Dear Friends and Supporters,
I hope and pray that this holiday season finds everyone in good health and doing well. I have had an interesting autumn to say the least. With my retirement coming up in May of 2025, I have been busy with figuring out what my future is going to look like. I did have a great visit down south to attend the Tommy Emmanuel Guitar Camp, where I got to catch up with old friends and sit in classes when some of the world’s greatest guitar players. My time with Doyle Dykes was especially productive as it was such a blessing to be in the presence of a great musician who truly loves the Lord with all of his heart. I ended my southern journey with a trip to Mena, Arkansas where I spent a good bit of time playing guitars with my high school friend, Richard Peck. I am back at the camp now, involved in tending to the needs of the retreat groups and seeking to find new groups for open dates in 2025. I had a great deal of fun and pleasure with the students who attended the annual Teen Retreat. It was great having some of the summer staff with us to help in leading worship. I think singing with the teens and the retreat groups will be what I miss the most when I retire. The month of November was filled with visitors, retreat events, a great luncheon with John Topper, and another great Saturday of flag football (the Turkey Bowl is becoming a go to event for the community)!
As I look and pray about what lies ahead in the coming new year, I am happy and pleased to announce that every weekend but one from the first weekend of January through the first weekend May is booked for guest retreat or hosted events. We picked up two new groups for the winter season to go with the other groups who have been coming to New Life Bible Camp for snow retreats for many years. I am especially looking forward to the Small Group Retreat March 14-16, and the Men’s Retreat March 28-29, as it will be my last time to be the host of these events. I have developed some great relationships through these retreats, and it will difficult to say goodbye when the time comes.
As to my retirement, it looks like I will be joining DJ Ritchey and the staff of Memorial Heights Baptist Church as a pastoral assistant. DJ wants me to help him start a men’s ministry and to help with visitation plus some of the teaching on Wednesday Nights. I will be working with the church on a part time basis. I am really excited about this opportunity with the church and glad that I will be able to settle nearby so I can still help out at the camp from time to time.
Thanks to each of you for your support and faithfulness over the years. I hope each of you have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year in Christ!
Ever Only Jesus,
Andy Maples