From the Camp Director,
I know when people see me coming they are thinking "What is Gary going to ask me to give"? I hope all of you realize that is a BIG part of my job. LOL. Since the month of November is really about Thanksgiving, I wanted to focus my article on that instead of asking. (At least in my article, I can't say that for the rest of the newsletter). Thanksgiving has been celebrated as an official national holiday in the US since 1864, when, during the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to Heavenly Father,” to be celebrated on the last Thursday in November. We find celebrations of thanksgiving throughout the Bible. In Exodus 23:16 the people are commanded to “celebrate the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when the crops are brought in from the field.”
Thankfulness is “gratitude that comes from the heart.” When we celebrate Thanksgiving, we are in essence saying to the Lord “Thank you from the depths of our hearts for all that you have done for us.” That is what I want to say to all of those that support Hanging Rock. As I think back over the past 10 years of serving here at Hanging Rock we are so blessed because you have helped:
- Eliminated the debt of over $550,000
- Paid for a new playground,
- Put new metal roofs on our buildings
- Fixed our driveway
- Brought value back to the chapel through gifts of $197,000
- Literally help pay for 100's of kids to come to camp through our scholarships
- The Ladies Auxiliary has put new windows in several buildings, they have paid for new carpet, they have bought furniture and so much more!
This is just a small glimpse of what we have to be thankful for here at Hanging Rock! From the depths of my HEART I just want to say THANK YOU for partnering with Hanging Rock. Just know, that when you see me coming, I'm coming with a greatful heart that is hoping you will partner with Hanging Rock to continue to CHANGE LIVES FOREVER!
Serving Christ,
Gary