As I write this note, I am overwhelmed by the power of the Holy Spirit to use us according to His purpose. As our families moved to Mississippi from California, we knew God had plans for Pineview. Proverbs 16:9 says, "The mind of a person plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps."
It is my honor to share an exciting pivot in the ministry here at Pineview. Collectively, we had planned on running and maintaining Pineview as a youth-summer-camp-type experience, with the sole purpose of bringing people to Jesus. Directing our steps, the Lord has brought a ministry alongside us that has formed a fantastic partnership.
If you have heard mine and Janna's testimony, you'll likely know we're passionate about showing people the amazing truth in the Good News of Christ. You also understand that we have a passion for families and reuniting broken families.
In just under two weeks, we will be hosting our next group here at Pineview. But it won't be for a summer camp or church retreat. Instead, we are working with and for a Christ-centered alcohol and drug rehabilitation program called Jacob's Well Ministries. There is hurt and brokenness everywhere you look in our world. The program here will be called Damascus Road Recovery Center North Mississippi Campus.
Damascus Road (https://www.facebook.com/DamascusRoadRC) is a primary recovery program for men. It's a six-month residential program where our men experience daily devotions, regular counseling, a structured work schedule, and a strong support system. Folks, this program is terrific. And the need is so great. Men in the program work at a job earning a paycheck, supporting themselves through the program and learn valuable skills. Jacob's well has the structures in place already at their current facility down south. We will be starting small, relying on their knowledge and experience for guidance, and emulating their best practices.
Although our focus has shifted (okay- more like radically changed), our passion for following the Lord's direction remains unphased. Our families will not only work to provide room and board, but each of us has a vital role in the program and ministering to these men and their families.
To those of you who have prayed and provided guidance and support along the way, Thank You. We're currently evaluating how to best use funds generously provided to the ministry by donors. Let's say right now we're planning some cool things for the kids who come to visit their dads for visitations. We are working on getting donor "Thank yous" and financial acknowledgments sent to donors ASAP.
Would you please continue to pray for the great things the Lord has planned for Pineview? Pray for the men to truly know the loving grace afforded to all who call on the name of Jesus. Pray for their families. Pray for the staff. Pray for the ministry needs to be met and for much-needed volunteer help. And pray the Lord's continued leading and blessing on our families.
I'd love to hear updates on how you are doing and how we can pray for you. Please send updates and feel free to ask any questions you might have!
Because of the The Lord's Amazing Love and Grace,
Ed Vinson and family
for Camp Pineview