February 2026 Update
Greetings from Riverside!
A few weeks ago, my family and I took some time away to visit my parents in Arizona. We also welcome an unwanted passenger… Influenza B. The weather was warm, and so were my kids, with temperatures over 102 degrees. The trip wasn’t what we had expected. Plans had changed, no more day trip to the Grand Canyon, and instead lots of time lying in bed. We ended the trip by being able to go out for a meal together with everyone healed up after seven days, and a trip that we’ll always remember.
Plans change. Maybe you’re in a season where you’ve experienced this in a fresh way, a small way, or a big way. Thankfully, while our best laid plans can change, the Lord is steadfast. He is unchanging, unwavering in His character. All of His promises are a resounding ‘Yes and Amen’!
Here at camp, we are also experiencing some change in our year-round staff. Gabby Hartmann (Program Director), Hilary Allen (Equine Director), and Jodi Greenlee (Guest Ministries Coordinator) have transitioned off staff to new ventures over the last few months. We’re grateful for the ways the Lord led them here and is continuing to lead them in their next chapters. We’re also excited for what the Lord has next, seeing who He will lead here for this next season of ministry. While our plans may change, our mission and focus do not; staying laser-focused on ‘knowing Jesus Christ and to make Christ known to all’.
A few other updates from around camp:
- I’m excited to announce that Paige Jergens has stepped into our Program Director position. Paige is no stranger to camp, as she has served on summer staff and has been on our full-time team as Program Coordinator since May of 2025. Please join me in praying for and welcoming Paige into this new role!
- We are still seeking our next Ranch Ministries Director for our full-time team. The Ranch Program is so special to our ministry, and we’re searching for that next person who not only loves horses, but is excited to share the Gospel and the truth of God’s Word in every aspect of the ranch program. Please keep this next person in your prayers!
- The Lord continues to provide in both expected and unexpected ways! I’m so grateful to the hundreds of individuals, families, and churches who answer the call to give generously to the continued ministry of Riverside year after year. If you are one of those, thank you for making a great impact in countless lives so that they may know and experience the extravagant love of Jesus!
This is the time of year where I do a large amount of traveling to churches on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings. It’s such a blessing and encouragement to spend this time with folks across the state. This past weekend, I was blessed to connect with a few campers who attended camp in the 1950’s and 1960’s. They shared with me vivid details of their camp experience, and one even in tears about how the Lord touched her life in such a profound way on the grounds of Riverside. Praise the Lord for these testimonies, ways in which He has used His camp for generations to transform lives by the power of His Holy Spirit! May it continue to be so for generations to come!
God bless you friends,
Chris
