Dear friends,
It is with thankful and happy hearts that we write to share with you the latest news about the future of Birch Bay Ranch.
If you're already planning on attending tomorrow's Prayer Walk at the Ranch at 2pm, we look forward to seeing you there. If you weren't sure you'd be able to attend, we hope you'll find a way -- tomorrow's Prayer Walk will truly be a Praise Walk, as we have much to praise God for!
On Wednesday, May 28th, Birch Bay Ranch's current board of directors (which, to remind you, is comprised of the same nine individuals as the board of North Pointe Community Church) met to approve a new set of bylaws for the Birch Bay Ranch Association. Among other things, these updated bylaws address what we've considered the most crucial issue in governance that threatened to stifle the Ranch's ministry: that the Birch Bay Ranch Association needs a new board that is completely separate from the North Pointe Community Church Board.
The new bylaws will allow a brand new board to be appointed to serve in Birch Bay Ranch's best interests, which is amazing news in light of the struggles the Ranch has gone through over the past year. Certainly, this is something to praise the Lord for! From certain closure, to arguably unfair potential land deals, to a hiatus from discussing the issue at all -- we've now arrived at a solution that will see the work of Birch Bay Ranch carry on into the future, and that will allow North Pointe Community Church to begin the process of letting go. We think this is what's right for everyone involved, and we applaud the board for making this important decision.
The new board will be appointed by the Deacons of North Pointe Community Church, but they will take suggestions and criteria for potential members from the leadership at Birch Bay Ranch. They want to see a passionate, impactful board for this ministry, and so do we! There are so many people who are passionate about camp ministry, have a heart for the work at the Ranch, and have the skills and impact necessary to make a true difference for the Birch Bay Ranch Association. We can't wait for them to get together!
We want to thank you, the Heart of Birch Bay Ranch, for everything you've done for the Ranch this past year. Whether you shared your stories with this blog, attended our alumni events, came to one of BBR's fundraisers, liked our Facebook page or followed us on Twitter, we have appreciated every one of you and are so grateful for your passion for this ministry. We are also so thankful that you've included Birch Bay Ranch in your prayers.
So we hope that you will join us on tomorrow's Praise Walk! We'll be walking through the property, covering each area in prayer, blessing this summer's staff and future campers, and praising the Lord for his faithfulness in this situation, and for continuing to pour out his blessings over Birch Bay Ranch!
Please stay in touch with us as we bring you updates on Birch Bay Ranch, invite you to alumni and supporter events, and continue to share with you the incredible impact that Birch Bay Ranch has had on so many lives.
Birch Bay Ranch has a heart, and it's beating strong. You are the Heart of Birch Bay Ranch!
