But Wait, There's More―An Exciting EQUIP Update ...
Today, Dave Glander is excited to share some exciting news regarding our expanding EQUIP outreach! Pull up a chair, settle in for an inspiring read, and get ready to pray like crazy―and give if you are able―to this growing aspect of our ministry.
EQUIP season is nearly upon us, and we couldn’t be more excited! But this particular excitement isn't coming from the place you’d typically expect. As we are in our 11th year of holding EQUIP Retreats, we historically get the pre-camp jitters as we plan the schedules, dorm assignments, activities, snacks, music, swag, etc.
Trust me when I tell you that planning these things alone is like wrapping presents for Christmas day, and I’m terrible at waiting for the day to open presents; I want to see the expression on their faces as they receive the gifts I put so much thought into. This is precisely what it feels like as our team draws closer to the start of the first session of EQUIP 2024 in Ekalaka, MT. We can’t wait to see the faces of all the multi-year alumni (We call them family.) and all the new faces we’re about to meet (We call them family, too!). However, this year, we are experiencing a little different excitement.
Trust me when I tell you that planning these things alone is like wrapping presents for Christmas day, and I’m terrible at waiting for the day to open presents; I want to see the expression on their faces as they receive the gifts I put so much thought into. This is precisely what it feels like as our team draws closer to the start of the first session of EQUIP 2024 in Ekalaka, MT. We can’t wait to see the faces of all the multi-year alumni (We call them family.) and all the new faces we’re about to meet (We call them family, too!). However, this year, we are experiencing a little different excitement.
To be blunt, we need support if we keep doing EQUIP Retreats. To keep the cost as low as possible, we cannot charge each camper what it costs us to facilitate the week of camp. We rely on donors (Thank you!) to help us keep reaching thousands of lives each year. This year is even more crucial as costs for just about everything have gone up so much. As a result, we are seeking donors who want to invest in the next generation as we know how valuable and fruitful EQUIP Retreats are to so many. This is why I say that we have a different kind of excitement this year.
We have been interviewing many people who came through EQUIP as students who are now church leaders or in college studying Christian Leadership. WOW!!! Just WOW!!! When you see the direct impact EQUIP has had on so many through the years, it builds a new excitement. This year, the regular excitement we experience thinking about the near future about to start is compounded with the excitement of realizing some of the fruit that the Lord has grown in the past! We are entering EQUIP ‘24 with anticipation that is unlike any other year!
BUT WAIT . . . THERE'S MORE!
We have also been blessed to add extra staff, which will provide more opportunities to maintain connections with those we meet during the week-long EQUIPs. The key is year-round evangelism to and through these students and their youth leaders across the country. No longer will we look at our EQUIP family when the week is over and say, “I hope to see you next year . . .”
Now, we can look them in the eye and say, “See you next Monday” for our bi-weekly ZOOM meetings, where we will continue to teach them how to stand boldly on the Word of God. OR, we'll say, “See you in a few months” at an EQUIP Rally held at their church where we will get to stoke the coals set ablaze during the Retreat. Soon, we will also be able to say, “See you in a few more months” at the EQUIP Missions, where we will assist them in learning servanthood while continuing the personal growth that EQUIP has come to be known for.
Now, we can look them in the eye and say, “See you next Monday” for our bi-weekly ZOOM meetings, where we will continue to teach them how to stand boldly on the Word of God. OR, we'll say, “See you in a few months” at an EQUIP Rally held at their church where we will get to stoke the coals set ablaze during the Retreat. Soon, we will also be able to say, “See you in a few more months” at the EQUIP Missions, where we will assist them in learning servanthood while continuing the personal growth that EQUIP has come to be known for.
EQUIP is becoming more than just a week-long retreat―it is becoming a cultural influence where students can stay actively involved through multiple avenues. It is becoming a year-round resource for pastors to keep their kids safe from the incredibly complex worldview issues their students are facing.
Can you now understand why this year’s excitement is a little different? God is pulling back the curtains a little to show us the effectiveness of our past outreach and to get a glimpse of where He is leading us in the future.
I invite you to join us in reaching out, teaching, and protecting the students and young adults in our communities. Please prayerfully consider becoming a sponsor for EQUIP Retreats with us. Every dollar helps us get closer to meeting the needs of running these life-changing retreats.
More than anything, please pray for us as we continue to fight the good fight of faith. We love you.
NOTE: If you’d like to donate to our EQUIP Retreat ministry to help us meet the spiritual needs of even more young people, please click HERE.
Would you like to learn more about EQUIP? Click on the video below to watch The DeBunked Files podcast, Episode 17, where we answer all your questions about this unique summer experience for today's youth.
To learn more about Dave Glander, and to book him as a speaker, click HERE.
Posted in Dave Glander
Posted in EQUIP, Equip Retreat, Reasons for Hope, Dave Glander, Youth outreach
Posted in EQUIP, Equip Retreat, Reasons for Hope, Dave Glander, Youth outreach
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