Fall has settled in at Pyoca and the leaves are changing quickly this year with our drought. While we haven't had much precipitation this fall, we have had an abundance of groups! We celebrate the fact that over 50 retreat groups have used our facility this fall alone! It has been a blessing to have so many people experience our facility and take time from their busy schedules to become closer to God. Additionally, we celebrated an increase in the Pyoca sponsored summer programs! Over 650 campers, 125 volunteers and a core staff of 15 people shared the love of Christ, grew in an incredible community, and most importantly became closer to God.
We have a tradition during the Senior High Camp where the graduating seniors have an opportunity to share what Pyoca has meant to them with the other campers and the parents in attendance at the closing program. Each year, I marvel at how Pyoca has made such a profound impact on camper's lives, and this year was no different. Here's what Nathan wrote:
...It was not until nearly the last night that God's message hit me... my last week of Pyoca gave me probably the most important message I have ever received from God. Before camp I thought it would be sufficient to simply be a good person and love, or at the very least tolerate, other people but I learned that such a view greatly limits the scope of the glory of God. Through Pyoca I have been called to serve and I have decided to do so in the best way possible, starting with a study of Jesus because I want to be like him, truly like him.
His sentiments are similar to those we've heard from countless other campers: Pyoca is a place where they can listen and feel God's calling. I am so privileged to be part of this ministry and invite you to join with us to continue to provide these experiences to change even more lives.
Why do we solicit churches and individuals to be partners in ministry with us? It's simple: we need your financial support in order to continue offer camp to as many youth as possible. As you can see in the graphs below, of our 2010 projected income and expenses, over 80% of our expenses are the direct costs associated with our camp program and retreat activities - but camper and retreat fees provide only 63% of our total income. We work hard to keep our camper registration fees as low as possible so that we can offer as many youth as possible the opportunity to grow in their faith. To make up the difference of roughly $40 per camper, we rely on support from presbyteries, congregations, and individual donations. Individual donations account for 14% of our income budget: they are a crucial factor that makes it possible to do the ministry which we are called to do.
Without your support, we would be forced to reduce our programs and this ministry would not be the same. That is why donations to the operating account are greatly needed and appreciated. We invite you to consider becoming a monthly donor through our online donation account through www.egive-usa.com. A gift of $15 - $25 a month would allow for significant faith support! More information can be found at the bottom of this emial on how to set up a monthly gift through your checking or debit account. You may also click on the pledge card link above to print off a pledge card and mail in a contribution.
We recognize that you have many opportunities to give to worthy organizations. We ask that you prayerfully consider giving to our ministry in recognition of the important role camp makes in forming and strengthening the faith of so many youth and adults.
We have been blessed by incredible support over the years. Thank you for your continued support and prayers for our ministry. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 866-251-2267.
In Christ,
Rich Swartwood
Executive Director
