March, 2008

Dear Friends,

About a year ago, I accepted the position of Camp Director at Sunshine Cove Christian Camp in Union, MI.  Sunshine Cove is owned and operated by Sunshine Gospel Ministry of Chicago (SGM).  The decision was made to close camp.

However, To God Be The Glory, Great Things He Hath Done!   After some long days, and much prayer, the camp has been given a new lease on life.  SGM is willing to work with us to get the camp back up and running. 

Our summer camp ministry focuses on serving young people that would not otherwise be able to attend camp due to financial reasons.  Typically, we send our bus into some of the toughest neighborhoods in Chicago, and bring back a group of children yearning just to get out of the city.  They are able to run and play freely at camp which includes swimming, sharing around a campfire, high energy games, but most importantly surrounded by a staff that loves and cares for each one of them.  We also serve other ministries closer to camp so they too can enjoy what God has provided, which allows us to reach an even wider diversity of underprivileged children.  This past summer, out of 254 summer campers 77 accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of their lives.  We need this to continue. 

I am praying for and seeking a wide range of individuals (including corporations or companies) that are willing to partner with us to make sure camp stays open.  SGM is willing to work with us for a limited time to obtain the money so the facility can remain a camp reaching a wide variety of underprivileged children.  This is where you can help. 

We need prayer partners.  We need people who are willing to consistently go before our God asking for clear direction as how to keep this facility open for His purposes.  Asking Him to provide the money necessary to satisfy the needs of SGM and still operate as a camp.  Finally, pray that as we go through this transition, He will use this to strengthen the full-time staff and to prepare those we will need to fill our summer positions.    

We need volunteers.  To operate camp this spring, a lot is needed for it to be done, and our staff is very limited.  We want to present a well prepared facility.  This can be done by cleaning up the grounds, the buildings, and even some fresh paint goes a long way toward a warm and welcoming facility.

We need financial commitments.  This should be the easiest part because our God owns the cattle on a thousand hills; however, it can become the hardest part.  Please consider how God wants you to share what He has given you.

I am looking forward to seeing how God will use numerous people to join us in making sure Sunshine Cove stays a Christian camp.

Because of Christ's compelling love,

Charlie Reid

Camp Director

Sunshine Cove Camp

574-229-0819 cell

269-641-7561 office

charlie@sunshinecove.org email