Ministry Report 2022-2023
Online Attendance Access
Online access to the AGM via Google Meets. The Google Meet will open shortly before 1:00 pm, on Saturday, November 25, 2023.
Need help? email Lindsey: manager@iawah.com
Please note: you do not need to have a google account to attend a google meet.
From the Executive Director
Reflection is a great tool. It allows us to look back and learn from the past year, decade and longer. I’m now approaching 28 years of full-time camping ministry, with almost 10 of those years at IAWAH. I can honestly say that I will never get tired of seeing the excitement on the faces of our campers and staff as they come back to the place they know and love. For those who experience IAWAH for the first time, anxiety is soon replaced with the feeling of “home” – a place that you want to always come back to. Camping is all about building relationships; first and foremost, with our creator and then with others. I am always humbled and grateful for the number of young people who give up a plethora of options to spend their summer vacation serving in such an important ministry. For them, IAWAH is like coming home each summer.
But ministry is not without its challenges and this past year is no exception. We still face seasonal staffing shortages, budget constraints, and cultural resistance to the gospel. This is to be expected, but it still creates obstacles and uncertainty when planning. Change and adaptation seem to be the only constant in camping ministry today. Thankfully, our God never changes and despite the challenges, we can celebrate success.
I am pleased to report that our communication, marketing, and donor strategies have yielded positive results as we continue to rebuild post-COVID. Our donor base continues to increase, and new campaigns are in the works to reach the targeted demographics of our IAWAH community. This past year also saw the completion of some large projects and activity upgrades, such as lower IAWAH, a new sports shed, a new (used) ski boat, a frisbee golf course, and a sea kayaking tripping option. This coming year we look forward to completing the groundwork project – our very needed septic system upgrade - which was paused due to COVID. We also plan to expand our full-time staff team to meet the needs of a growing ministry.
As always, it’s exciting to see how God comes through, year after year, despite our inadequacies. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over my time in camping ministry, is that we can’t do this alone or by our strength. Thankfully we have an incredibly supportive community, but more importantly, we have a God who loves us. Let us praise the Lord together for the provision of another year of ministry at IAWAH.
-- Ken Vissers, Executive Director
Mission & Vision
Mission:
The purpose of IAWAH is to plant seeds of faith, nurture disciples, and to cultivate Godly character and leadership. We create an environment where guests are welcomed, inspired, and meet Christ.
Vision:
Guided by God’s Spirit and shaped by His Word we have a vision to grow deeply-rooted followers of Jesus Christ. IAWAH facilitates the growth of deeply rooted followers through an environment that leverages adventure, experiential learning, and Christian community.
Greetings from the Board Chair
As we approach the close of another year, it's a time to reflect on the many blessings we've experienced. This past year has been particularly remarkable, filled with moments of joy and inspiration. Being at camp this summer allowed me to witness the incredible work of our summer staff, hear the laughter and excitement during activities, and see the genuine happiness on the faces of our campers. These moments are a testament to the goodness of our God, touching us on various levels.
We're also grateful for the opportunity to extend our ministry to numerous guest groups. We love providing them with a chance to step away from the routine of everyday life and bask in the glory of God at Iawah. This outreach has allowed us to share the unique beauty and purpose of our camp with a broader community.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our year-round staff who have gone above and beyond, especially during a season marked by ongoing challenges in staffing. We are fortunate to have a team of dedicated and versatile individuals who lead us with passion and commitment.
To our valued corporation members, you are the backbone of our organization. Your presence at events, your prayers, and your generous contributions of time, finances, and support in spreading the word about Iawah to others near and far are invaluable. May the Lord continue to bless you abundantly as you have blessed us in countless ways. Your unwavering commitment is a source of strength and inspiration for us all.
-- Suzanne White, Board Chair