Dear Hanging Rock Family,
I informed our Hanging Rock Board of Directors this past week that I was resigning as the Maintenance/Wilderness Director at Hanging Rock. I did not make this decision lightly. It was made with great difficulty, lots of prayer, and lots of tears. I love this camp. I love Gary. I love the staff. It has been a great experience for myself and my family. We love Hanging Rock!
Last July I was convicted that I needed to return to youth ministry at State Line Christian Church, my previous ministry near Clinton, Indiana. I did not speak to anyone about this until early September, when Gary noticed I was a bit depressed. We met and I told him what was going on in my heart and mind. By and large, this led to some more discussion with Gary, with the leadership at State Line and most importantly with my wife. After a couple of months of prayer and discussion, the elders and ministers at State Line were all in agreement that it was the Lord’s leading. In early January, the congregation was informed and the third Sunday of January, the vote was concluded. It was very positive. The congregation wanted me back at State Line.
In discussing and talking these things through with Gary, we both agreed it would be great if I could stay on staff here at camp through the Spring and into the Summer. This would help our family get through the school year and would allow me to help get the camp ready for the summer, get the pool open and help out with Paintball camps in June. We agreed that my last working day would be June 30th. I will begin ministry at State Line on July 18th.
I want to state that Gary and the staff have been great to work with and our family will miss them tremendously. Gary has been a great friend to me for many years. It was very, very difficult to have to tell him that I was feeling led to return to youth ministry. He’s like a brother and I’ve appreciated the opportunity to work with him, learn from him and serve with him. Todd and Jennifer, Amber and Casey have been great to work with as well. I’ve enjoyed the time spent with the staff here at Hanging Rock!
I will be around this Spring and Summer and hope to see you here at Hanging Rock! Thank you for the opportunity to serve in such a great ministry!
Sincerely,
Ben Hannum
benhannum@hangingrock.org
