Winter Newsletter 2021

God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good! Even in a pandemic! This past year, more than ever we’ve needed to latch on to that phrase and look for God’s goodness. 1 Peter 5:7 Cast your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. What an opportunity we’ve had to hand our anxiety over to the Lord.

I’m looking at good things coming out the pandemic, as hard as that is, there are so many: *Online education *Working from home and finding it works *More time with family *Assessable Conferences *Zoom baby showers /Birthdays/Family Christmas *New skills * Baking bread *Nature walks *Drive-by birthdays *Phone calls *Church online *Reduced pollution and so many more…………..

The Camp World has connected like never before, sharing tips and resources, giving encouragement and brainstorming, pouring out stories and concerns to an audience who understands. We’ve interacted with Camp Pro’s from all over the world and made deep and meaningful friendships.

SUMMER 2020

In April, the decision was made to run Virtual Camp and planning started. By June we had a Team of 7 Missionaries (1 joined in July) assembled and started meeting online to plan our summer. We knew we wanted the kids to be active, to learn skills, to be engaged. We had to plan almost minute by minute to ensure we were keeping campers connected through a screen. It was a whole new way of running camp and took LOTS of planning and strategizing with the amazing Team that joined in for this adventure. They made camp fun, engaging, kept kids active in water and outdoor games, Zoomba, indoor games, on screen games and of course loud and fun camp songs. There was baking and crafts every day. There were quiet devotional times, Chapel times. We ran 6 weeks of Camp Online, from 10am to 2pm. I am pleased to say that we had a BLAST and formed strong friendships with the campers. We went International with a Missionary from Honduras and another from Spain and 12 campers from Honduras.

2020 Missions Team

Emma Downer Price, Payton Newell, Marcus Harrison, Natasha Babcock, Jason Pattison, Tajah Lee Chambers, Madison Frank (Honduras), Amanda Rioux (Spain)

We were able to invest more in our Missionary development by running Alpha, Apologetics, and a study about being different and equal. We had time for deeper discussions of faith and time to pray together.

Ongoing Ministry Afterschool Clubs closed down in March. During the Spring and early Summer lessons and candy went out to the Haven participants. This Fall, I started praying about a weekly program and God kept suggesting an Online Club. On Guard started in Dec. Payton, Amanda and Clarissa join me in leading this program on Thursday nights. It has gone well and is lots of fun. Again, I am surprised by the impact an on-screen program can have. Thank You Lord. Please spread the news, people can join via the contact links above.

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY

Through the Coboconk/Norland Chamber of Commerce, I learned that local families identified a need for activities for their children and youth. In partnership with Youth Unlimited, we hope to help meet that need. Our plan is to put together and oversee programs. We need VOLUNTEERS to run any variety of skill based activities or sports/physical fitness programs to help keep these young people active. Please, consider volunteering to help us make connections and serve this community. Contact me with your suggestions and offers of help.

Words from our Missionaries…..

As a child growing up in a Christian home, I understand just how important a relationship with Jesus is. When my sisters began working at Monarch Bible Camp, I realized the impact that ministering to children can have! I’ve always felt that ministry is important in the Christian life. You don’t have to go around the world- there are ministries right in your hometown. The importance of sharing the gospel with children is huge. Being a camper at Monarch summer after summer, I know just how much it changes lives, not only for the campers, but the staff as well. My oldest sister has often said to me that working at Monarch was an amazing experience and she wouldn’t be the same without it. Covid-19 has brought different challenges to the table, but the way that camp has kept on minis-tering to campers, even throughout quarantine, is amazing. I have always wanted to work as staff at Monarch, and plan to begin summer 2021. This winter, Teresa invited me to help her with the online kids club, On Guard. At first I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this experience has been a really big eye-opener! Although it is through a zoom call, I am so aware of the changes going on in the campers’ hearts. I feel so encouraged teaching them the monthly Bible verses, because I know the importance of putting God’s word in your mind. It is really exciting to see them wanting to learn God’s word. I never expected the joy I would feel to see them memorizing God’s word. Working at camp is not just about the kids growing and learning, it is also about the staff being stretched in their faith. It is funny how, as much as you think these talks are just for the participants, they are great reminders for me also. I have been so blessed by my experience with Monarch, and I can’t wait to see what the summer will bring.

Clarissa Welland

I have been so honoured and blessed to have worked for Monarch Bible Camp. I had the privilege to work at the online summer camp and have continued my time with Monarch volunteering for the On Guard children’s ministry night. This has enabled me to reconnect with my faith and strengthen my beliefs and convictions in God. Being a teacher, I love spreading knowledge and the On Guard program has allowed me to spread the word of God and his teachings to program goers. We also have interactive games, singing and dancing, arts and crafts and baking segments for everyone to enjoy.

Amanda Rioux

Annual Banquet + General Meeting Here’s hoping…………… April 24 Pioneer Church, Norland Sponsor a table of 8 $135 single $18 Proceeds to Monarch Missionaries

The BIG question for every Camp Director and Board is: What are we going to do this summer? I am reminded of Jer.29:11, For I know the plans I have says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm to you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Of course our hope is in the Lord and we trust His plans for our future. We plan to run Day Camps under whatever COVID protocols are in place.

Summer

June 28-July 2 Missionary Training July 5-9 West Guilford Day Camp July 12-16-Minden Day Camp July 19-23-Coboconk Day Camp July 26-30-This would be Resident Camp, but will likely be a Day Camp Aug. 1-5 Fenelon Falls Day Camp Aug. 9-13 Haliburton Day Camp Aug. 17-21 New location needed as Eagle Lake Comm. Church can no longer host.

Summer Missionaries

Please pray that God will send incredible young people who will grow in serving Him and will bless our campers with their love and dedication. *Note – All pictures are from Summer Camp Online and any groups are family members Serving God in ministry… Barrie + Teresa Ward