February 2026 Newsletter

Dear Partner,

“Taking five loaves and two fish, looking up to heaven, He gave thanks.” (Matthew 14:19)

The only miracle shared in all four gospels is the feeding of the five thousand. Have you ever wondered why that was? Maybe the easiest answer in this case is the right answer: they were themselves all hungry AND they liked to eat.

When you’ve skipped lunch and somebody hands out free food, you tend to remember the story in vivid detail. Because of that all four remembered it well. They all mention a “pre miracle.”  Before a miracle is ever performed. While the disciples are still waiting for what will happen next. There is a minimum of five thousand people around Him, twelve disciples watching closely behind Him, and a pretty small supply of food there in front of Him. Maybe there was enough to feed Himself and a few disciples, but not even close to feeding everyone. If there had been a church potluck sign-up sheet, it clearly did not get passed around. 

What are the options He has? Make another announcement asking for donations? See if Peter and John can get to the nearest town and bring some food back—DoorDash, first-century edition? Mary and Martha had fed them before. It wasn’t this many people, but maybe they had friends who could help on short notice and whip something up for everyone—“Martha, can you scale your casserole recipe up by about 4,900 servings?” 

So, with time running against him, limited resources with Him, all four gospels mention, “He gave thanks.” While the success of this endeavor looks impossible, Jesus gives thanks. He thanks His Father while staring at a catering problem that would terrify most wedding planners. 

As of today, Hiawatha currently has well over 50% of our weeks full for the coming summer. We have one or two rental groups already on the books for August. Staff applications are coming in and counselors and executive staff are almost fully assembled. We’ve raised close to $350,000 so far – which is incredible. But I’ve got some minor concerns:

1. A limited amount of time and a deadline of June 1st 

2. A new chapel going up in early spring

3. Fifty or so skilled carpenters showing up on the grounds April 11th to do work for a week

4. Cabin upgrades needing more money

5. One hundred other renovation needs from dining room to Sweet shop to beach front to ball field to basketball courts

6. $300,000 still to raise to complete it all

7. My source of ideas on how to make it happen running low

In some ways, I have five loaves, two fish, and thousands that need to be fed. My initial reaction currently, “What have I gotten myself into?”—followed closely by, “Is there a ‘Miracle 2.0’ button I forgot to press?” 

I found this quote while reading this morning, “Jesus regularly gives thanks before the visible miracle, modeling a faith that thanks God for His faithfulness even while the need still looks impossible.”

So, before the completion of the visible Miracle 2.0, I’m going to thank Him.

Thank Him for a group of guys from around a lake over 60 years ago who wanted a place for teenagers to camp.  Thank Him for my dad who agreed to oversee it even though he had no experience, no teaching and no previous background that would prove helpful in accepting such a job—and yet God used him anyway. Thank Him for hundreds of young people that have come to HYC through the years. Thank Him for a Miracle Building that was built in 1973. Thank Him for 63 years of summer ministry, countless decisions, friendships, late-night cabin talks, stirring and motivating services, fireside testimonies and more.  Thank Him for over $750,000 dollars raised the past 10 years.  Thank Him for a Miracle Building that collapsed and a summer ministry that He helped sustain through COVID, insurance difficulties and not one but two different location changes. Thank Him for a HYC podcast that has helped reconnect former staff with the ministry.  Thank Him for partners like yourself that have prayed and given during the whole process to keep it on track. Thank Him for the chance to help put it all together for the coming summer. 

Billie Jean King once said, “Pressure is a privilege.”  Thank Him for the pressure to make it happen by June.  And thank Him, in advance, for whatever He’s about to do next—because we’ve seen this story before over 60 years of ministry: a little bread, a little fish, a large need, and a God who is never once overwhelmed by the headcount.  

Thank you for praying and giving to make it all happen.

Sincerely,

Craig