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Letter From Our CEO

 

In 1980 my late husband Tim and I moved to New Mexico with our 2 small children. Why
you ask? Tim’s life was changed at a camp in New York state and his vision and passion
was to bring what he experienced to a state that didn’t have many camps to go to. The
goal, mission and purpose was to start a High Adventure Christian Camp, using the outdoors to teach biblical principles and show God’s love to all and give hope. To get away
from everyday life, meet their creator in the beautiful quiet mountains, unplug, and have the
opportunity to push themselves by trying new things.

What started off as people praying for a ministry for youth for the community of Capitan,
brought a young couple who had a heart and vision to start a youth camp. When we first
stepped foot in Capitan NM, there was nothing but 20 acres of rural land and faith the size
of a mustard seed. We started off living in a tent, just grass and trees but look how camp
has grown year after year with hard work and hours of labor; to add a well for water, cabins
for housing, activities to take you outside your comfort zone, and the list goes on to what
you see here today not only at the Ranch but with The Fort as well (Started in 1991). The
most valuable resource from day one has been the people. Lone Tree has been built on
the heart of Christ, to serve others before yourself and love as He has loved us. There are
so many hands that have helped make Lone Tree, those who gave financially, those who
prayed, those who volunteered to build, staff who gave of their summers to work many
hours because they wanted share the love of Christ. God has always been the center and
lives have been changed.

Campers coming back to serve how they were served then, go out into the world to shine
like lights. What happened in Tim’s life at camp God continues to use Lone Tree to bring
that same hope in the lives of many and many to come.

In 2014 Tim went home to be with the Lord, a great loss, but God saw us through,
strengthening each one of our faiths, especially mine. Matt Redman wrote this song Never
Once* but it tells our story perfectly.

“Standing on this mountaintop, looking just how far we’ve come. Knowing that for every
step You were with us. Kneeling on this battle ground, seeing just how much You’ve done.
Knowing every victory, was Your power in us. Scars and struggles on the way, but with joy
our hearts can say, never once did we ever walk alone. Never once did You leave us on our
own. You are faithful, God you are faithful! Carried by Your constant grace, held within
Your perfect peace. Every step we are breathing in Your grace, evermore we’ll be breathing
out Your praise. You are faithful, God You are faithful!”

It has been over 40 years since we began this adventure and each day is a new beginning
for God to do a work in someone’s heart and life including mine. When I would worry and
fret, Tim would walk me around the property and show me all God has done. I still do that
to this day and thank him each step of the way; God is faithful!

The mission and purpose have not changed over the years just the means by which we do
it and neither has our God. He is the same yesterday, today and for all the tomorrows. He
is faithful!

Char

Char