Dear Friends of HYC,
I was listening to a podcast earlier this morning that quite succinctly described the current state of Hiawatha and the upcoming summer: "No one really knows anything."
That about sums it up.
There are so many things that are currently up in the air that if I explained them all it would take up a large portion of your day. Like many businesses and ministries across the nation, we’re immersed in an endless series of "if this, then that" scenarios that change on an almost daily basis. Such is life during the pandemic.
In spite of that, HYC is currently in a state of "go until God says no" planning for the summer ahead. We will not jeopardize the health of campers or staff, we will heed the advice of nurses and doctors that are friends of Hiawatha, and we will certainly adhere to the legal standards set by those elected to position of authority at the federal, state, and local levels.
At the same time, we continue to prepare for this summer praying that God comes through with a miracle of epic proportions. In order to make that happen, one of the needed miracles will be raising $40,000 in very short order to allow us to procure the following items to temporarily take the place of the Miracle Building (which collapsed earlier this year): a mobile kitchen unit, a mobile restroom for guys and girls and a large event tent structure.
While we believe insurance will cover some of these operational expenses (perhaps up to 50%), those funds are not with us now. If you would like to help us with that aspect of preparation for the summer, it would be greatly appreciated. If it eventually turns out those items were not needed due to the statewide cancellation of summer camping, we will give you the option to have your gift fully returned or directed to the needs surrounding the new Miracle Building.
While we know the Lord already has the outcome of all this perfectly determined, these days of planning for multiple contingencies are difficult to predict.
Last weekend my wife and I went to Hiawatha to check out the progress of removing the remnants of the Miracle Building. Seeing the rubble was somewhat difficult, however, that difficulty will pale in comparison if cancelling the upcoming summer season is required.
I'm praying that will not be the case and hope you will join me in that prayer. Thank you for being such a vital part of this ministry. We trust Him in all things as we anticipate the coming days of ministry on the shore of Piatt Lake!
In Christ,
Craig Walker