WSS February '10 Ministry Report

"White Sulphur Springs continues, both people and place, as a major 'place of the heart' for us. Thank you for doing so much, so long, so well, to make it so! You played a major role in God's radical demonstration of His care for us. Thank you again, and blessings in the Lord 'till next He brings us together again in sweet fellowship."-- Winter Retreat attendee

Priority Obj. 1.2

Foster mentoring relationships which will allow OCF members to reproduce themselves across generations:
a. Empowering senior leaders and retirees to come alongside and encourage the current generation in the "trenches."
b. Developing programs and materials that help OCF members develop future leaders through example, instruction and mentoring.

Two great retreats in February along these lines--USMA/USMMA cadets, then our eastern ROTC retreat. Both were excellent forums for mentoring these young future leaders. Tom & Cheri Austin did an outstanding job of coordinating the West Point retreat, and our own Dean Rizzo, Director of Spring Canyon, spoke powerfully on loving, trusting and serving God. It was great to have Sue Rizzo alongside to interact with the female cadets and provide good insights in the small group discussion times. The ROTC Retreat the following weekend was coordinated by WSS program director, Rob Enos, and 13 schools were represented! Chaplain Jim Park of VMI did a great job as the speaker, and many cadets made serious decisions to follow Christ through the powerful influence of the Holy Spirit's presence. As a result, several students were baptized by Chaplain Park at the close of the final session. It was a joy to welcome Danny Byram back who provided a wonderful and worshipful music program, including a concert in which numerous cadets participated as backup musicians. As always, ice cream social, line dancing, "Ice bowl" football and lots of great fellowship were hallmarks of these two great events. To God be the glory for what He is doing in the lives of our future military leaders.

Priority Obj. 1.3

Identify, communicate, and implement programs and culturally relevant methods across OCF that meet biblically sound fellowship needs and enhance personal growth and effective ministry outreach.

Snow hampered the planned Quantico men's retreat at the first of the month. Rather than the 86 registered, only 11 men were actually able to make the weekend. It was a brave effort as these gathered for prayer and fellowship here in the face of the huge 24-inch snowfall (we're still digging out as I write this!).

Priority Obj. 2.5

Exhort, equip and encourage members to seek opportunities and implement efforts that reach beyond the local fellowship to affect the larger military community for Christ.

Previous objective reports.

Priority Obj. 3.3

Train and equip local OCF leaders to teach and support biblical marriage and family.

See Obj 1.2 above.

Priority Obj. 4.3

Successfully execute the OCF Growing and Building Campaign, achieving all Phase 1 and 2 objectives

Our most recent Growing & Building Campaign update showed the WSS project (phase I) at 99.2%, considering pledged and given funds as well as campaign expenses so far. We still need to raise the remainder and ensure we have enough to cover some pledge uncertainty. So I am continuing to brief all groups that come to WSS of the need to support the project. I have taken many folks up to the construction site and shared their excitement at seeing the great progress. Somerset Steel Erectors, our design-build firm, has done a super job of keeping the construction on track despite winter weather. The foundation footings are now complete, and basement foundation walls will follow, then the erection of structural steel. The 50-foot deep shaft for the elevator piston has been drilled, and the footer poured. We continue to post construction photos on our Facebook page (White Sulphur Springs). Please continue to pray and encourage giving so that we may meet the $7.5M goal and move ahead into phase II for needed facilities at Spring Canyon. The construction committee continues to meet bi-weekly via telephone conference to coordinate and direct the project. Our project manager, Joe Orosz, gives his time faithfully to the effort both at WSS and Spring Canyon. To God be the glory; great things He has done and is doing!

Other Ministry Highlights

This month we welcomed Abner Beiler (Amish) and three sons who began work to stabilize and rehab the Promise Barn. Since the barn is an historic treasure that will be close to the new Heritage House but needs to be structurally stabilized in order to be safe, we began last summer to find a way to do the work knowledgably and in a cost effective manner. Long-time OCF friends Lois and Irl Duling put us in contact with Amish friends in Lancaster who have been involved in many barn projects. So now Abner and his boys have removed the west shed, rebuilt the west wall, moved the floor joists (and whole barn) forward, propped the main posts, removed the old metal roof and installed a new roof. Remaining work to be done includes forming and pouring the front foundation wall and nailing siding on the west side. This is a big project, and we are grateful for those who have contributed to the "barn fund" to make it happen!

WSS staff members attended our annual CCCA Allegheny Sectional "Fireside" conference later in the month. This was both fun and very instructive as we gathered with other Christian camping pro's to learn from one another and build up one another in the faith. Marty and I also had the privilege of attending the retirement ceremony in Carlisle Barracks of Col Lee Deremer, USAF, one of our WSS Advisory Committee members.

Prayer Requests

Praise God for the progress on Heritage House! Pray for Steve (site superintendent) whose son is in Afghanistan. Pray for all OCF members to become stakeholders in "declaring His power to the next generations" and that all the remaining Phase I funds will be pledged/given.

Thanks for your prayers for Barb Pensyl whose husband, Don, passed to the Lord in December. Barb is doing well but still needs prayer support.

Pray for our OCF members who are separated because of deployments. Pray for their protection and spiritual growth, and for victory in Iraq and Afghanistan. Pray for many who have and are experiencing PTSD as a result of combat tours.

Please pray for our son, H, to do well in his PA program at GWU as he heads into his second semester didactic work. Praise God for his finding a good church, Grace DC, and taking several classmates there.

Pray for our daughter, Joy, as she adjusts to a new position at First Pres. Church in Colorado Springs.

Pray for a safe delivery for our daughter, Christa Dittmar, as she is due in April.

Pray for Bruce and Melissa Fister as they have now retired as OCF's Executive Director couple and transition to a new phase of service to the Lord. Pray for the new E.D. couple that God will prepare them for the assignment and equip them for their new leadership role.

Pray for WSS Senior Staff applicants and that we on the WSS ministry team will discern the best positions of service for them for this coming summer's programs. Pray for God to give them a selfless heart for ministry and peace regardless of the position for which they are selected.

Warmly yours in Christ,
Clay Thomas