provided, and care for this facility in such a way that blesses all those who come here, for many generations to come. To God be the glory, for whatever He wishes to do!
- Student Center carpet: $12,000
- Lower Berghaus (Dorms) remodel - flooring and 2 bathrooms: $15,000
- New Gym roof - depends on size of job we decide to do: $20,000 - $50,000
- New decks for Student Center and Berghaus : $40,000
- Window replacements – multiple buildings (approx. 30 windows): $24,000
- Paint projects – multiple buildings on campus: $10,000
- Additional projects/needs for consideration
- New 25+ passenger van/bus: $20,000+
- Ridgehaus basement completion – staff apartment + open guest room: $120,000
Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
- Erik
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Praise:
- For a great staff team who maintained servant’s hearts through restrictions and challenges.
- For the opportunity to serve Stone Canyon Outdoor Educational Center, where we had evacuated in the fall, through a weekend service-oriented mission.
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Pray:
- For our students with wherever they are, that they would be continuing to seek the Lord for all that they need, and trusting in His life
- For our summer preparations in getting the campus ready to welcome guests
- That God could have His way through all that takes place this summer.
- Our staff and interns will maintain their focus on the Lord Jesus as they seek Him for wisdom to express His character to those in their care (their spouses, children, staff, and students).
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