Many of you are aware that Big Sky Bible Camp is in the middle of a very exciting project! As numerous parents can attest, most of our camps throughout the summer (Camp Promise for special needs, traditional camp, day camp) are full! We are currently fundraising for a new facility, which you can learn more about at www.bigskybiblecamp.org/apromisekept/. All the staff and those associated with Big Sky are beyond excited about this project because we see the need every day throughout the summer.

As you can imagine, raising funds for a project such as this is daunting to say the least. It has made me think hard on how my faith mixes with fundraising. The pendulum tends to swing between the stance that we must rely completely on God to provide the money for this facility and the position that this project depends solely on our fundraising efforts. Of course, our desire is to land in the middle of these stances - putting forth diligent effort in fundraising while keeping in mind that God is more than able to provide funds in the blink of an eye. Furthermore, it is not an either/or relationship - we understand that God uses our efforts, no matter how small they may seem!

Let me share with you a few things that I have learned as we face the challenge of raising a large amount of funds for this facility.

The “impossible situation” is simply an opportunity for God to receive that much more glory.  In Exodus 14, Moses faced an impossible situation – the Red Sea with a large army of angry Egyptians behind them.  The people were of no help: “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness?” (Exodus 14:11).  God took the impossible situation and used it for His glory.  Verse 31 tells us, “the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in his servant Moses."  Hudson Taylor counted three phases in a majority of great tasks undertaken for God – impossible, difficult, done.  I definitely view this project for Big Sky as falling into the “impossible situation” category.  I’m glad we serve a God that delights in making the impossible possible.

This goes for all areas of Big Sky’s ministry, not just the new facility!  To quote again from Hudson Taylor, “it is possible to move men, through God, by prayer alone.”  This, of course, has no reference to fundraising, but the lesson applies.  Although it tends to be the focus, this project involves far more than raising funds.  In fact, I would guess that the funding of the project is the least important aspect to God.  I do pray often for the new facility and that this dream would become a reality.  However, I also pray for the usage of the facility, for the campers that will come through it, etc. and that God would use it to glorify Himself and teach people about His glorious gospel.  It is easy to lose the forest for the trees.

I am a terrible fundraiser.  That may concern those who are interested in this project actually happening.  I dislike asking for money from anyone.  Honestly, I would rather be on the giving end then the receiving end, but that is not where the Lord has me.  Therefore, I must remember that it blesses people to give to a worthy cause that glorifies God.  We have already seen countless donors who have given cheerfully to this project and have expressed their support and encouragement.  I have been blessed  beyond measure by those individuals and businesses.

We are on our way!  Ready or not, we are breaking ground on May 5^th for this facility and we would love for you to be there with us.  We would also love to have you join our fundraising team or donate yourself to this project.  Go to www.bigskybiblecamp.org to learn more.