AUGUST UPDATE
Son Danny and I had the chance to do some scouting for hunting.
A GOOD MONTH!
First let me say that even though it continues to be very dry, we are not in danger of any fires. We are thankful.
Our new vision and direction for the ministry of this place continues to be affirmed in many ways. People are coming - individuals, families and groups. We are joyfully sharing the quiet power of this place. We are also experiencing some rich times of fellowship and truth seeking with many who end up on a deck or around our table.
A SPECIAL OCCASION!
Former alumni of the summer program who met here - Antonio Chipman (North Carolina) and Sarah Hicks (Colorado) got engaged here on the mountain!
A noteworthy part of this event was that Sarah's parents Matthew and Kendra (Anderson) Hicks also got engaged on the mountain! Kendra was in the summer program in 92' and co-director in 93'. They came as a family to celebrate with Antonio and Sarah and we were blessed to be a part of it all.
Another joy of this event was the wonderful reconnection with long time friend Rod Anderson -pictured center, (Kendra's dad & Sarah's grandpa). Rod has been a friend of Jay's for nearly 60 years and has been a part of bringing youth and others to the mountain since the beginning. In the early years Rod would come and share his passions of geology and love for God with the summer staff kids.
There is a reason I hope you read this and what follows. Heidi and I have been increasingly convinced of the importance of the long-story part of this place and this ministry. So many people share with us the significance Uplift had in their spiritual journeys and the anchor it is in their lives.
SINGLES GROUP
An adult, singles group came for a few days of fellowship & inspiration. They wanted to see the sawmill work and then some of them did crafts in the shop. We also reconnected with Carl Bierdeman -pictured front- who I (Dean) met while he was on staff with Wandering Wheels on my 1987 trip around America. Carl also lived in the area for a time and worked with us at Uplift for a summer.
Torin Anderson came for some "Vision Quest" time. He experienced the mountain 30 years ago as a teen. He wanted to connect with God and share his story in a place and with people that were a vital part of his spiritual formation. So good.
WORK AND MORE
Our trails are an important part of getting people out into this beautiful property so I spent time redoing trail signs, making new signs and starting a new trail up the ridge. (Video below)
The upper and lower decks on the front of our home were also in need of replacing. Some who have helped me move things up and down from my office have declared the stairs "sketchy". Fair. We have completed the tear down and started construction on the new. More next update. Grandson Eddie helped out.
A pretty cool combination of trail cam videos up on Twilight Ridge above frog rock. Notice they are only a little over an hour apart!
WE ARE GRATEFUL
for all who pray, encourage and give to us and this ministry
We hope you will consider a visit to the mountain soon!