Wow, Winter has finally arrived and it is cold, really cold, but it is beautiful around here. We had a group in this past weekend, they have been coming for many years. The nighttime low was -21 degrees, the high on Saturday was 8 degrees. The highlight for their students and their Youth Pastor is the Polar Plunge. They pushed really hard to be allowed to plunge as we usually won't if it's under 10 degrees. I caved in and said yes, and I am blown away at how significant this one activity is for this one specific group. They went over and over again. In the hole, to the sauna, to the hole to the sauna...

I heard this morning from a couple of the leaders of the group that the conversations last night at chapel were deep and God is working in the lives of their students. I love LBBC and what we get to do here.

There is some fun info in this months newsletter. Get a glimpse into Phil Tolbert (Program Director). Phil is driven to move things forward. Solid Rock students are on a plane as I type this article. The pictures they have sent so far are awesome. It's been a great trip for them and we are excited to start hearing the stories. You are going to start seeing some updated info on the pole course. We have pulled the trigger and we are doing everything we can to get it done before Memorial Day Family Camp, but we need your help to make it happen. Details will be coming.

I am so encouraged these past few weeks about where God has been leading us. We have an amazing staff here and the new staff are excited to meet you, serve you and take this place to the next level. Thank you for the many who have called, emailed and texted just reminding us that you are praying for us. We are super excited about where we are and where God is going to take us in the next year.

As always if you have any input for us, thoughts, ideas, concerns: Please email me [email protected] or call my cell 320-219-3199, I would love to hear from you.

We wanted you to get to know, Phil Tolbert, our new program director, a little better. So we asked him these 4 questions!

1. What is your heart for camping ministry and what excites you about being Program Director at Lake Beauty?

I love camping ministry! I grew up going to youth camp and have served in multiple roles at various camps as well. My former claim to fame was being associated with youth camp for 26 consecutive years, whether that was as a camper, counselor, worker, intern, etc. Camp can be a life-changing experience for people; it becomes a place where people can grow in their faith and learn more about who they are, without getting labeled or judged. I am excited to be the person who gets the creative mindset to come up with various activities where people get the opportunity to encounter God in a different light. All you really need is: one camper, one canoe, and one conversation.

2. What does your position all encompass? We know you are in charge of summer camps, but what do you do the rest of the year?

Any and everything program related and getting to work closely with the Ministry Staff as well as collaborating with others coming up with our summer theme, day by day breakdowns, staff hiring, promo visits, and really all things camp. During the non-summer months I get to go around and talk about camp to our supporting churches. You will also see me running various programs on weekends when we have retreats as well. I also get the pleasure to plan our LBBC sponsored retreats, whether that be Trailblazers, Jr/Sr High, Marriage, Women's, Quilters, Senior Day, and others.

3. The theme for this summer is Oasis - what does this mean to you personally, and what do you want campers to get from this theme during their time at camp this summer?

Oasis is a great metaphor for what we go through in life. Our tagline, "Encountering life in the desert" is a great reminder for us, that while we are traveling throughout the desert of life, our mission is to find where Jesus is. We may encounter various 'mirages' that will give us false hope, but not the eternal one we seek. I hope and encourage that every camper can walk away this summer and answer the question, "Who am I?" We are able to figure out more of who we are as a person by seeking out God fully and who he is.

4. What else do you want people to know about you?

I am originally from Michigan. Go Blue! I have had the privilege of being married to my lovely wife Jenna for 4 years. We have 2 children, Liam (2) and Lochlann (9 months). I love to play/listen to music, run and golf. I currently am a seminary student as well at North Park Theological Seminary pursuing my Master of Divinity. Also, there aren't too many times that you'll see me not sporting some sort of hat.

Have thoughts, comments, or questions for Phil? He'd love to hear from you. Call our office or email him at  [email protected]

Applications are open for the 2019-2020 school year starting in August! Start the year with a week-long trip to the boundary waters, immerse yourself in biblical and theological learning, and spend two week in Israel. There is no better opportunity for you after you graduate from high school! Visit our website to apply today:   www.solidrockmn.org 

If you'd like to visit Solid Rock, sit in on a class, and meet with staff and professors, contact Tyler! We'd love to have you come and visit! 

Be on the look out for some photos from the student's trip to Israel. We will be sending an email blast later this month!