It is with a troubled heart that I write you this message. Over the last two days, it has become increasingly clear to me that the future of Camp Cherokee is in grave danger due to what is now known to be a massive financial crisis at the Presbytery level. At the Presbytery meeting yesterday (which you may have attended) the report from the Budget and Finance Committee demonstrated that at this late point in the year we are now aware that the financial standing of Cherokee Presbytery is teetering on the verge of collapse. As an arm of this larger body Camp Cherokee will be forced to close its doors, if nothing is done about it quickly. The likelyhood that this longstanding ministry (which is unique in this Presbytery in both how many lives it has touched and how collobratively it has been brought about by the hard work, sweat and tears of so many dedicated participants and volunteers) would survive even a single summer of inoperation is extremely low. Despite the excellent progress we have made over the last four years to reduce our costs and to increase our income as well as drastically improve our program, site and facilities, unless we have widespread and prompt support, this gem faces being cast asside in order to make the entire Presbytery's financial ends meet.
You Can Download More Details About The Financial Crisis Cherokee Presbytery Is Facing Below:
This is not a drill or merely a possibility, it is a harsh reality and ACTION MUST BE taken quickly if we are to continue this ministry and have any hopes of seeing our 100th anniversary. Ironically the Presbytery's financial report came just moments after widespread applause for our recent American Camping Association Accrediation success.
If you are asking yourself "How Can I Help?," first of all God belss you!
Secondly, because this issue is squarely a financial one, the bottom line is that we need your financial support now more than ever before. For the sake of the ministry that transformed my own life through Christian community, I implore you to pray hard tonight with your family and join my family in donating to the Camp Cherokee Development Fund as you are led to through prayerful consideration. Cherokee Presbytery alone has over 10,000 members. If each member were to give only $5 we would be in the clear for 2008. If each member were to give an additional $5, we believe we would be set for 2009. Per/person, that's less than a value meal at McDonalds!
Thirdly, the leadership of Cherokee Presbytery needs to hear from you (Contact Info. Below). More than ever before, your church pastor and every member of the Presbytery Council and Presbytery staff should know the stories of how Jesus Christ has changed your life or the lives of people you hold dear through the ministry at Camp Cherokee. I encourage you to email, write, phone call or even IM your own pastor and the members of the Cherokee Presbytery Council, in order to let them know just how valuable this "spiritual asset" is in your life.
Can you make a difference? YES YOU CAN! In fact the only way to make a difference is for each individual to take on a smaller part.
Finally, to ensure our longterm success, it is imperative that we move into a Board Of Directors design of leadership for Camp Cherokee. In order to do this we need to hear from passion filled, spirit led, energetic people who also have the know how, dedication and expertise to make a change and do it quickly and effectively. Gone are the days of sitting around a table meeting for hours with little real progress. What is needed is creative brainstoming, decisive action, and mutual accountability through love and relationship. If you would like to join the new Board of Directors, please let me know ASAP. We only have one shot at this and today is the day for change!
In closing I simply want to add that over the last few days and weeks, I have personally found myself experiencing an odd sense of calm. My heart is at peace despite the circumstances whirling around the future of Camp Cherokee because I know that God is at work in this transition. It reminds me of the story of the feeding of the 5000. On that day long ago, Jesus told the disciples (who had just urged Jesus to send the people home to eat) "YOU feed them." The disciples rummaged around and found only a handful of loaves and fish. The miracle happened, however, when they handed over what they did have to Him. When all was said and done, the people were fed, there were leftovers even! Keep that in mind as we all face the fear of "not enough." Through Jesus Christ, ALL things are possible....but first we must offer to Him our own brokeness and inadequacy.
Sincerely,
Kelly Howington
Director - Cherokee Retreat Center
877-647-8542 - Toll Free
770-608-3564 - Cell Phone
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