Light Shines in the Darkness

"On September 4^th 2011, strong winds drove a wild fire through the field and woodlands of camp Lutherhill, north of La Grange.

The strong winds of dedication led firefighters and neighbors to give special care to much that is precious to the Lutherhill community – the Carby Chapel, the dining hall, the new cabins. Even before the firefighters arrived, neighbors took it upon themselves to cut through the back fence and wet down around buildings.  Tree Chapel, a special place to many at Lutherhill, was in the direct path of the fire running through the field- but remains standing due to a back burn being lit by the firefighters to protect this special place.  Through the night one volunteer fire department after another drove through the site, returning to report that minimal structural damage had occurred.

The strong winds of love for Lutherhill led volunteers to help.  The day after the fire, over 60 volunteers showed up to help clean up, to contain hot spots that still burned, and to express their love for this place and its ministry through their actions.  Two additional workdays saw over 270 people give their time and energy to clear out burned areas, to create defensible space around cabins, and to clean up areas that had already been cleared by bulldozers.

The winds of moisture laden clouds brought rain, again and again, to produce new growth in stressed trees, to fill the pond, to create a beautiful green field instead of the charred grass and to prepare the land for the planting of donated trees later this spring.

The winds of the Spirit has sparked the imagination of many to envision new programs and structures made possible by the destruction of the fire – a new canteen structure to serve the pond and ropes course areas replaces a grove of trees, a new pump shed houses the pond pump to replace the one that was destroyed, and new worship and bible study sites wait to be discovered.

Yes, as our retreat and summer theme suggests – the Light shines bright at Lutherhill.”

-Matt Kindsvatter and Lawrence Bade

As the strong winds of grace blow over, around, and within us this Easter season, we remember that through Jesus’ resurrection, sin has lost its power and Light forever shines in the darkness.

Through your faithful and generous gifts to our synod, Lutherhill is able to touch the lives of over 8,000 children, youth, and adults every year in a way that cannot be experienced anywhere else! Thank you!

To find more about Lutherhill, visit www.lutherhill.org

We cannot be quiet about what we have seen and heard! Acts 4:20

Christine Donahue

TLGCS ELCA Mission Interpreter Coordinator