Launch Out Into The Deep... The Story of Parkside Ranch

Dr. David Dawson as told by Fred Warnholtz Parkside Ranch 1505 Alfred Desrochers Orford, Quebec Canada J1X 6J4

Telephone : (819) 868-0431 Fax : (819) 868-6730 email : [email protected] www.parksideranch.com

©2006 Dr. David Dawson

All rights reserved

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Some Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

Legal Deposit — 4th Quarter 2006

ISBN : 2-89082-096-3

Legal Deposit : Bibliothèque nationale du Québec National Library of Canada

Printed in Canada

 Contents

Foreword by Richard Warnholtz...... 5

Preface by Fred Warnholtz...... 7

1. Beginnings...... 11

2. A Table in The Wilderness...... 15

3. Open and Closed Doors...... 21

4. Partners and Perils...... 25

5. Drafts, Stones and Shingles...... 33

6. Consolidation – Board, Property and People...... 39

7. An Olympics Challenge and a Cold Winter Day...... 45

8. Cause for Celebration...... 51

9. The Company of the Faithful...... 61

10. Bits, Bytes and Blessings...... 69

11. Pine Rock – Ripplings from Afar...... 75

 Parkside Ranch in the Eastern Townships of Quebec www.parksideranch.com

 Foreword

Reflections

Our family moved onto the site of Parkside when I was ten. Unfinished but liveable accommodations were the beginnings of a new home for us. It was an adventure in faith that our parents had started a few years earlier in rural French Quebec, amongst a pocket of English communities with a few small churches scattered throughout the region. Parkside Ranch would be the first year-round evangelical Christian retreat center in the province. These were impressionable early days for me and also for my eight siblings for we witnessed the birth of a ministry - a ministry that was born not of talk but of the practical demonstration of faith and perseverance. My life has been indelibly influenced and profoundly enriched because of my parents’ service.

Living in this crucible of fulltime ministry was not always cotton candy. Having to share our parents, our “things” and our living areas with frequent visitors and extended family had its moments. Trying to live up to the expectations of those outside looking in – this too could be burdensome. There were some who saw our role at Parkside as glamorous when in fact it was not always great but often hard and long with little to show. It cost. Yet, I believe those well-meaning comments helped to impress on my heart the “faith impact” this truly miraculous ministry had on others experiencing it for the first time. It was unique, wonderful, stretching - and it cost. I would

 Launch Out Into the Deep gladly relive all those days and I have come to recognize and appreciate more and more what I was privileged to experience through the years.

I was privy to acts of generosity, decisions based on integrity, and often, despite all odds, a walk of faithfulness. The sense of urgency to proclaim the Good News to a lost world was always at the forefront. The creed for ministry was: “If you see something that needs doing, do it.” This often meant unpopular tasks such as repairing fences in swarms of black flies, bringing in hay until midnight if necessary, flooding outdoor broomball and hockey rinks until two in the morning, or cleaning off ten inches of snow from the rink.

I learned to look after animals on a farm, to finish a job to completion, and to tackle a variety of construction jobs. I learned that the blessing of a likeminded helpmate standing firm through good and bad was a gift from God. I learned that leadership was about service, not about who received the credit or praise. There were many other wonderful benefits of growing up in this milieu. Witnessing the growth of a ministry from the grassroots up and watching the impact on those committed to being available for the Master’s use – these were priceless lessons.

My family knows the richness of their heritage and its challenge to the next generation. Thank you, Dad and Mom, for your example. Your lives have been an inspiration. It has truly been a wonderful adventure and privilege to participate in God’s unfolding of His vision through you.

Love,

Richard Warnholtz November 2006

 Preface

On the Journey

The Parkside Story is about a journey. For me it began in the 1930’s when a young man named Hugh Ross put himself out to travel from Preston to the small town of Hespeler, Ontario every Sunday afternoon. As my Sunday School teacher, he was concerned about a country boy who needed a Saviour! It was he who knelt by my side to show me verses like John 3:16, Romans 10:9 and 2 Corinthians 5:14,15 when I accepted the Lord. Not until many years later when he was in a retirement home did I have the opportunity to express my appreciation and thankfulness to him for his care for me as a teenager.

Many servants of God with records of triumph on their journey to Glory were also a great encouragement to me: George Mueller for his work in British orphanages, Hudson Taylor as a missionary to China, and John G. Paton to the New Hebrides to name a few.

Fellow travelers on the road of life in our time have been a great support to us - our own family, our Church family at Cherry River Gospel Chapel and many friends without whom we would have missed the comfort and joy of companionship in Christ. With gratefulness we thank all those who have had a part in this journey.

In the Bible the psalmist writes, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so” (Psalm 107:2). For this reason we have endeavoured to

 Launch Out Into the Deep tell how good the Lord has been in taking us into partnership with Himself to share the good news of salvation. It has been an exciting and satisfying journey! We can only praise Him for loving us and walking beside us all the way. The Bible also says, “Be ready to give an answer of the reason and the hope that we have in Christ Jesus” (1 Peter 3:15). We would be remiss if we neglected to do this.

Family members and others have long voiced the need to record the history of the Lord’s faithfulness in the establishment of Parkside Ranch. Hopefully the telling of the story will challenge and encourage other followers of Jesus Christ to depend on God as they travel on their own journey to Heaven.

We want to acknowledge with thankfulness the partnership of our son-in-law Dr. David Dawson in reworking our notes to record the “Parkside Story”. We do trust that all those who read this may be challenged and blessed by it. It was always our desire to show young people and others that, contrary to the “God-is-Dead” thinking of the 1960’s, God is NOT DEAD but very much interested in them personally. Our prayer is that the Lord might be honoured in the telling of this story.

Fred Warnholtz November 2006

 Welcome to Parkside Ranch

 Launch Out Into the Deep

10 1. Beginnings

The “Parkside Story” has been told and retold for more than a generation. Campers and staff, children and grandchildren, friends from churches and community – all have marvelled and been inspired in the telling. What has become an oral tradition recounted in part at a campfire or in a living room or before an auditorium is now put to pen so that a fuller version might inspire a wider audience.

Fred Warnholtz has always been the consummate raconteur. Jean Warnholtz has always communicated from the heart. Together they speak to God’s power to use lives passionately yielded to Him to accomplish a purpose much larger than their own. Their story of the launch and expansion of Parkside Ranch as a year-round Christian retreat center is always humbly shared as the story of the provision of God and the partnership of others.

Long before Parkside was conceived or Fred and Jean ever met, God was preparing each of them for their venture of faith. They both learned frugality and hard work during the 1930’s and on into the war years. Frederick Walter was the eighth of 10 children born to Herman and Dora Warnholtz in small town Hespeler, Ontario where the family depended very much on the land for their livelihood. In big city Toronto, Mary Jean was thrust into adversity at age nine when her father abandoned the family leaving Jean as her mother Jessica’s right arm in the raising of two younger siblings.

11 Launch Out Into the Deep At age 12, Jean supplemented her mother’s meager housecleaning income with her summer factory earnings of $10 a week; throughout her high school days she needed to hold a job at Woolworth’s. Fred and his family worked the ground alongside father and grandfather growing produce for consumption and for sale. He remembers peddling bags of beets and carrots along the highway but of course, never earning a wage. Food was stretched a long way in this large family. One day Fred’s mom sent him to the butcher to secure bone with marrow to give taste and substance to that day’s soup – she could afford only a 10-cent supply.

The lessons of resourcefulness, industry and sacrifice were arduous and seemingly premature for their young ages – but such were the times. Behind it all, God was forging in them a certain resilience of character that would enable them to contend with similar challenges in the future.

The Lord had already made his presence felt in both families. Jessica Wyse had come to a personal faith in Christ as a young mother and Jean accepted the Lord as a child. These choices were unpopular for Jessica’s family, which, in consequence, essentially shunned this needy single mother and her little ones. Of course this could not but add to the sense of rejection that Jean already felt at the desertion of her father. She learned dependence, however, on a Heavenly Father and experienced “the wonderful way God answered her mother’s prayers and met the needs of the family in often miraculous ways.”

Several of Fred’s older siblings were touched by the Gospel and influenced him to consider Christ’s love. This he did, and convicted of Jesus’ personal suffering for him, made a commitment of faith at age 14. Guelph Bible Conference Grounds provided both solid Biblical grounding and many happy memories in those later teen years. After Fred’s time in the army, an unexpected illness led to a 6-month convalescence in a Kitchener Sanatorium where the Lord caught Fred’s

12 Beginnings attention. There in his hospital bed he rededicated himself to God and determined to enrol in Toronto’s Emmaus Bible School in 1948, following in the steps of his brother Gord.

When Jean graduated from high school she was obliged to work full time, but after about 8 months felt the Lord calling her to spend the summer of 1948 serving as a Daily Vacation Bible School worker with the Canadian Sunday School Mission in the Eastern Townships of Quebec. Iron Hill, West Shefford, South Bolton and more - these were her first ports of call as a missionary, and she was all of seventeen years old. Determined to build on her Biblical foundation, she enrolled at Emmaus for the three-year program arriving there in September 1948 at the same time as Fred.

Fred spent his Emmaus summers serving in a variety of places including the Gaspe Peninsula in Quebec, needy churches and at Mini-Yo-We in Muskoka where he gained valuable camp experience. Jean committed four successive summers to children’s work in the Eastern Townships but during the school year also worked half-days.

They had limited contact at Emmaus until their graduating year when somehow they found themselves partnering on the preparation of the school year book. Fred was the photographer and Jean the layout specialist. That was the commencement of a much longer partnership - they realized that they shared the same mission goals and love for the Lord and determined to be married shortly after graduation. Besides, as Fred often reminded the family, Jean “knew how to play the piano!”

Fred and Jean were not sure where and what the Lord wanted them to do. Dr. Arthur Hill had presented the needs of Quebec at Emmaus, Jean had served four summers in Quebec and Fred had worked in the Gaspe twice. On his last trip from the  Dr. Arthur Hill was a highly esteemed physician from Sherbrooke, Quebec who generously supported the establishment of Christian camps, orphanages, seniors’ residences and churches. He was a Past President of the Quebec Medical Association. 13 Launch Out Into the Deep Gaspe home to Toronto, Fred had stopped in at Cherry River where Dave Wilson was planning to start a new assembly and where Spencer Dibble from Sherbrooke had conducted Bible Schools in the summer. Special meetings were taking place in the old school house on the hill where Fred was invited to share his testimony.

Fred and Jean were married in December 1951. Mr. Wilson had extended an invitation to the newly weds to help out with the young people in Magog and Cherry River. Fred describes their response, “We agreed so we left for our honeymoon in Quebec … where we have been for 55 years!”

Fred and Jean leave for their Honeymoon in Quebec (December 1951)

 Spencer Dibble was an Emmaus graduate who with his wife Phyllis later served as a missionary in Nigeria.

14 2. A Table in the Wilderness

The village of Cherry River lies just outside of Magog nestled at the base of Mont Orford beside the Provincial Park, 80 miles southeast of Montreal. Once a small farming community, it celebrated 150 years in 2005 and it has been re-named Orford. Because of its proximity to the mountain, to Lake Memphremagog and to the United States, it has morphed into a burgeoning tourist and recreational center. Here it was that the Parkside story would unfold.

Cherry River Chapel was established as a result of Daily Vacation Bible Schools undertaken in the 1940’s. Some Emmaus Bible School students, and others, came to the area with the Gospel and many adults and children accepted the Lord. Wanting to acquire their own meeting place, they purchased a corner lot near the river from Wallace Catchpaw. An old lumber camp was dismantled and many enthusiastic volunteers built a church from the recovered timber. Fred was part of this project in the summer of 1950 and the Chapel was finally opened in January 1951.

When Fred and Jean arrived in Quebec they settled in Magog and launched into youth work. A Sunday School was started in Magog, youth meetings were organized in Cherry River and they became directors at Frontier Lodge, a Christian summer camp one hour away. They stayed very active in many other ministries of the growing Chapel work while Fred held a full time job in Magog.

15 Launch Out Into the Deep

Cherry River Chapel Members were the Backbone of Parkside’s Beginnings

16 A Table in the Wilderness Five children arrived in quick succession – Ken, Pat, Nancy and the twins Rich and Ron so that by 1958 Fred and Jean were more than busy with their oft-quoted “five under five”. The older children all had tasks – table-setting, doing dishes standing on a chair, folding diapers and more – and several ladies from the Chapel pitched in as well.

The assembly was growing, there was an active children’s and youth program, and the camp work at Frontier Lodge was appreciated. But was this the full plan of God for their moving to Quebec? Did the Lord intend to use this experience as a stepping-stone to a greater project? Would that be here, or would it be elsewhere? These issues became the focus of prayer.

The call to serve the Lord is like an anchor and it is like a sail. It is like an anchor because no one can experience greater security or greater reassurance than that of being in God’s place at God’s time. It is like a sail because the follower of Jesus wants the wind of God to fill his life and point it faithfully into the purposes of God. There is both a deep-seated satisfaction in God’s call and also a healthy restlessness that yearns for more of Him to use more of us. These were the stirrings of God’s Spirit that prompted Fred to expand his focus.

Cherry River Chapel had hosted an annual July 1st Bible conference over several years. For various reasons interest waned and several began to consider other opportunities. It was clear that Cherry River was ideally situated for winter sports so the assembly decided to organize a winter weekend conference for young people from a wider area. Skiing, sliding, skating and ski-dooing were all available, and a guest speaker would teach the Word of God at the Chapel. A musical group, later called the Marksmen and consisting of Roger Bailey, George Brier, Michael Goode and Rodney Largey, would raise the roof with songs of inspiration.

17 Launch Out Into the Deep At $2.50 per young person for the whole weekend, the price was right and the experience was unforgettable for the 60 youth who came from Sherbrooke and Montreal that first year. They were billeted at the homes of Chapel or other community families where the hospitality was awesome. Add to that the country cooking of the women served up in the old school house and the youth had all the incentive to return. And return they did so that by 1962, 170 youth were registered for the winter retreat.

The retreat of 1962 was a strong affirmation of Fred’s conviction that Cherry River was a reliable venue in which to hold winter retreats. Fred recounts what happened:

We had a weekend scheduled with 170 young people coming from Montreal. The program was tobogganing, ski-dooing, and skating – however, it was raining and it was Friday night. A prayer of desperation went up to the Lord, “What are we going to do? We need good weather for this weekend. All these young people are coming!”

We had a local truck driver clear off the ice-skating rink and it was wet and sticky. As the man was removing the snow, a Bible verse came to me, reminding me that God had said to Moses, “Can the Lord provide a table in the wilderness?” That was an encouragement to me and I just said to the Lord, “You will have to supply the weather for this weekend.” We went ahead, trusting God to look after the weather.

Early the next morning we had a phone call from one of the co-workers. “The weather changed in the predawn hours and the rink is now frozen. The young people will be able to skate on it this morning!” God had answered our prayer. The Mont Orford (Cherry River) area had the best weather in Quebec that weekend.

18 A Table in the Wilderness The Monday morning after the youth had left, I opened my Bible and there in front of me was Psalm 78:19. “Can the Lord provide a table in the wilderness?” So, without even looking for that verse, the Lord reminded me that He was able to meet the need whenever His work was undertaken.

The Lord had provided a well-iced skating rink as a “table in the wilderness”, but it became clear that the Cherry River Chapel family and the surrounding community could not indefinitely provide free billeting for these winter retreats which had become so popular and for which there was an increasing demand.

Where was the Spirit of God pointing the sail?

19 Launch Out Into the Deep

A Youth Ranch – A Wistful Dream or Divine Design?

20 3. Open and Closed Doors

Fred had grown up on the land and had developed a conviction that youth should enjoy the earth and animals of their Creator. They should be exposed to the countryside away from the distractions and clamour of the city. There they could experience the persuasion and the passion of the psalmist who wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament showeth his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). and “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

Could the Lord be leading them to establish just such a year- round retreat center for youth? What about a Youth Ranch? Were these just personal sentiments or was it the leading of God’s Spirit? Fred and Jean prayed through these questions and Fred received some encouragement from the reading of Isaiah 54:2 … “Enlarge the place of your tent, lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes.” To him this indicated that they should expand a little and reach out to more young people throughout the year. This would mean securing a property.

A quick inventory of their personal resources would have clarified how unreasonable it was to entertain such a project. By now Fred and Jean had been blessed by the addition of Karen, bringing the total household up to eight Warnholtzes. Moreover, Fred’s job in Magog was terminated in 1960. Further, as a full time Christian worker commended by the Silverthorne assembly in Toronto, he was supported solely by the gifts of churches and individuals as the Lord moved them to send

21 Launch Out Into the Deep funds. There certainly was no guaranteed income. Where was the bankroll?

But faith sees the invisible. Continuing to pray that “God would really show us if this was His will not just our own desires,” Fred and Jean sent a letter to different ones reporting on the blessing of the winter retreats and sharing their burden for a Youth Ranch. People were asked to pray that God would show them how to proceed.

One day a letter with a cheque came from Pennsylvania, from a friend of a friend of Jean. This woman was also in children’s work and hadn’t sent her contribution lightly. Fred and Jean had asked God to send them a gift specifically designated for a Youth Ranch - that would confirm for them that their burden was of God. This gift turned out to be the only one that they ever received for the Youth Ranch before it was built. Fred wrote, “This sealed for us that we were in His will. We took it as encouragement from God.”

The gift was indeed designated for a Youth Ranch - it was for 10 dollars.

“If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed …” (Matthew 17:20)

* * * * * * * * *

It was time to look for land. One property of 150 acres became available on Rte. 112, the old Montreal highway at the base of Mont Orford. Fred remembers:

The owner Mr. Powers was asking $25,000 – we didn’t have any money, but I told him, “We’ll pray about it.” We said, “Lord, don’t let us buy this property if you don’t want us to have it.” Mr. Powers phoned up in a couple of weeks and asked if we minded if he sold the property to someone else,

22 Open and Closed Doors who would give him $30,000. We told him, “Sell it.” So, that was God’s closed door on that property.

Another property between Magog and Cherry River was available for $7000. It comprised 120 acres with an old house on it. Fred talked to the owner, told him he would pray about it and would let him know. A short time later Fred met the owner’s wife in a Magog store and she told him not to think of buying their property - her daughter wanted to keep it. Another closed door.

The third property considered was just above Cherry River on a higher range and covering about 118 acres. Mr. Aldrich was asking $5000 with $1000 down. Fred looked it over and saw all the potential, including how a pond for an ice skating rink could be made from one of the streams flowing through the property. So, once again Fred said they would pray about it. For his part, the farmer stated he first wanted to offer it to his family. Within two weeks Mr. Aldrich phoned up and announced, “You can have the property!” His family was not interested.

As for the down payment, Fred and Jean obtained $1000 on a second mortgage of their house in Magog. Mrs. Kathleen Milne had helped them buy the house and now kindly allowed them the extra money for the land. Fred and Jean signed for the property on December 1, 1964. They now had the title deed to 118 acres – the beginning of the Youth Ranch. What a great gift from God!

But how was the rest of the property to be paid off? And what about all the other needs for a Ranch?

In the fall of 1964 Fred was digging for potatoes on the new land, when a man approached him from across the field asking if he owned the property. He was a government engineer and they were looking to purchase sand and gravel for upgrading

23 Launch Out Into the Deep the road system. Immediately Fred recognized that they could obtain some money this way, but it would make a mess of the property. He recollects,

As I thought of these things I remembered when God had said to Moses that out of that little land of Palestine you may dig iron and copper. My thought was, “Maybe it is the gravel on this property, Lord.” When the engineer came back to see whether we would allow them to take the gravel, we told them to go ahead. Right in front of the present day Lodge there was a hill 20 feet high that carried right back to where the river was. Within a week or so they started digging and the first cheque for $500 came the week we needed the $400 for payment on the land. In the end they took enough sand and gravel to completely pay for the 118 acres. That is how God supplied the need for the first property.

Seeing the invisible …

24 4. Partners and Perils

Faith sees the invisible but God in his kindness provides partners with real flesh and blood. Such were Joe and Betty Buzzell who were of immense help and encouragement to both Fred and Jean in the early days of the Ranch. Tragedy had struck the Buzzell family years before when their son Nealon drowned in Cherry River. The boy had been attending Sunday School but his parents seemed disinterested until one week after the funeral when they walked down the middle aisle of the Chapel and declared that they wanted to be on God’s side. They had confronted head-on the realities of eternity and of God’s call on them. They responded wholeheartedly together - and they never turned back from that commitment.

Joe was a tireless worker around the Chapel which he kept in general repair. He also taught a Sunday School class and could be seen Sunday after Sunday walking up the main street of the village with his Bible in plain view. His was a changed life.

Some time after the Aldrich property was purchased, Joe approached Fred with an offer. “Fred,” he proposed, “when you’re ready to go up and cut some of the lumber on that land, some of the hemlock trees, I’ll be there. My crosscut saw is ready.” One Saturday Fred and Joe took down some of those hemlocks and sent the logs to a sawmill owned by one of the Christians at Cherry River Chapel. Although Joe never lived to see it, the beams holding up the main floor of the Lodge to this day are the ones hewed by his crosscut saw.

25 Launch Out Into the Deep Joe also helped build the first cement dam at the stream creating a body of water that would become the Ranch’s summer swimming pond and winter skating rink. It was Joe who procured those locally made, extra-long toboggans for sliding on those first winter weekends. In 1966 he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and the Lord took him home in February 1967. Fred recaps and celebrates Joe’s life when he writes, “What an investment Joe has in the work here and in the lives of young people that have been reached with the Gospel.”

Betty Buzzell was equally vital to the work. She was Jean’s right hand for many years and a second mother to some of the younger Warnholtz children who now numbered nine with the

The Warnholtz Family 1971 Back Row – Kenneth, Richard, Fred, Ronald Front Row – Pat, Nancy, Karla, Jean, Paula, Karen, Craig

26 Partners and Perils arrival of Craig, Karla and Paula. Betty cooked and cleaned and looked after the young ones when Jean was busy cooking and shopping and doing the administrative work for the Ranch. Betty chose to make this work her mission and eventually she was at the Ranch every day as Jean’s mainstay.

One April day in 1972 when it was time to celebrate Jean’s birthday, Betty fell gravely ill with a brain aneurysm. As Fred and Jean prayed with her before the operation, she exhibited real peace, and after squeezing Fred’s hand, breathed, “Whatever God wants.” She never recovered from the surgery and went to be with the Lord in May.

What a time of loss for them and particularly for Jean! Joe and Betty had worked shoulder to shoulder with them from the beginning. Their passing was “like losing our right arm.” Fred reflects: “They had been such an encouragement to us in those hard early days. We thank God for those that shared the burden, had a vision and were so faithful.”

Others provided inspiration and perspiration to the start-up of the Ranch. In time for Expo 67 in Montreal, Fred advertised in Christian magazines for people to camp out on the still bare property and travel in to the World’s Fair. Many came from faraway places and expressed interest in the vision for the Youth Ranch. At that very time, plans were being drawn for the first building which would be the Main Lodge. Dr. Lawrence Elder from Toronto advised Fred, “Think big. Whatever you do, don’t build it too small.” After returning home he sent a gift of $500 toward the project. Consequently another 10 feet were added to its length and this building eventually became 32½ feet wide by 76 feet long.

What would be the drawing cards for young people to come to the Ranch? Horses would be the main attraction for the summer camp. When a nearby ranch closed, Fred went to the auction sale. There he bought several items but was given the old corral

27 Launch Out Into the Deep posts and railings from which he later constructed the Ranch’s own corral. Summer camp also needed a swimming area so a contractor excavated the trout stream that ran through the property and a cement dam was built. The resulting fresh water pond would double as a swimming area in summer and as a skating rink in winter.

The year 1968 was a milestone as it marked the launch of the summer camping program. Although the winter retreats were well established, the summer camping program was yet to be launched. In the Warnholtzes’ Magog backyard, Fred busily finished building a one-room cabin which would become the

Parkside’s First Kitchen camp kitchen. He put it on a couple of logs and hauled it up the five miles from Merry Street to Cherry River. It was placed near the little corral among the poplars with some surrounding picnic tables. Standing not far off was a washroom constructed by Fred and his helpers which most often included Ken, Ron and Rich. Two tents were pitched near the west brook for the youth and staff.

28 Partners and Perils Altogether 12 campers inaugurated the first two-week summer program of Parkside Youth Ranch which consisted of horseback riding into the adjacent Orford Provincial Park, swimming,

Parkside’s First Campers and First Accommodations

An Early Trail Ride campfires, Bible teaching and authentic outdoor meals. There was, however, an unusual optional activity at this first summer camp, unlike anything available at Parkside today. Some of the campers actually participated in Pouring Cement 101. The construction of the Main Lodge had begun and the campers got in, as it were, on the ground floor.

29 Launch Out Into the Deep

Friendly Lunchtime Guests at Camp Meals

More partners and more resources were needed. Jean’s friend Ruth George from Emmaus days called to offer the services of her cousin Bob McLaren. He moved to the area and threw himself into the building project. However, the cold weather came before too much more could be done and the snow filled the whole foundation to a depth of about eight feet.

The next spring Harold Munkittrick called from Sherbrooke offering the Ranch any building materials which could be salvaged from a soon-to-be torn down ski repair shop at the Mont Joie Ski Hill in North Hatley. The project had to be complete within one month. Fred and Bob went into demolition mode and were joined by Don and Marjorie Fish and their sons from Sherbrooke who also pulled nails from the lumber. All the usable materials were transported back to the Ranch including the windows – these became the main windows in the basement of the Lodge! So God continued to supply.

Another building, a sugarhouse near Lennoxville was offered for recovery of building materials. On this occasion everybody

30 Partners and Perils recognized afresh how vulnerable they and the Ranch’s mission were to serious damage. A group of young people from Montreal had come for the weekend to help with whatever was needed. They were taken over to the sugarhouse and they all worked away in different areas … until there was a great crash, and the whole building collapsed! One of the girls was trapped in the middle of all the timber and metal debris and everyone just stood there, incredulous, gasping at what appeared to be a tragedy. Amazingly, and to their great relief, the girl wriggled her way out of the pile unscathed. How easy it would have been for discouragement to have set in and for the work to be criticized. The Lord, however, had protected from serious consequences and they thanked him for it.

Another dangerous moment was a reminder of the perils of working the land. Once when Craig was quite young, Fred brought him into the woods on a tree-cutting expedition. He realized at the time that it was an unwise thing to do, but Craig wanted to ride the tractor and his dad planned to have him stand far back from harm’s way. Unexpectedly an axe slipped from a co-worker’s grasp and sliced end-over-end through the air hitting Craig right on the forehead. When Fred bounded over to gather him in, Craig was howling, with blood streaming down his face. There was a terrified dash out of the woods and to the hospital with a screaming boy who, as it turned out, had been hit by the axe handle and not the axe head. Several stitches later Craig was on his way home.

It is hard to know how Parkside’s story line would have been written if there had been altered outcomes to the above crises or to others such as Bob McLaren’s near miss by a felled tree or to Ken’s 9 foot backward fall onto a concrete floor. In fact other perilous situations did transpire such as when they were stretched to trust in God for rent or grocery money, when they couldn’t understand the seemingly untimely exodus of close ministry partners or when they faced broken promises.

31 Launch Out Into the Deep Fred and Jean’s watchword has been Jesus’ command, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added onto you” (Matthew 6:23). With such a manifesto permeating their attitudes and behaviour, the story line may have been different, but the theme of God’s utter trustworthiness would not change.

Construction of Main Lodge

32 5. Drafts, Stones and Shingles

Year two of summer camp carried on in the shadow of the slowly rising Main Lodge. Several challenges emerged as Fall 1969 approached. Firstly, how would Fred and Jean respond to a letter from the bank which stated they had no more credit? Secondly, how does one build a 3-story stone chimney with fireplaces on two floors? There was considerable expertise among the volunteer builders but not for such a structure. Finally, could the roof be completed before the snow fell?

The bank letter was a surprise, but in one sense it ought not have been. After all, Fred and Jean had no guaranteed income, were feeding 9 children and were in the middle of nowhere building a monstrous-sized Lodge that for some may have been reminiscent of Noah’s Ark. More specifically, the bank in Magog informed them that since they owed $1000 they would not be allowed any more credit. Fred writes, “Our credit rating was nil.” Of course, the bank only recognized credit this side of heaven.

This was a serious discouragement. They needed the money to purchase more construction materials without which all building would stop. The morning after receiving the letter, Fred was reading in Luke 5 the story of Jesus teaching from Peter’s fishing boat. He recounts its impact:

After speaking to the crowd the Lord said to Peter, “Launch out into the deep, and let down your net for a draught of fish.”

33 Launch Out Into the Deep Peter told the Lord, “We have fished all night and caught nothing, but if you say so, I will let down a net.”

You know the story, how Peter did as he was told and they took in so many fish that they had to call and ask for help. Peter falls down at Jesus’ feet and says, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” The Lord told him not to be afraid but from now on to follow Him and He would make him a fisher of men. What stood out to me that day, when we needed encouragement, was that little phrase, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets.” So, we took courage and carried on.

They carried on because the Lord carried on. Their credit turned out to be better than the bank thought. Within a number of days they received a gift of $500 from Mrs. Kathleen Milne in Magog. A few days later she called back to say that she had received extra money that she hadn’t expected and could they use another $500! A heavenly draft. What an encouragement this was at this critical juncture in the building of the Lodge. Early experiences of proving God instill into the follower of Jesus greater and renewed confidence for future challenges. Such faith is shaped not from books nor from sages, but from personal encounters with the living God.

A stone chimney needs stones and a 36-foot high stone chimney needs lots of stones. Since the government had been hauling off sand and gravel from the property, the diggers had left rocks everywhere. Some energetic young people had visited the Ranch and offered to help with the project. Their task was straightforward – gather the stones. Trailer load after trailer load of rocks collected from all over the property were carted back to the site of the Lodge. The work site took on the appearance of a quarry, but 60 tons later all the stones had been amassed. All that was needed was someone who could convert the pile into fireplaces and a chimney.

34 Drafts, Stones and Shingles Down the road from the Ranch lived a man named Charlie Fields who had built quite a few fireplaces in his time. But at 75 years of age and having long retired, he was well passed heavy stonework, especially three stories worth! But Fred, in his disarmingly persuasive manner, told Mr. Fields that he would simply hand him the rocks and finally he agreed. The base had already been started, but when Mr. Fields examined it, he wanted them to dismantle it because a bigger base would be needed. He then showed how to make the forms, prepare the right mortar mix and ran on-the-job stonework training until the fireplace was at last finished.

By mid-Fall the second floor of the Lodge was finished and the structure for the roof was being started. Then there was a snowfall which threatened to abort the completion of the roof before winter. David Wright, a young man from the Huntingville Chapel had asked Fred what he was going to do for material for the roof. Given the size of the Lodge, there would be greater than 2300 square feet of roofing needed.

One Sunday morning in November 1969, Fred was teaching the Bible at Huntingville Chapel. After the service David came over to him and asked again about the material. “We have some material but not enough to finish the roof. We need plywood and shingles,” was Fred’s reply, “at a cost of about $750.”

As Fred and Jean were leaving Huntingville after lunch with one of the church families, a lone figure approached them in the drizzling rain. It was David. They talked for a few minutes then David handed them an envelope.

On the journey home, Fred and Jean opened the letter and read through David’s concerns for the roof. He then summed up his recent meditations from Scripture by quoting the following text: “Set your affections on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). Finally, included in that envelope was a cheque for $750 to buy the plywood and shingles. This

35 Launch Out Into the Deep act of sacrifice from a young man recently returned from Bible School deeply touched Fred and Jean. No doubt it reminded them of early steps on their own journey. They thanked the Lord, bought the necessary materials and proceeded with the construction in the increasingly harsh weather.

In a race against time, the workers put up the rafters, laid down the plywood roof, applied the shingles, and completed the flashing around the chimney just as the snow came. Fred has one other image of that frantic fall finish. “The picture of our son Ken on the roof on those cold November days, is still very vivid.”

Is there a greater joy for a Christian father than to see and to know that his son is his partner in ministry?

Cedar Shingles Applied to the Lodge

36 Drafts, Stones and Shingles

The Finished Lodge 1972

The Main Lodge 2006

37 Launch Out Into the Deep

Parkside’s Winter Welcoming Committee

Cross-country Skiing For All

38 6. Consolidation – Board, Property and People

The vision for the Youth Ranch was enlarging and so were the responsibilities for its administration and expansion. Young people were already coming and more groups were inquiring about accommodation. How could Fred and Jean with their growing family nurture this project with all its demands – never mind the financial and legal implications of doing it privately?

Dr. Arthur Hill had recommended that they incorporate as a non-profit organization, establish a Board and thus allow interested people to both support the work and invest in its future. There were already many capable people implicated in the Ranch and a Board of Directors was readily formed: George and Evelyn Brier, Jack and Elizabeth Harvie, Rolland and Anna Labonté, Dr. Ron and Eleanor Smith, Dr. Richard and Beth Kimoff, and Don and Dr. Marjorie Fish. Others came alongside early on and became mainstays for years such as Alan and Marguerite Lambert, Howard and Shirley Bedard, Tom and Audrey Moorhouse and Goodie and Daphne Campbell.

And so it was that in December 1969 Parkside Ranch was officially established. The name Parkside was derived from the fact that the Ranch was situated right on the border of Mont Orford Provincial Park. Its purpose was to provide a year-round Christian Youth Center, the first of its kind in Quebec. Fred and Jean sold their rights to the property for a dollar.

39 Launch Out Into the Deep

Broomball - Parkside’s Official Winter Sport

Hockey, Skating, Broomball – A Break in the Action

40 Consolidation - Board, Property and People The following winter, the Ranch began hosting different Christian groups for weekends. The outside of the Lodge was finished, but the interior still had no doors and the paneling was not on the walls. Nor was there a piano, and a Chinese church coming from Montreal for New Year’s weekend had requested one for their singing.

The Lord’s response came surprisingly swiftly. Fred Macdonald from the Rosemount assembly called offering a piano from a closing Montreal church. On a snowy night he transported it to the Ranch where it was carried through the side door into the Lodge. The next day the Chinese guests arrived and there was the piano in the basement corner – where it remains to this day. Fred reminisces, “Again, we thanked God for His provision and the way in which He had met the need.”

Amongst the first of those who came on those early winter retreats were Bill and Karen Wolitarsky from a new French church in Laval, north of Montreal. Bill called up asking for details regarding the 80-90 people they were bringing including the weekend fees. Fred told him that they would receive five meals and two snacks but they had to bring their own sleeping bags and towels and he reluctantly asked for $5 apiece. Fred always believed in minimal charges. That weekend six of the guests decided to accept the Lord Jesus as Saviour.

The next year the group returned with many additional friends and at least 15 became followers of Jesus. Some would develop into leaders in Quebec churches. As Fred returned to that familiar Luke 5 story about Jesus blessing the fisherman Peter with an abundant catch of fish, a different phrase stood out for him: “From now on you will catch men” (Luke 5:10b).

The property was being well used, but at 118 acres the Board deemed it wise to add green space both as a buffer against encroachment and also to expand the ministry. Clarence Bice owned a 150-acre farm right next to Parkside, but he had

41 Launch Out Into the Deep become discouraged with farming and was working elsewhere. When Fred approached him about selling it he was quite willing - but Mr. Bice wanted $15,000. How were they to raise so much money?

The Board wrestled over this for some time, discussing a variety of options including selling bricks. Finally Mr. Labonté spoke up, “Let’s not come up with our own scheme, but let’s trust God for this. We should each give or loan what we can and let God raise the rest.” In the meantime Mr. Bice had decided to keep the house and surrounding lot but would sell the land for $10,000. That day the Board members themselves committed $5200, and with this the Ranch purchased the 150 acres. The next year Mr. Labonté went to be with the Lord, but his optimism and faith had inspired this important acquisition.

At this point the government road contractors showed up once again. Would the camp be willing to sell more sand and gravel for further repairs including straightening out the very twisting road by the Ranch? Over a million tons later, the Ranch received a cheque for $10,000 which was enough to pay off the property and even leave a surplus.

There were other unexpected benefits to the government’s cartage of all this sand and fill. Firstly, a large hill was situated at the current entrance to the Ranch, and just inside of that, a grove of trees and a saucer of gravel. The contractors carved their way through the hill, trees and gravel, and after replacing the topsoil they left a flat area which was perfect for the current ball field. Secondly, the Bice property barn was in the new road’s path and the government proposed that if it were removed, the Ranch could have its contents - and also be paid $7000. He took up the offer and resourcefully constructed a new barn for the horses and cattle. Thirdly, the Bice farmhouse was in the way as well, so the Ranch bought it for $800 and relocated it back from the highway.

42 Consolidation - Board, Property and People Finally, Fred was looking ahead and envisioning a gymnasium, a place for both indoor sports and additional accommodations – a place where the boys could dorm at some safe distance from the girls! (Fred and Jean were both solid proponents of the six- inch rule.) Moreover the gym had to be near the Lodge and a low-lying building that preserved the picturesque profile of the property. Not far from the Lodge, the contractors had carved out a huge hollow which some people saw as an unsightly hole. As for Fred, he visualized a gym and he asked the men not to fill in the excavation site. It was indeed time to pray for the gym.

Looking back on these days of growth, Fred writes,

God met our needs just as we had asked Him at the beginning, ‘Lord if we would seek your kingdom, you would provide all other things.’ We claimed that promise: ‘Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you’ (Matthew 6:33). Step by step as we proceeded, God was there.

43 A Wintery Day at the Lodge

44 7. An Olympics Challenge and a Cold Winter Day

It was the mid-70’s and construction was booming in Montreal in preparation for the 1976 Summer Olympics. Many Christian organizations were determined to be there as flag-bearers of faith including Literature Crusades (now called International Teams) which hoped to bring 100 men and women to Quebec for this Christian witness. Given common Emmaus connections and the reasonable proximity of Parkside to Montreal, the leaders of Literature Crusades approached Fred about accommodation. Although the main Lodge could maximally sleep 60 people, Fred told them that they could plan on coming the next year. He would look to God to provide a Recreation Hall (gymnasium with dorms) with the needed space.

This was a huge undertaking. There was the question of financial resources, although Fred and Jean had time-tested that obstacle on their knees. But there were many other concerns such as how would such a structure be conceived, planned, and built. And what about doing it safely, efficiently and in a timely fashion - and without incurring steep architectural or engineering costs? Frankly, Fred was partial to tackling most projects himself, but this was large scale. While these ideas were percolating, and before a building plan had even been initiated, a contribution designated for the “Rec Hall” arrived. It was for $100. That seemed to clinch the resolve. After all, the original Youth Ranch idea was launched with prayer and a gift of $10.

45 Launch Out Into the Deep Necessity is frequently fertile soil for creativity. Fred must have been quite focused on this whole project, for one spring day in 1975 when he went looking for a calf, he came back with his gym. It was with the intent to purchase a calf that he sought out Willie Beauvais’ farm on the Ayers Cliff Road just beyond Magog. When Fred arrived, he was intrigued by Mr. Beauvais’ newest venture – he was building a large drive-in shed. It stood 46 feet wide and 80 feet long, was framed with steel … and looked remarkably like a low ceiling gymnasium! Fred inquired about the possibility of similar steel framework being mounted on a four-foot cement wall, giving the gym a more appropriate height. Willie felt that would work but would check it out with his brother-in-law who manufactured these frames for barns and other storage purposes. Quite excited, Fred returned to the Ranch, but without a calf.

The Parkside Board quickly approved the plan. The framework would cost $4200 and would be delivered and mounted within the Ranch’s time constraints. Therefore, late that Spring the footings were laid - 46 feet wide and 80 feet long with an additional 40 feet for boys’ dorms and washrooms. The cement trucks rumbled in as the foundation was poured and then the walls went up. The campers also jumped into the construction helping with the cement floor. Next came those steel frames which were installed without a hitch, and topping it off was Parkside gym’s signature orange metal roof. Once complete, Parkside could accommodate another 50 campers. When Literature Crusades arrived for the 1976 Olympics with 100 staff, Parkside was more than ready. Since then this facility has been used as lodging for campers, as a cool spot in the summer for sports out of the rain, as a shelter in the winter for floor hockey and volleyball, and as a venue for Chapel and community wedding receptions and gatherings.

The Parkside vision was never about property, it was always about people. Its focus has not been on erecting buildings but on extending the body of Christ. To the measure that God’s

46 An Olympics Challenge and a Cold Winter Day

Inside Parkside’s Gym, On a Quiet Day!

The Completed Gym and Boys’ Dormitories

47 Launch Out Into the Deep power and trustworthiness are demonstrated in faithfully providing for the needs of His children, there is praise to His glory. And there has been much praise to His glory!

Moreover, Fred has clearly articulated down through the years what has been the central message of the Parkside vision. He writes,

When we first started the camp, one of our purposes was to show to the young people that God was alive. In those days there was a lot of talk around that ‘God was dead’. Many youth came from broken homes and harsh backgrounds and often wandered far from warm human relationships. It was our burden to bring home to them the reality that God loved them and was very much interested in their lives. So, as the campers have come, we have been able to tell them how God was very much alive and share with them how He has wonderfully provided all that they daily enjoy at camp - the lake, the land, the horses, the sports areas, the Lodge and dorms and above all, Jesus the Saviour. Our joy and our challenge to them is to obey Him and to be used by Him to accomplish His will and purpose.”

The final installments of God’s provision of property to Parkside were about to take place. The first transaction was relatively straightforward. Abutting the Ranch and owned by truckers was an L-shaped parcel of land which Don and Marjorie Fish bought outright and gave to Parkside. Generosity in all packages has marked the contributions of a long list of Parkside supporters.

The next series of transactions were much more complex because it was the Quebec government that wanted to do business. And the business they wanted to do was expropriation. People had long agitated to enlarge Mont Orford Provincial Park, and since the Ranch owned 50 acres of prime land bordering on the Park, this was some of the land at stake. The

48 An Olympics Challenge and a Cold Winter Day Ranch was not interested in selling it, however, as it was needed for pasturing the horses and cattle, and also for the trail rides at summer camp. Moreover, the government was adamant about paying only the original purchase price for the property which was $3300, and this despite a recent offer from a real estate developer for more than 10 times that amount!

The Board, the friends at Cherry River Chapel and many in the extended Parkside family prayed for direction in this affair. Letters were written to the government and finally representatives from the Ranch went to Quebec City to formally appeal the decision. Specifically Fred explained the Ranch’s purpose, recounted its development and presented its needs. Then he made it clear that the Ranch could not accept the government’s low-ball offer of $3300 when it had already declined a much larger asking price. The officials listened and promised that they would send an inspector to check out the land.

The evaluator eventually did come, but he arrived in the dead of winter. Fred has always claimed Orford to be in the snow belt of the Townships, and that day the snowdrifts were formidable. Together they made their way in and through more than two feet of white stuff while Fred made sure he would see the full expanse of the property in question.

The inspector finally asked, “How much farther back does it go?” One could almost hear the pleading tone in that voice. Fred replied that they still had another three or four hundred yards to go, to which the weary inspector declared, “Forget it!” People who know Fred well can only imagine what type of expression was on his face during this romp through the snowy woods. Meanwhile, back at the Ranch, the inspector promised to report back to his superiors and that Parkside would receive another offer. The expropriation, however, would proceed as planned.

49 Launch Out Into the Deep After another visit to Quebec City, further negotiations and much prayer, the offer was made - $40,000 for the 50 acres, $5000 to relocate the Ranch’s horse trails and $10,000 in interest. A total of $55,000!

Immediately the Board was able to purchase 100 acres behind the original property at a cost of $22,000. For several years a widow named Jane Powers from Cherry River had kindly allowed the camp to use her waterfront at nearby Trout Lake for swimming and canoeing. When she died, her sister sold these 16 acres including 1300 feet of lakefront to the Ranch for $20,000. Ken Warnholtz bought the remaining 700 feet of shoreline on that side of the lake as a buffer for the camp and after a few years, generously donated it to Parkside. The remainder of the government’s expropriation cheque was used to buy a secondhand backhoe which became a very useful piece of equipment at the Ranch for more than 25 years.

As Fred reflects about this chapter of Parkside’s development he summarizes it in the following few words: “Again, we see the faithfulness of God.”

Trout Lake – Site of Parkside’s Swimming and Canoeing Recreation 50 8. Cause for Celebration

The year 1979 marked Parkside Ranch’s official 10th anniversary. The vision had been cultivated for more than 20 years and had taken visible expression in those early winter retreats in the absence of buildings and property. Now looking back, it was truly amazing to reflect on all that the Lord had accomplished. As marvelous as had been the provision of such wonderful facilities from such meager resources, the greatest accomplishments were spiritual and eternal in the form of changed lives.

Many gathered on September 15, 1979 to participate in those anniversary celebrations: from that day and from those early years come a number of stories and tributes. These and innumerable other reflections are the essence of the Parkside story.

1967 Thank you very, very much for another fabulous winter weekend. The teaching was excellent. On the trip home I heard one fellow who had made a profession of faith in Christ talking with a young girl who was seriously considering taking the same step! It’s wonderful how so much can be accomplished in such a short time. I am sure glad you had the vision to launch this type of ministry and make it work when it seemed humanly impossible. Hope you keep it up and that it expands and continues to His glory. Emerson Elliot, Montreal

51 Launch Out Into the Deep 1970-71 Looking back on those couple of years around 1970, I will always be very grateful for the experience of sharing in your family and absorbing something of your walk of faith. Ian McPhee, (written 10 years later)

1973 Your camp is so loving and family-like. Justin McLelland, Ontario

Thank you so much for the great time I had at Parkside. It felt like one big happy family ... The Lord truly blessed me. It was the best half summer I have ever had. I did it for the Lord and He gave me the strength to do the work. Vickie Dean, (Kitchen staff)

Thank you from my heart for the beautiful weekend God gave us and the welcome you showed ... The place means a lot to me for it is where I was born again. Christian love was shared and we were united as a true family, one I had never known. Cecilia

1974 I thank you and the Lord for helping me get so close to the Lord, to learn to obey Him, understand Him and love Him. Nora

Thank you very much for the best summer I ever had … I became a Christian during the 2 weeks of July. Cathy

1975 What a wonderful blessing your retreat center is to countless people! Mervin Saunders

52 Cause for Celebration Many people, particularly young people, have found the Lord here. Wesley Ikeda, Montreal

1976 There is such a warmth and it is obvious Parkside Ranch is of God and being blessed by Him continually. Chomedey Baptist Ladies’ Retreat

Thank you so very, very much for the most Spirit-filled time we have had in a long while. We thank you and your terrific family. Parkside Ladies’ Retreat

Thanks for all you did for me this summer. I am a changed person now. Jim Fisher

1977 We were so glad when we heard of Jim’s testimony at camp this summer. He was baptized recently. It is wonderful for me to know that another of our children has accepted Christ. Carmen

The College and Careers from Ebenezer (Rosemount) would like to thank you so sincerely for your hospitality to us last weekend. We always enjoy our Parkside weekend so much and that is because of the time and effort your whole family puts into the ministry of the Ranch. Liz Guignard, Montreal

1978 Your times of devotion (at camp) have had a great impact on my daughter. Nan 53 Launch Out Into the Deep At Snow Camp we had a fantastic time, both spiritually as well as physically. We feel that this Scripture helps to express our gratitude. “How can we thank God enough for you and for the joy and delight you have in us in our praying for you” (1 Thessalonians 3:9). Leona and Terry

I attended Parkside for the first time in 1978 when I was 10 years old. I was not too sure about the Bible reading stuff but the horses lured me … I remember Alec giving his testimony during the first week of camp and he said that he often thought that if Jesus returned today, would he be ready for judgment? That really hit me close to the heart. I had a difficult home life and was a tough kid – my mom never knew because I was a model child at home (to avoid discipline), but I was a terror elsewhere.

I accepted Jesus Christ that night and attended camp every summer after that, and one winter camp as well. One year I saved every penny I got, made deals with family members and managed to get the money for a whole 4-week stay. I always felt a little guilty that I never missed home or anyone from home while I was at camp. At Parkside I could truly be myself, no masks, no persona, just me. Although I fell away from following Christ for many years, I kept in touch with Him through prayer … always knowing I was disappointing Him terribly.

Finally in my early 30’s I had recurring dreams of Parkside, dreams that left me so peaceful and happy, but melancholy as well. I realized that God was calling me to Him through these dreams, reminding me of what it was like living daily with Him. My return to Christ brought me to a wonderful church and a great man, whom I married and we now have a 10 month old daughter. Guess where she’ll be going the summer she turns 10?

54 Cause for Celebration Tonight, looking at the pictures of the Lodge and the gym, and looking at the grounds of the camp (no picture of the frigid pond I noticed!), I “teared” up. I just wanted to tell you (and Fred and Jean – I can call them that now that I’ve grown up, right?) how much Parkside impacted my life. I will always be grateful to God for those who have worked there and for placing me there, where I really did spend the very best times of my youth. Thank you so much and may God bless you all richly. Claudine Dionne (written February 2006)

The ripple effect of God’s grace in people’s lives through Parkside Ranch had already extended far and wide. More was to come.

Campfire at the Pond

55 Launch Out Into the Deep

Heading out on a Trail Ride

Never Tired of Horseback Riding

56 Cause for Celebration

Preparing for a Trail Ride – Safety Now Means Helmets

Archery – Has Anyone Seen William Tell? 57 Launch Out Into the Deep

Riflery – Keep Your Eyes on the Target

Returning From Trout Lake – Anybody Missing?

58 Kayaking and Canoeing at Trout Lake

Parkside Staff with the 80’s Look – in the 80’s

59 Launch Out Into the Deep

Summer Camp 1995

Teen Camp Staff 2005

60 9. The Company of the Faithful

The infrastructure of Parkside was in place long before buildings were erected and properties secured, because what really undergirds a camp like the Ranch is the heart and the spiritual passion of its leaders and of those who follow as their partners and servants in ministry. Parkside has been blessed with just such committed staff. The story will now turn to consider the contributions of many co-workers who have impacted the course of the Ranch and the lives of many campers for whom the Ranch became a safe haven.

Down the road from the Ranch and long before Fred ever stood on the property, a young lad was being prepared for a lifetime of practical Christian service. Carl McKelvey was raised on a nearby farm and attended Joe Buzzell’s Sunday School class at Cherry River Chapel. Although his mother June was a believer and remained faithful all her life, Carl dropped Sunday School and church when he was sixteen, but in his early twenties the Lord turned him right around. He committed his life to Christ and then completed training at a Bible School in Ontario. Having helped voluntarily at the Ranch many times and appreciating the vision of Fred and Jean, Carl returned to Cherry River with a burden for the Lord’s work there.

Carl was ideal for the Ranch, having learned to work very hard at home, and demonstrating absolute dependability. He became the “right hand man” for the many outside chores that go with camp ministry. His practical responsibilities have been

61 Launch Out Into the Deep legion. Parkside’s property has grown to encompass 334 acres and much of it requires fencing for the animals, a task which Carl has undertaken. The cheapest way to provide hay for the horses and cows has been for the Ranch to look after several hay fields in the community. Carl has supervised the cutting, raking, hauling and storing of up to 4000 bales per summer. Many a camp maintenance staff have had the humbling experience of struggling to hoist a single bale onto the wagon while Carl was tossing up one with each hand as if they were feather pillows.

Carl and Marilyn McKelvey

Bringing in 70 cords of wood per year for fireplaces and furnaces in five buildings, daily animal chores, construction projects, farm repairs, clearing the roads and maintaining the double hockey size rink in the winter, grooming Parkside’s cross country ski trail as well as camp counseling and teaching have all been part of Carl’s role at the Ranch for over 25 years. 62 Cause for Celebration Where does a young person find a spouse to be a partner in this type of lifelong sacrificial work? Often the Lord sovereignly brings people together while they are both actively serving Him in some ministry and He shows them that they can be more fulfilled and effective as a team than as individuals. For the believer who wants his or her life to count, isn’t this an exciting way to discover God’s will?

Such was the case with Fred and Jean and such would be the case with Carl and his soon-to-be-bride Marilyn Hollis. Marilyn had been involved in missionary work with Global Outreach and was serving in Chateauguay, Quebec. She was originally from Moncton, New Brunswick where she attended Parkside Baptist Church. One weekend there was a meeting of the “two Parksides” and Carl and Marilyn were married within the year.

Carl and Marilyn have lived across the pond from the Lodge for more than 20 years. There they have raised their family of four and have kept deeply implicated in the Ranch besides serving at the Chapel which commended them in 1978. Marilyn has had a heart for children’s ministry and with her musical gift has blessed many. Carl has served as a deacon and Sunday School superintendent as well as being a bus driver for the

The Pond and the McKelveys’ Home

63 Launch Out Into the Deep Sunday School and Awana programs. Fred writes, “They have been a real asset to the work of the Lord in the area, and we are thankful to the Lord for them!”

As they grew up, Fred and Jean’s children were all engaged in the workings of the Ranch, especially during the summer camp season. It was a “family affair” and most campers were attracted to the family-style atmosphere which infused life at the Ranch. Although they did not always appreciate their participation at the time, the nine Warnholtz children uniformly look back with immense thanksgiving for the incomparable experience of faith and service which was inculcated during those years. Three of them have subsequently been involved in full time Christian ministry, one of them, Richard, at Parkside.

Richard had “learned the ropes” at the Ranch including the expert care of horses. Like his siblings, he had a wealth of practical training in camp life and was inspired by the sense of mission that he saw in his parents. He decided to pursue a formal Bible education at Ontario Bible College in Toronto (1984) and then obtained a B.A. in Psychology at the University of Waterloo (1984-86). Having completed these studies, he felt a burden for the work at the Ranch and returned to help in 1986.

Richard took on a multitude of duties, relieving Fred in many of his program and managerial responsibilities. One summer a young woman with extensive equestrian experience was invited to help out with the horses for two weeks of camp. Carla Farnworth was from Guelph, Ontario, a committed believer and a schoolteacher who also had experience as a Girls’ Camp director. Her father John had actually been a camper in Fred’s cabin many years before at Camp Mini-Yo-We. Carla and Richard worked alongside each other saddling the horses and doing the trails with the campers every morning. Before the end of the two weeks, there was a distinct impression that they had a mutual interest which extended far beyond horses.

64 Cause for Celebration Carla and Richard were married in October 1987 and served at the Ranch until 1994. During that time they assumed much of the administration, maintenance and programming for the summer and winter sessions. They recruited and trained excellent personnel from beyond Quebec. A horsemanship curriculum was developed and Carla incorporated a strong musical emphasis into camp life.

Richard and Carla Warnholtz Matthew and Jonathan

Together they had a passion for the spiritual care of children and youth between camping seasons and instituted a Bible correspondence program with interested campers. More schools and public service groups began to utilize Parkside’s facilities off-season. From some of these schools, particularly in St. Bruno, many new summer campers signed up and then

65 Launch Out Into the Deep Richard and Carla ran a gym outreach during the school year for these children in their own community.

Their lives were very full, and there was the additional blessing and workload of three children and a fourth on the way. The scope and burden of the work in these conditions was enormous and Richard and Carla felt led by God to take on a new position with the youth at Guelph Bible Chapel and then later the managerial role at Guelph Bible Conference Grounds. Fred writes, “They were and are a blessing as they have many talents and abilities.”

Understandably, this change was also difficult for Fred and Jean. Many day-to-day Ranch responsibilities reverted to them at a time when they were clearly contemplating transferring more leadership to the next generation. Jean wrote, “We began to pray that God would have His way, as He had in the past. We are never told that it will be easy, but we are told, ‘In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path’ (Proverbs 3:5).”

A frequent path Fred and Jean had taken over the years was through Connecticut where they had longstanding friends and supporters. Jean was invited in 1994 to give the closing devotional at the New England Ladies’ Spring Missionary Conference in Hamden, Connecticut. The same Conference had made Parkside their yearly “Project” in the late 1960’s, collecting $2300 from various assemblies for the Ranch’s septic field, plumbing and other needs.

That afternoon Jean had a heavy heart as she reflected on all the challenges presented at the Conference. Many of those present had been faithfully praying for the Ranch over the years and she urged them to pray specifically that God would raise up a couple who would be interested in taking Richard and Carla’s place. No one spoke about it afterward, and Fred and Jean went home to their dear friends Stan and Ruth George.

66 Cause for Celebration Three days later, Stan suffered a fatal heart attack and Fred and Jean returned to Hamden to grieve with and comfort their bereaved friend. Stan had been a real support at the Ladies’ Conference; this was typical of his big heart. Jean remembered the bear hug he gave her when she left to go home to Magog. Now he was with the Lord! Jean writes, “The tributes at his funeral still ring in our ears.”

After the funeral as they gathered in the kitchen, Greg MacWilliam, one of Ruth’s nephews approached Fred and Jean. His wife Pat had been at the Ladies’ Conference and had heard of the need at the Ranch for another couple. She had come home and announced to Greg, “If you really are interested in doing camp work, here’s an opportunity for you!” They had two children, Brian and Jennifer, 13 and 11 years old respectively. Greg and Pat also managed their own business and were effectively serving in their assembly Cheshire Bible Chapel,

Greg and Patty MacWilliam

67 Launch Out Into the Deep so transplanting the whole family at this stage, especially to French Quebec would require a clear call from God.

However, Greg did have a real heart for Christian camping, and Pat, a physiotherapist by training, had also served at camp. As a family they had prayed for Parkside in the past and now the Board invited them to come to Quebec as guest directors of a two-week session. This they did for three summers while many prayed along with them. Finally with confirmation of the Lord’s leading, the unanimous encouragement of the Board and the approval of the Quebec government, they took their place at Parkside in early 1998.

Fred and Jean write,

Gradually they have taken over most facets of the ministry and it has been a special pleasure to see Brian and Jennifer become great assets in the work. Greg and Pat have been a blessing and a help at the Chapel, too, where they have brought the local teens under their wing. We are thankful to the Lord for the way they have dug in and adapted.

68 10. Bits, Bytes and Blessings

In July 2005 The Outlet, Orford’s regional newspaper, published an article with the laudatory headline, “Parkside Has Been One of Cherry River’s Greatest Success Stories”. The editor reported on the origins of the camp and its impact on the community in a most generous way. Since its inception, Parkside has welcomed more than 10,000 visits of children and teens to summer camp in addition to 1000 staff. Many more people have attended Parkside’s own youth winter retreats as well as church and para-church group rental weekends throughout the year. There is no way to measure the enormity of this influence for Christ on so many lives, or its ripple effect into far-flung communities.

Our human perspective and evaluations are indeed very limited, and it is God’s estimate of “success” that ultimately counts. In His goodness He has allowed Fred and Jean to experience harvest through the local community, through their own family and through a broader network of supporters.

The Cherry River Chapel and surrounding Townships communities invested enormously in the vision and practical support of Parkside from its beginnings. “Uncle George” and “Aunt Evelyn” Brier were “family” to the Warnholtz children, and George, besides being Board Chairman for years, was the much-in-demand, in-house, on-call plumbing consultant. Evelyn and many others from Cherry River have cooked over the years followed by Wanda Sturtevant and, since 1991, Shirley

69 Launch Out Into the Deep McKelvey. Howard Bedard utilized his electrical contracting expertise and along with his wife Shirley was always available. Alan and Marguerite Lambert have faithfully served for over 30 years on the Board as Treasurer and Secretary respectively as well as hands-on at the camp itself. Dean Somers has capably chaired the Board and his wife Debbie has efficiently assumed Jean’s responsibilities as Office Administrator and Camp Registrar.

Ken Warnholtz has computerized all the accounting and administrative needs of the Ranch. This has included the development and launching of Parkside’s website (www. parksideranch.com) as well as initiating online registration. He became and remains the on-call computer consultant for this aspect of the work.

Many others lived at the Ranch year-round where they sacrificially committed themselves to the ministry. Amongst these were Everett and Pam Smith who helped from 1975 to 1984. Charlie and Lois Timms served from 1985-1988. Space would not allow the recording of all those who have partnered in many different ways. Why did they come? Perhaps this was best summarized by Greg MacWilliam to Fred and Jean before he and his family moved to Canada: “We are not coming because of you folks, but because this is where God wants us.” With such focus and passion, the “Parkside family” has grown to include a host of precious co-labourers.

When Fred and Jean left their Ontario families in 1951, it was a major decision to strike out so far from the support of relatives. Moreover, Jean remembered the haunting reproach of a close family member who told her that if she persisted with her Christian beliefs she would become a “religious old maid”.

When they arrived in Quebec, however, the Lord supplied them with a loving adoptive family of Christian friends. In due time, they were entrusted with nine children. Over the years

70 Bits, Bytes and Blessings they also took in three foster children. Eventually they and their children began to attract sons-in-law and daughters-in- law – nine altogether, followed inevitably by grandchildren, 25 at last count. In addition, a number of grateful, stray and wounded young people whose lives they had touched called them Dad and Mom. Then there was the “Parkside family”, both local and widely dispersed.

By this point in her story, Jean has clearly dispelled the earlier prediction of becoming a “religious old maid” and she has frequently challenged her listeners with the words of Jesus, “I tell you the truth, no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in the present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields – and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life” (Mark 10:29,30).

The blessing of such a large family has been amplified by the joy of watching so many take their place in service at Parkside. They recall a trying moment when their son Ron fell seriously ill as a 2 year old. It is hard to imagine 6’3” Ron ever being sick but with four pneumonias in one year, his condition became precarious. Fred and Jean remember the piercing sorrow of praying at Ron’s bedside, “We want to keep him … if it is your will.” That prayer was graciously answered and Ron became the only one of his siblings to stay in the community. He has played many roles at Parkside including being a Board member, and his Class A Mechanics training has proven invaluable in handling all the mechanical problems at the Ranch.

The first wave of grandchildren began to arrive at the camp in the mid-80’s with their parents who worked on staff. Then some of the grandchildren became campers themselves and finally the oldest of them joined the staff while the youngest were campers and so it has continued. Many still have to enter this cycle, but in the grace of God they will follow in the train

71 Launch Out Into the Deep

Fred and Jean’s Grandchildren – Thanksgiving 2005 of godly grandparents. Lessons in servanthood and obedience await them.

Over time many Christians from other areas of Quebec and beyond have offered their prayer and practical help to the work of the Ranch. Tony and Theresa Lite from the Rosemount assembly had been great supporters of new French churches and in the early days at the Ranch, Tony had encouraged the Board to “Go ahead with God!” in the purchase of the second property. Arnold and Joan Spears from Emmaus days have continually been an encouragement. Fred and Jean made many new friends amongst the Christians at Boca Raton Bible Chapel when they began to take winter holidays in Florida. Harold and Helen Buirkle along with others were especially interested in the camp work.

All these friends and the family rallied around Fred and Jean after a critical car accident in March 2000 when their vehicle was crushed by a transport truck. Trapped in their totaled car

72 Bits, Bytes and Blessings for 30 minutes, they were finally extracted and transported to Detroit Receiving Hospital, a trauma center. Even at the scene of the accident Fred was quick to witness to the state trooper about God’s sovereignty in the trials of our lives. After five days they were air-ambulanced to a Montreal hospital and spent much of the spring and summer of 2000 in rehabilitation. It was then that Jean had to relinquish most of her camp administration responsibilities.

A new Conference Center including accommodation had been on the table for more than a year and construction finally began in September 2000. “The Hub”, as it is called, provides eight rooms of private living space for staff as well as seminar rooms on an upper floor, and on the first floor there is a large meeting area and games room for campers. It has been a truly spectacular and functional addition to the overall camp facilities made possible through the generosity of members of the Parkside family.

“The Hub” (Conference Center) under Construction

73 Launch Out Into the Deep

The Hub, the Horses and the Hush of God’s Creation

The Pond, the Lodge and the Gym

74 11. Pine Rock – Ripplings from Afar

A longstanding Parkside tradition has been testimony night at “Pine Rock” in the forest on the last Friday of each camp session. There, many young people attested to how the Lord had touched them at camp, to their new discovery of faith in Jesus or to their fresh resolve to live more authentically as His ambassadors. Fred would interweave stories of God’s grace from his own life or stories of previous campers’ experiences of faith. He was the consummate raconteur. At the end he would commonly bring it all together with a last word. The impact would ripple through many lives.

Welcome to our “Pine Rock” where former campers reflect on the Lord’s goodness to them through Parkside. May you too be touched by the waves of God’s grace!

Angela Faries (nee Godin) • Nassau, Bermuda Parkside Ranch 1976 – 1983

There will always be a very soft and warm spot for Parkside Ranch in my heart as it is the place where I found the Lord and began my Christian walk. My mother (a non-Christian at the time) wanted a wholesome summer experience for my sister and me. We were thrilled to go and soaked everything up from Bible studies to horseback riding. Life at Parkside for me was “idyllic”. The very best part, the part that kept me coming back for more, was that incredible sense of community that existed there and the “family life” that I so dearly needed.

75 Launch Out Into the Deep Whenever I would come home, I would count the days when I could return. Summers gave way to Snow Camps and then weekend retreats and then helping out in the kitchen and doing maintenance work (I was one of the maintenance “boys” one summer) and tail guiding on the trail rides. I would have done anything they would have me do; I just knew I needed to be there.

Hindsight now shows how the Lord paved that path for me and led me where I am today (Jeremiah 29:11). I am, and will be eternally grateful for the examples set before me at that tender teenage time.

Ross Macdonald • Oakville, Ontario Parkside Ranch 1982-1984, 1990’s

“We’re looking for a lifeguard for Parkside this summer,” said Mr. Alan Lambert to me, on a busy downtown Montreal street in the spring of 1982. This was a “chance” encounter with this man that I knew from my home church. I was in the city that day looking for a summer job. Finding work was never difficult for me, but that year doors were simply not opening up.

The possibility of working at a Christian camp was not that exciting for me. I was concerned about what it would be like to be at Parkside for the whole summer. With no other job possibilities in sight, I accepted the Parkside job. The very next day Hotel Bonaventure, an upscale hotel in downtown Montreal called and offered me work, but I was committed to go to Parkside. I can definitely see God’s hand in this process. For the next three summers, Parkside Ranch became my home.

In addition to being the “Waterfront Director” I was given many other responsibilities: organizing campfires and leading the singing with my guitar; counselling and leading campers into a deeper relationship with Christ; organizing camp-wide

76 Pine Rock - Ripplings from Afar activities, sports and games; developing my leadership skills; learning how to look after horses from the hard working Carl McKelvey; and spending several days getting the hay in to feed them. My summers at Parkside were formative to me in how I pastor today.

I remember one day watching Fred lead the camp. Early in the morning I found him sweeping out the dining hall before the daily prayer time. Later he was off to do a wedding for someone in the community. After supper he was playing a game of softball with the campers and that night he spoke at the campfire about the love of God. It was inspiring for me to watch him. One Sunday, Fred was covering for a local pastor who was on vacation; he asked me to prepare a short message to preach at this two-point charge. It was my first opportunity to preach.

I saw in Jean a woman of God who cared deeply about the campers that came to Parkside. She could be a tough disciplinarian, but she would go back afterwards, and, with tears in her eyes, lift up these same campers to God in prayer. I greatly appreciated her gift of faith and her example of serving God.

At the end of my first summer at Parkside, Fred baptized me in the pond at which I used to lifeguard. The verse that was given to me that day was Galatians 2:201. I continue to work this out in my daily life. I will always be thankful for Parkside Ranch. God was growing me through the ministry of Parkside Ranch and the example of the leadership of that place. I know that I am one of the many lives that have been impacted for Christ at Parkside.

1 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

77 Launch Out Into the Deep Jack Harvie • Russell, Ontario Parkside Ranch 1968-1979

We joined the Parkside Ranch Board at the urging of Dr Arthur Hill at the time when a small farm had been purchased by Fred and Jean for the beginning of the camp. Our main interest was French work but the involvement with the Christians at Cherry River was a good experience and we are thankful for the many good friends we have to this day.

It was about 1970 that I organized a winter weekend at Parkside for the Maranatha and Sherbrooke assemblies. In subsequent winters the interest grew and eventually there were separate weekends for the assemblies of Laval, under Bill Wolitarsky, Maranatha under Josephat Ferland and the Groupe Biblique de la Rive Sud.

French summer camps were started as Parkside became known to the French Christians, with many sending their children to English camp also. At a time when linguistic and cultural tensions in Quebec ran high, Parkside cultivated a wonderful spirit between the two cultures – the spirit of unity in Christ.

Rachel Dueck (nee Steele) • Japan Parkside Ranch 1991-1999

I very faithfully attended Parkside summer camp for eight years from 1991-1999. I haven’t been back since, but now, looking back as an adult (married and working in Japan), I realize what a huge impact Parkside had on my young life. It will always be the place of my fondest memories – campfires, Skiff’s sermons, cabin clean-up and “catch-the-camper”. Sometimes I catch a whiff of clean country air or horse manure and think of Parkside. But most importantly the love and patience (yes, I realize how unruly we all were back then! Sorry!) you all show to each individual camper. I miss Parkside terribly and want to let you know how much you blessed me all those years.

78 Pine Rock - Ripplings from Afar Ricky Kerr • Stanstead, Quebec Parkside Ranch 1977-1982

For the sixth consecutive year I found myself surrounded by young men and women who had come to Ogden Bible Camp to help reach young people in our area with the gospel. They had come with no expectation of financial gain, some even taking time off from their jobs to be with us. I was humbled by their sacrifice. “Let us not be weary in well doing,” I began, “for in due season we shall reap if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9). My mind thought back 25 years to a time when, at some point in a gruelling eight-week stretch of summer camp, Karen Warnholtz had handed me a small piece of cardboard with those words written on it. I carried that cardboard in my Bible for years thereafter and, though it has long since disappeared, they remain the first words of encouragement that I share with those who come to help at camp.

My early connection to Parkside Ranch began not as a camper, worker or counsellor, but as a member of the little Gospel Chapel which is nestled in the heart of the small village of Cherry River just down the road from the Ranch. It was there that I first came under the influence of the Warnholtz family, who always held local church fellowship as their highest priority. As one of the elders in the assembly, Fred made it his business to teach God’s people, both by word and example, that “the just shall live by faith”. Since the work at Parkside was founded on this principle it became, and remains, an object lesson for the people of God.

When I became a teenager, Parkside played a prominent role in my life. I spent my first summer at the camp when I was fifteen, yet I was fortunate enough to benefit from the Ranch year-round. Only the Lord can put a value on the self-sacrifice of men like Ken and Richard Warnholtz who would so often drive into town just to pick me up for a Saturday afternoon football game or for mid-winter broomball battle on the frozen

79 Launch Out Into the Deep pond. Friday night youth groups, hymn sings, Sunday School picnics – all spoke to the fact that Parkside was indeed God’s property and therefore it rarely sat empty or idle.

Luke 12:48 says, “To whom much is given of him shall much be required.” Parkside Ranch “gave me much” and Ogden Bible Camp is the outgrowth of that influence in my life. I sat recently listening to Fred tell stories about the early years of the Parkside work. When he was done I said, “Fred, I didn’t appreciate those stories when I was young, but they mean a great deal to me now.” Fred smiled graciously and simply replied, “That’s because now it’s your turn.”

Patricia Rose (nee Lambert) • Ketchikan, Alaska Parkside Ranch 1970-1985

As a ten-year old, I attended Parkside Ranch summer camp in 1970, when the main lodge was newly completed. Campers took turns helping to wash dishes after mealtimes. It made washing dishes back at home a much smaller chore by comparison! I had great counsellors every year; the first two were Daphne Campbell and Margaret Rice. I attended camp every summer for the next 15 years, as a camper, as kitchen staff, and as a counsellor. I always looked forward to the next time I would be there.

My whole family volunteered at Parkside over the years. I remember when my parents, Alan and Marguerite Lambert, prepared meals, and my sisters Pamela, Cheryl and I, set tables and washed dishes (there was an automatic dishwasher by then). We did this about once a month for a couple of fall/winter seasons. My parents are still actively involved in helping out at Parkside. I am thankful for their example of faithful service.

Evening campfires were memorable! They included hilarious skits, singing choruses, personal testimonies, and the singing

80 Pine Rock - Ripplings from Afar of “Taps”. I remember “Skiff” (Fred Warnholtz) talking to us around the campfire: his jokes, which I too easily fell for; his stories about the beginnings of Parkside; his love for the Lord; his desire for each camper to come to know Christ as their personal Savior; and his encouragement for us to share our faith with others. Fred and Jean Warnholtz have been a wonderful blessing to me and to my family.

The Biblical lessons I learned and the friendships I made at camp still touch my life today. My prayer for Parkside Ranch is that it continues, not in its tradition as some might think, but in its deep rooting in God’s Word, drawing others to the Lord, seeking to glorify Him.

Alec Van Zuiden • Ayers Cliff, Quebec Parkside Ranch 1971-2006

My folks sent me to this camp in Cherry River while its lodge was still being put up - it wasn’t even finished at the time. And the way to get there was a small dirt road (it seemed like a cow path) that eventually became Chemin Alfred Desrochers, Orford. The time was 1971 - I was ten years old and I could not have imagined how that summer would not only change me, but lay a foundation on which I would build the rest of my life.

It was there that I came to understand the work of the Lord Jesus Christ in and through the lives of regular, every day people. How excited I was the day it all “clicked” and I received that salvation offered through Him and Him alone. A message so simple to receive: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved,” and thank God, I was!

My life did change dramatically and a new foundation was laid. That indescribable foundation has secured for me not only a wife who loves the Lord, but six magnificent children whom we

81 Launch Out Into the Deep are committed to bring up “in the fear and admonition of the Lord.” Parkside has had an impact on every facet of my life.

Looking back 35 years at my time as a camper, counsellor, staff and now a board director, I can only think to say, “Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift”, for His work accomplished through Parkside.

Fred’s last word: We are thankful for the way God has used the ministry here to change lives and point others to Jesus Christ. We can look back and see how the Lord has been faithful in His part as this place has been established and has grown, and as we continue to be faithful to Him and the vision that He has given, He will continue to bless. We see how His promise, ‘Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you has been fulfilled, not only in the work of the Ranch, but in our own personal lives and with God’s blessing on our family. What a faithful God we serve!

We await the Lord’s last word.

82 Fred and Jean Warnholtz

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