Fire on the Mountain

EXPERIENCING A PROMISE OF GOD

The Waldo Canyon fire in Colorado Springs is now history.  Those of us who lost nothing of material value are going on with life as usual.  We cannot imagine what those who lost everything, except life itself, can be going through.

During the early days when the 100 ft. wall of flames came over the ridge into the communities of Peregrine and Mountain Shadows, and the wind continued to blow the flames to the north toward the Air Force Academy and Monument Hill where the Ponderosa is located, the words of Psalm 91 kept coming to mind.  (Psalm 91 is a testimony of what God has chosen to do on occasion in the past, an assurance of what He is altogether able to do today, and a beautiful literary portrait of His awesome omnipotent capability for the future.  Psalm 91 should never be construed as a pledge of unqualified physical protection to all believers for all time in all circumstances.   ChristianAnswers.Net)

It was about that time I sent out a request to our blogger friends to pray that God’s hand of protection would be over Ponderosa and those of us who serve here.  Many of you contacted us by e-mail, telephone, and text message to say that you were praying.  One of the days, the smoke travelled north and descended on the camp to the point that I had to be confined in the motor home and use my inhaler in order to breathe.  The TV was on and when the reporter said … “Monument Hill”,…  I started paying closer attention fearing he was going to say the fire was headed our way and people were being warned to prepare for evacuation!   To my amazement, there on the screen was a distant view of Monument Hill; the skies over Colorado Springs were dark with clouds all around, but the skies directly above the hill and over the campground were absolutely clear!

Could it be?...  Was it possible?...  Had God heard the prayers of His followers on our behalf and answered our prayers?  YES!   From that point forward, a feeling of peace and assurance came over me and once again I was confident in knowing “that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose.”  (Romans 8:28)

The men and women who live and work at Ponderosa are “called according to His purpose”.  Not only do they make their livelihood here, but they consider this retreat and conference center to be a place of ministry.  In the picture below, Marcus Rawls (white shirt) leads the staff in discussion of the plans and activities for the week.

People come to know the Lord here, rededication of life happens here, lives are committed to the Lord for mission service, families are reunited, and the Lord blesses those who are fortunate to work and worship in this place. 

Chapel

The Disaster Relief team from Oklahoma stood by.

 

A place of ministry

The cross on True Mountain (located on north end of camp) reminds us daily of God's wonderful love for us by sending His Son to die for our sins.

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO TOOK TIME TO PRAY FOR US.  WE WILL BE HERE UNTIL THE END OF AUGUST AND COVET YOUR CONTINUED PRAYERS ON OUR BEHALF.  TO GOD BE THE GLORY!      --Nancy