From the Director

	Dave Toth Executive Director

Welcome to our first electronic edition of Under the Pines!

Going electronic, while still scary to some, gives Big Sandy Camp many advantages. We can reach out to our readers with more information, more frequently, at a fraction of the cost of printed materials. If you know of someone who may be interested in receiving Under the Pines as a way to stay connected with us please have them email Office@bigsandycamp.com and ask to be put on the list.

Just recently I had a great conversation with a volunteer and good friend of camp. We were talking about where God is taking Big Sandy Camp and how our best efforts and plans meet up with Gods plans. The point was, trusting can be a challenge. She referred me to a book about George Muller, who was a young man called by God to lead and build facilities for orphans. It’s an incredible and true story of how he pushed forward, not knowing all the answers but knowing God was in control and would provide. God did provide and in ways that Muller never imagined. What blessing to read about a man of simple, but deep faith! 

As we stand at the base of Phase One of our Master Plan it’s easy to become overwhelmed. One of the projects in Phase One was to update our old water slide with a water tube, similar to what you would see at a water park. We chose this to be on the first list for many reasons: it’s an icon to present and past campers, it’s a very visible landmark structure to our neighbors, and it will appeal to our present day campers. Oh but the cost! My research told me it was going to be upwards of $30,000. How would we get that done? God gave me a glimpse – a preview of His ability to provide. Through personal connections with one of our staff, I found out that some brothers in the Lord are working with water slides as a ministry. For a couple days of labor, they GAVE us the water slide tube that will revamp our water slide! What once seemed insurmountable, is now possible through the provision of our Savior! 

About this same time, we were in the height of the summer mowing season and still in need of a good zero turn mower. Finances are tight and it takes faith to manage our budget for certain. As we were assessing our existing equipment vs our needs, our Maintenance Director Josh said, “Let’s see how the Lord provides”. Hours after that statement I received an email from a camp follower “Are you still looking for a mower?” Days later our commercial grade mower was here.

So as we push ahead and see the plans before us, we shouldn’t look with skeptical eyes, or with thoughts of dismay over the price tag. Let’s all say “Let’s see how the Lord provides”. We are sure to be amazed!