|
Camp Griesheim celebrates 50 years
[June 14, 2025]
Sunday, June 1 a celebration
was held at Camp Griesheim Christian Retreat Center to mark 50
years.
The celebration included special music by Lesleigh Bennett and
inspiration songs by Eli Klokkenga and Aaron Dana.
In addition, Jessie Wrage shared her artistic talents and Bonnie
Hellman made beautiful floral arrangements. Sweet treats were made
by Debbie Bruns, Missy’s Sweet Shoppe and ladies form St. Peter’s
Lutheran Church.
Tasha Bandy and Tonya Bassett, daughters of Camp Griesheim founders
Jerry and Vicki Crane shared reflections and memories. The sisters
thought of Camp Griesheim as their second home, providing a secure
place that enabled them to see God’s kingdom in action.
Something both Bandy and Bassett
remember is their parents’ faithful commitment to see the camp’s
mission succeed and provide “a solitary place where people would
come to find, experience or just be in the presence of God.” Both of
them are grateful to everyone who had a role in making the camp a
reality and continue to make it a place to bring people closer to
Christ.
Tom Alberts, who is the longest
serving Camp Griesheim board member, shared a special message of
faith and trust in leading the forward. He began by asking what God
would say to all who were there to celebrate Camp Griesheim’s 50th.
The camp was a result of Jerry and Vicki’s Crane’s involvement with
the Christian retreat ministry known as Kogudus.
[to top of second column] |
Alberts said the camp has not
changed in 50 years aside from maintenance and sprucing. He then
asked, “have we changed?” Though memories are wonderful, Alberts
said dwelling on them can cause people to become lazy in their faith
and service to Christ and others.
Alberts challenged everyone to ask
these questions: Is the fire still burning in us? Are we still
excited to share our faith? He said faith in God is trusting in his
word were key elements in building Camp Griesheim and still hold
true today for Camp Griesheim’s future.
[Angela Reiners]
|
