2026 THEME:
Change
Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed (CHANGED) by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

Dear friends of Mountain View Bible Camp,

I always look forward to spring. It is a welcome change from the colder temperatures and snowy roads. Though I enjoy a little downhill skiing and the beauty of the white blanketed landscape, I truly prefer the warmer weather. With the warmer weather comes the blessing of the spring weekend camp sessions, a lot of general maintenance on the buildings, driveway and pool, and the weekly joys of mowing grass.

One of the benefits for those who serve at camp is that we have the privilege to see lives changed. We thank the Lord for countless individuals that have received the free gift of salvation, grown in their faith, taken steps of obedience and made choices to follow Him simply by hearing the good news while here on this mountain.

So what does CHANGE look like? When I think of spiritual change, the picture of a caterpillar transforming into a cocoon and then into a butterfly comes to mind. When someone hears the gospel and accepts the free gift of salvation, a change takes place in the heart, mind and life of that person. The old becomes new. For the new believer that is just the beginning. Change will (should) continue until we depart to be with Jesus Christ in heaven. I am reminded of the words of Philippians 1:6 (NIV), "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." To know Him and follow Him will bring about change and spiritual growth.

With every season of the year, there is change. This holds true for seasons of life as well. As I was thinking about a theme for camp for 2026, the thought of CHANGE came to my mind. Having served at camp now for 29 years, I can attest that change has happened: facility upgrades and additions, camp programs, the new bus last year, the full time staff team at camp, etc... With that thought in mind, Mountain View Bible Camp is thankful to share that change is coming to the camp staff and we will be welcoming David and Sofia McGarty to the team. They currently plan to arrive sometime around May of 2027. David will be learning the Administrator's role which will allow me to shift responsibilities from my current work load to more of a background support of the ministry. For a number of years now, I have been encouraging the Board of Trustees to prayerfully consider the future needs of camp regarding younger leadership, program growth and facility planning. Adding a 4th family to the camp team allows for greater sharing of the work load and helps camp be better positioned for the future.

As we prepare for the 59th year of ministry here on the mountain, we continue to be reminded that "good things happen at camp" because God chooses to work and bless. We take this opportunity to thank you for remembering to pray for this ministry and for those who serve here full time. It remains our desire to be good stewards of all the Lord has entrusted to us, both people and property.

Jonathan Stassel
Camp Administrator