ROSCOMMON, MI – There are many places in Michigan where one can view the creativity of our almighty God. One of these places is Bambi Lake Retreat and Conference Center. Especially during the fall, I am constantly struck with the beauty of the lake, the trees, and the night sky. It allows you to begin to grasp the awesomeness of our Creator, and marvel at His glory. However, the glory of God does not end at the tree line, and I would like to remind you how Bambi Lake ministers to our local community, all of Michigan and beyond.
A large part of the ministry at Bambi is providing an opportunity for groups and individuals to come and experience God in a way that is meaningful and unique. It is exciting and encouraging throughout the year to experience God’s spirit moving through the lives of adults and teenagers alike. We have enjoyed the opportunity to host and produce two weeks of summer camps for Michigan teens called Wild Week. During these weeks, youth groups from all over the state come together to worship God and to hear His word. We always witness many who make decisions to follow Christ, and dedicate their lives to serve the Lord.
In 2020 we will be offering three Wild Week Camps - “3 Wild Weeks/3 Unique Experiences”. The First Wild Week will offer students the opportunity to participate in our exciting Wild Week Camp like we have offered the previous two summers. The Second Wild Adventure Week will offer students the opportunity to experience camp in the Mountains of Tennessee. The Third Wild Impact Week will offer students the opportunity to serve in mission/ministry projects in the local Michigan community which will culminate in a community-wide evangelistic rally. We are excited for the lives that will find Jesus and be forever changed this next year.
Along with weeklong camps, Bambi Lake also hosts and produces weekend retreats throughout the year. You will find retreats for women, men, pastors, pastors/wives, leader training, married couples, and youth. Themes can vary from being a simple getaway to a time of training and growing in your walk with Christ. Weekend retreats are a great opportunity for believers to come and be refreshed and rejuvenated in their walk with Christ. Our hope is that Bambi will not only be a place to experience God, but a place for believers to be equipped for the ministry and also create long lasting friendships that extend past their time at Bambi Lake.
This last year God allowed us to begin having a greater impact in our local community. We have been able to partner with local public schools for band and cross-country camps. We have become involved in our local Chamber of Commerce and have participated in Community Expos and even hosted our own “Bambi Lake Life Day” - a day for surrounding communities to come and experience Bambi Lake. God blessed us with an amazing attendance of local people who had never been to Bambi. Additionally, over the Labor Day Holiday every room we had including the Campground was filled - there was no room left in the Inn! It was exciting to see the hard work and renovations in the campground, lakefront, etc., being enjoyed by returning guests and many first-timers. Our prayer is that we will continue to see an increase of local community involvement here at Bambi, and that God’s presence would be tangibly known by all who enter our property.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mick Schatz serves on the staff of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. He is the State Director of Spiritual Enrichment and Retreats and lives at Bambi Lake.