Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

Greetings!

2007 Countdown
by Marie Kirschstein
 

Numbers aren't my favorite thing in the world. However, numbers help paint a picture of just how many lives have been touched through Pathways and its supporters (that includes you!). May you feel a great sense of joy knowing that you helped make the following possible!

 

1395 youth and adults experienced the challenge course

1280 youth attended Camp Emmaus and LOWBC this summer

336 youth attended a Day Camp program at their home church with Pathways staff

279 youth and adults attended programmed retreats

75 people helped at our Spring Into Action Workday to help us get ready for camp

53 youth and adults went on our first Mission Meets Adventure in Colorado trip

45 Summer Ministry Team Members committed to sharing the gospel

42 youth received camp scholarships

42 groups held a retreat at a Pathways camp

24 youth attended the first Senior High Retreat this January

22 adults attended our Branson at Christmas Adult Travel Event

17 youth took advantage of the LOWBC camper special

3 camps provided places to become renewed and

1 Savior, Jesus Christ, who became flesh and dwelt among us!

 

During this season of advent, as we prepare for the coming of the Christ child, the Pathways staff would like to say thank you for your support throughout 2007. Your prayers, participation in programs, energy, time, and financial gifts made it possible to make a big difference in lives of youth, adults, and families. Only through your partnership are we able to provide life-changing ministry to youth, adults, and families! Praise God for you!

 

May you experience the true joy of Christmas and celebrate the wondrous Gift of Jesus we have been given this season.

 
The Pathways Staff
PaulPaul Hanson- Executive Director
 
Spouse: Sara Hanson
Kids: Jake, Abby, and Alyssa
Pets: Gertie (Bich-Poo)
2007 Highlight: Celebrating my 20th anniversary!
 
AndreaAndrea Ohnstad- Assistant Director
 
Spouse: Ryan Ohnstad
Kids: Anika (3 months)
Pets: Bella (Golden retriever)
Favorite 2007 Memory: Ryan and I became proud parents of a beautiful daughter, Anika Ruth Marie, on September 5. I have enjoyed spending so much time with her these past few months!

KimKim Smith- Office Manager

Spouse: Mike Smith
Pets: Dakota (cocker spaniel)
Favorite 2007 Memory: In February I crossed off an item from my "must do before I leave this planet list". I went snowboarding with Marie. It was one of those, I'm glad I did it, but not sure I would try it again experiences! Made me feel like a kid again, but after I hurt in places I didn't know existed!

Brad Fossen- Facilities ManagerBrad
 
Spouse: Beth Fossen
Kids: Anna and Mitchell
Pets: Abby (German short hair) and Angel (Yorkipoo)
2007 Highlight: Being a proud parent of a Snow Days attendant for the junior class and watching your seventh grader compete in the regional spelling contest. Hoping that you have started your children down the right path to a happy and successful life.
BrianBrian Austin- Retreat Director
 
New Skill Acquired: Driving school bus
Crazy Animal Encounter: Bears stole food pack on Boundary Waters canoe trip.
Favorite 2007 Memory: Canoeing across Lake Alice in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area north east of Ely, MN. It was early on a blue sky morning, and the lake, though quite large in size, was absolutely still. We paddled straight across the lake, cutting the glass as we went. The previous night had set the stage for the grand morning. We camped at an amazing site with a sandy beach, low rock formations and a bald eagle watching over us for much of the evening from the top of a nearby tree. Knowing that we would be rising with the sun, we retired early to our tents after being dazzled by the sunset.
 
Laura Morlock- Program Director Laura
 
Fun Fact: Laura loves going through car washes.
Car: White 1993 Saturn SL1
2007 Highlight: Spending a week at the lakes with my family.
 
MarieMarie Kirschstein- Program Director
 
Fun Fact: All of Marie's possessions can fit in her car. (Thank goodness she lives with Laura who owns furniture!)
Car: Red 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
2007 Highlight: Spending a week with my family at a lake cabin this summer and teaching my niece how to make animal sounds.