Fellowship Deaconry Ministries is a ministry that brings people together in Christ. We are an “Outpost for God”, and a symbol of hope to many. We serve the community through Day Camp Sunshine, individual visits, group retreats, concerts, conferences and Sunshine Preschool.
Spring is usually a busy time of year at the Fellowship Deaconry Ministries. Sunshine Preschool students are out enjoying the fresh, warm air after being cooped up inside all winter long, Day Camp Sunshine is busy preparing for summer and giving camp tours to eager campers and families, the conference and retreat center is busy welcoming guests and hosting groups. However, this spring is different from the ones we’ve grown accustomed to. It’s very quiet here… a little too quiet.
All of us have, in some way, been impacted by the COVID-19 virus that has hit our country, and especially our state, hard. Restrictions have greatly impacted the Fellowship Deaconry Ministries, and as we follow the recommended guidelines by the government and health officials, we unfortunately have had to cancel all upcoming guests and retreats indefinitely. We have closed the Preschool, and Day Camp Sunshine registrations are lower than usual.
We know God has sustained the Fellowship Deaconry for 87 years, and much has been accomplished through your partnering with us.
We were approved for funds from the PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) which will fund salaries through the first week in June. We know so many of you were praying for this, and we are honored to report that your prayers were answered.
The financial support we received in response to our appeal letter was humbling. Combined with the PPP federal loan, and with judicious management, we believe we have sufficient means to fund operations and staff through to the end of June.
We are praying that Day Camp Sunshine and Sunshine Preschool & Infant Care will be allowed to open at least to some extent in July. We have been making preparations by purchasing thermometers, and adding features such as hand-sanitizer stations around the camp areas. Steps are being taken to establish procedures and policies to keep the staff and campers safe.
We are using this time to clean and ready our guest houses and kitchen area to return to our ministry of caring for the Church at large. Each guest room is being visited, general repairs are being made, the cabinets and cupboards in the kitchen and dining areas are being emptied to be thoroughly cleaned, and the floors are being waxed. We are also working to complete renovations on our Rec Hall and Large Chapel.
So much seems to hinge on Governor Murphy’s coming announcements but we know our schedule is in God’s hands. We are striving to be ready to minister to the children God sends us this summer if we are permitted to open camp.
Whether we can open or not, we know our provision is from the Lord and He will care for the sisters and the ministry as He sees fit. Your financial support and continuing prayer sustain us in body and spirit. Thank you so much.
Our eight remaining Deaconesses continue to pray for you, for God’s hand to be at work through this place, and that we will effectively represent the Gospel to the community in many ways. Thanks be to God!