A Simple Way a Crowd is Making a Difference

A whole crowd of people gathered the cast off things, piled them on the lawn and welcomed the masses! Some call it crazy. We call it amazing! Welcome to a glimpse of the Yard Sale Fundraiser in Fort Myers, Florida.

Several years ago one adult group of people began to bless Whisper Mountain by selling a few things. The one simple idea has since exploded into four storage containers getting filled all throughout the year until the first weekend of March rolls around. Then all the willing and able come set up, run and clean up from the yard sale. IN THE FLORIDA HUMIDITY. (mind-blowing)

This year the sale ended early due to rain, but the volunteers stuck it out with a smile! So amazing! Although cut short, the success of this sale still managed to bring in thousands of dollars to support Whisper Mountain Camp. Seriously, do you understand how huge this is to us?

Even though we are sort of in the routine of them doing this work (and our guys going down to help out each year), we are still continually blown away by so many people willing to give so much of their time, energy and treasure. We know it’s a sacrifice, which makes receiving the blessing so entirely humbling. And encouraging, but so humbling.

While providing financially for the camp, they also give in other HUGE ways too! You may not know it, but ministry can be lonely and discouraging work at times. The job requires grit, resolve and perseverance. When people sacrifice even a little to be a part of the mission — there’s just no words. The overwhelm of support and encouragement helps to renew our resolve and grit to help us keep on keeping on. We feel stood with and if you’ve ever felt that, you know what we mean!

Whether friends of the ministry stopped in to say hello or volunteers came to do the work or shoppers came to shop: thank you to each of you who were a part of this Yard Sale in whatever way you were able to be a part! God sees and knows and we trust Him to bless you in ways we never will be able to. Thank you for standing with us and helping Whisper Mountain in the work of proclaiming Christ to teens!

To God be the glory!

A CONTEST for the Difference Makers

Sometimes we don’t appreciate enough the people who are faithfully making a big difference in our lives. Those people we trust to be there when we need it or have our best interest at heart or offer advice when decisions feel tough or just lead a life of light. Those people who cheer us on week after week, who show up to our activities, who text or call just to see how we’re doing, who pray for us as we walk through life.

Each time we welcome a group to Whisper Mountain Camp, our staff gets the opportunity to watch youth leaders connect with the teens in their group. We see the relationships they’ve established, the respect and love from those they lead, and we observe the weariness in their steps as their pouring out is often taxing.

Often those that affect us the most never know what a difference they make. Would you like to be a part of changing that?

In honor of all those leading well, let’s have a contest!

Let us know how your youth leader has made a difference in your life and we will pick one to win a 3Day/2Night getaway to Whisper Mountain’s Plush Cabin for some much needed Rest and Relaxation.

Use the comments below to tell your youth pastor what he/she means to you and to try to win your leader the getaway! Spread the word to others in your group!

Awesomeness Takes the Stage // Aaron

We were thrilled when we heard Aaron wanted to come back for another summer with us! Now in his third summer at Whisper Mountain, we are blessed by what Aaron brings to the team! He:

// enjoyed being showered with some love upon arrival //

// is talked about and missed by my little man all year long //

// loves yellow and rap music (which brings energy to the scene!) //

// is a man of encouragement, sincerity, and humility //

// has a slight addiction to WM's strawberry cupcakes //

// excels in leading outdoor activities at camp //

// is a member of Summer 2012 Bros on Ice Band! //

// anticipates serving campers each week with passion //

// wears himself out shining Jesus //

Cassi: What is your favorite verse?

Aaron: (without hesitation!) Lamentations 3:24 "'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'Therefore I have hope in Him.'”

Cassi: Why did you want to return again as a Guide?

Aaron: I love Whisper Mountain and it was an opportunity to connect with people and with God.

Cassi: (anticipating what I already think the answer is) When you grow up, what do you want to be?

Aaron: (as if in answer to my head thoughts) well, I do want to write, BUT I really want to be a man of God in whatever I do (wasn't anticipating that awesomeness!)

Cassi: (whoa, he's so on track. I love that!) What can friends of WM pray for?

Aaron: (without hesitation again) that I would hunger and thirst for righteousness

Though it could be portrayed that Aaron is just so spiritual, I would like to clarify that Aaron is the most sincere, humble, in-love-with-Jesus young man I know. He often challenges me (without knowing it!) to keep my heart in check, to be sensitive to God's leading, to be ALL about seeking God, living for God and loving others well. He's an all around enjoyable person to be with! I'm thankful Aaron's with us again, stepping up in greater leadership and bringing God glory in all he does!

May you be challenged to follow God so passionately! Blessings on your Friday!