Leo Lodge Makeover- Stage 1

We are so excited for the changes happening at the Leo Lodge.  Through the help of a generous donor we are starting part one of our Leo Lodge makeover.

Our Facilities Committee and Board are together talking through and planning upgrades for the first building built at Hidden Acres.  This building serves as the center of action at Hidden Acres as it holds our kitchen, dining hall, and a set of bunk rooms.  At this first stage, we are redoing our deck all around the building. Through continued volunteer help and funding our goals are to: cover the new porch area, put irrigation and landscape around the porch, paint the exterior, paint and redo flooring in the interior, replace windows and doors, and other changes to improve the efficiency  of this building.


If you would like to contribute to this project please click button below.

Welcome Center Dedication

On November 10, 2019, two very deserving people were honored at Hidden Acres.  Charles and Lavina Diffee have given many years to the development of this great camp.  Charles’ vision (along with the encouragement from close friends) was the beginning of a foundation that has lasted for 35 years.  As Hidden Acres continues to grow, we are greatly indebted to these two individuals for pointing us in the right direction, for leaving this camp in great financial shape, for helping add the proper facilities and keeping our books up to date and organized.  

One of the more touching moments of the evening was showing an edited version of the many testimonies that people sent in by video.  To see the impact Charles and Lavina had on so many lives brought tears of joy to those attending. From peers to family members, to church members to campers, to camp staff, to former DTS (Dallas Theological Seminary) students; Charles and Lavina were mentors and great examples of what true servant leaders should be about.  These two great individuals sacrificed countless hours, personal resources (financial and otherwise), sweat and tears. To cap off the evening, a replica of a bronze plaque was revealed dedicating this new Welcome Center to these two great people. This plaque was provided by Charles’ and Lavina’s good friend Charles Hutchins.  

As we celebrated the long history that Charles and Lavina have with Hidden Acres, I’m reminded of our Mission Statement: “Hidden Acres is a place set apart to experience Christ, expand Community, and equip Leaders.”  These two encompassed every one of these aspects of our mission. They kept Christ the number one focus, they created a beautiful place for people to fellowship and grow together, and they provided opportunities for individuals to grow as leaders.  Thank you Charles and Lavina Diffee. 


Building up the Church

One day during camp as I was taking photos of some of our staff talking to campers who had raised their hand during the altar call, an anecdote came to mind.  Maybe it’s because we are in the middle of a building project, but the idea of how we are spiritually building up the church at camp just became so visually true as I saw kids bowing their heads in prayer with our camp counselors, and it was like I literally saw a little brick added to a beautiful cathedral.  It was then that I remembered a story I’d heard and is beautifully retold by Girard J.P. * that goes as follows: 

“On a foggy autumn day nearly 800 years ago a traveller happened upon a large group of workers adjacent to the River Avon. Despite being tardy for an important rendezvous, curiosity convinced the traveller that he should inquire about their work. With a slight detour he moved toward the first of the three tradesmen and said, ‘my dear fellow, what is it that you are doing?’ The man continued his work and grumbled, ‘I am cutting stones.’ Realizing that the mason did not wish to engage in a conversation the traveller moved toward the second of the three and repeated the question. (Continued page 2)

(Continued from page 1) To the traveller’s delight this time the man stopped his work ever so briefly, and stated that he was a stonecutter. He then added ‘I came to Salisbury from the north to work but as soon as I earn ten quid I will return home.’ The traveller thanked the second mason, wished him a safe journey home and began to head to the third of the trio.

“When he reached the third worker, he once again asked the original question. This time the worker paused, glanced at the traveller until they made eye contact and then looked skyward drawing the traveller’s eyes upward. The third mason replied, ‘I am a mason and I am building a cathedral.’ He continued, ‘I have journeyed many miles to be part of the team that is constructing this magnificent cathedral. I have spent many months away from my family and I miss them dearly. However, I know how important Salisbury Cathedral will be one day and I know how many people will find sanctuary and solace here. I know this because the Bishop once told me his vision for this great place.’ He described how people would come from all parts to worship here. He also told that the Cathedral would not be completed in our days but that the future depends on our hard work. He paused and then said, ‘So I am prepared to be away from my family because I know it is the right thing to do. I hope that one day my son will continue in my footsteps and perhaps even his son if need be.’”

I retold this story to Amanda, our Camp Director, telling her how our staff needed to know that whether they are at camp filling up water jugs, cooking food for campers, or emptying the trash cans, that they needed to know that each of us is working together, this time not to build the Salisbury Cathedral, but something even more beautiful — we are building up the living and breathing church.  We are building up the church at camp by sharing the gospel and welcoming new believers to the church. We are also building up the church as we “equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up,” as mentioned in Ephesian 4:12. Then as verse 16 goes on to say, “builds itself (the church) up in love, as each part does its work.” What a wonderful privilege it is to be a part of building up the church through the work that God has set for us to do.

After this thought, a similar anecdote came to mind.  The story goes like this. President John F. Kennedy was visiting NASA headquarters for the first time in 1961. While touring the facility, he introduced himself to a janitor who was mopping the floor and asked him what he did at NASA.

“I’m helping put a man on the moon!”

This janitor could see that he was playing his part in the great undertaking of putting a man on the moon.  

For us at Hidden Acres, our greatest desire is that through camp ministry we will help, not put a man on the moon, but lead a child to a higher and better place - to heaven! 

When you partner with us be it through prayer, giving, sharing our mission with others, renting our facilities, or by participating in work days, retreats, or camps, then you too are helping us build up the church and guiding people toward Christ. 

We thank you.

Rebeca Carpenter

A True Friend

Hidden Acres lost a true friend when George Grogan (pictured above, far right) passed away on May 14, 2019. George played a vital role in laying the foundation and planning for the future of Hidden Acres. He was a member of the original Board of Directors and served faithfully from 1985 to 2019.

James Farr, the current chairman of the Board of Directors of Hidden Acres, shared many memories of George. He said, “George served Hidden Acres with a passion. He knew there was something special about the camp. He prayed earnestly for the camps, for the leadership, and he gave of his time and money as he gave direction for its future.”

As so many people mentioned at George’s memorial service, he was a trusted friend with life-long relationships. He was always willing to bridge a gap, fix a problem, lend a listening ear and offer his best advice. He was a godly man who showed his genuine love and concern for everyone who crossed his path. He was a man of his word; if he told you he would pray for you, you could count on it.

George was born in Dallas, but his influence spread around the world. He served in the United States Army in Germany and founded the Groco Specialty Coatings Company which became an international company. He was a member of the Pleasant Grove Christian Church for over 70 years and served as Chairman of Young Life. He was totally involved in his community through Rotary International, YMCA, Chamber of Commerce, the Texas Food Bank, the Boy Scouts, volunteer deputy for the Sheriff’s Department, the Dallas City Planning & Zoning Committee, and served on the boards of Commercial National Bank, Southeastern Methodist Hospital, Metropolitan Christian School, and Hidden Acres.

His life was summed up by Charles Diffee, Founder of Hidden Acres, “He was the dearest friend I ever had.” He truly was devoted to family, friends, community, and especially to Hidden Acres.

Volunteer Spotlight

If you know Toby and Kristi Elery you know what a blessing they are to those around them. Hidden Acres is blessed to have Toby and Kristi on our team.

The photo on the left was taken after a long day of work at Hidden Acres, when they took a day off from work to help us finish the last day of mission camps strong. Toby and Kristi served on camp staff during their high school and college years. Today Toby heads the Facilities Committee with Kristi serving along side him sharing her educational expertise in interior design. The newly instituted Facilities Committee has made the Welcome Center Building Project one of their main focuses for the last year. We are thankful for Toby, Kristi, committee members like Jody McDonald, Jeff Pyle, members of the Board, donors and volunteers. It is through their hard work and dedication that our Welcome Center project is one of excellence. We can’t wait for you to see it!

Announcement of New Executive Director at Hidden Acres

Hidden Acres is pleased to announce that as of December 9, 2017, the Board of Directors has elected Tim Carpenter as Executive Director of Hidden Acres.  Tim follows our Founder and President Charles Diffee in the role of overseeing that Hidden Acres continues to put Christ at the forefront of our camp and retreat ministry.  We are excited to have Tim, who has grown up through the various stages of camp leadership at Hidden Acres from camp counselor in his college years, to Summer Camp Director, Program
Director, Interim Executive Director, to now Executive Director.  Tim or Carp, as he is known by camp staff and campers, has helped direct camps for the last 14 years.  He and his wife Rebeca have made Hidden Acres their focus and mission field bivocationally for seven years when they stepped out in faith to move to Hidden Acres and have worked together to grow the ministry outreach.  We thank God for allowing our camp to be a part of God’s great calling to go out into the world and preach the gospel.  Like the shepherds and wise men in the Christmas story, we look forward in anticipation to what is to come and what God plans to do next.  Please help us congratulate Tim Carpenter in his new role, and let us start a momentum of prayer for Hidden Acres today and as we begin a new year.  

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The Mission Camp Volunteer who win most miles to Hidden Acres

In 1994 my pastor said I was not needed to teach Sunday School or work in the church anymore because I was going through a divorce.  I was invited to attend a divorce recovery workshop at Grover Park Baptist church in Warrensburg, Missouri.  I stayed to attend Wednesday evening services and began to get involved in a small group and the single’s group.  One evening the Pastor came up to me and said,  “Are you Judy?  I was wondering if you would like to do crafts for VBS?”  He said, “I was praying and the name Judy came to me and they pointed you out”…He said, “Oh by the way, it’s in Mexico and we will be gone 14 days.”  I replied, “I’m not a member of this church?”  He said, “Oh don't worry, we have people from all over going!”  So this is how one of the best adventures of my life started…

When we got closer to the border, we stopped to pick up three translators - Rebecca, Raquel, and Ruth Escobedo.   Ruth was only 7 years old when she started going with our group to translate!  For the next 14 summers I was blessed to go on these Mexico Mission trips.  Rebecca, Raquel, and Ruth were awesome servants.  They showed such concern for the lost and were always gracious and kind, never complained.  This connection is how I started coming to Hidden Acres.  Their friendship, fellowship, servanthood, & joy for the Lord is contagious. 

Why do I spend my week of vacation at Hidden Acres and travel from Missouri?  Because it refreshes my soul.  It is a joy and an honor to serve here as part of the kitchen crew.  Charlotte has a great sense of humor and kind heart. Her LOVE comes out in the food she prepares from SCRATCH and in the manner in which she treats everyone.  Esther has an excellent work ethic, reads scripture over me, and is always good for a laugh to make things less stressful!  Jacob did a LOT of dishes this week!  Jennifer can dice tomatoes like an expert chef and it’s always good to have a mathematician in the kitchen!  Judy is a joy to be around. 

It is fun to watch the staff, and campers grow / challenge/ stretch us in our faith.  The youth bring energy.  I am grateful for each one involved here!  Building relationships and drawing closer to Christ is the goal.  My heart is full.  Memories have been stored up. 

Go tell others the good news!  We have been set free!  John 8:36

-Judy Krause

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Kitchen Crew for Great Commission Camps Week III Summer 2017.  Judy Pictured second from right.

Youth Leader Testimony

Did you know that there are 19.5 million refugees in the world and that 51% of them are children? 200,000 of these refugees live in North Texas alone.

Nyanaath* is one of these refugees. Nyanaath’s family fled from a bloody civil war in the African country of Sudan. During her first winter in Texas she came to school crying with no coat and no socks. Her family was unprepared and unassisted.

It is these children, the Nyanaath’s of our community, which Hidden Acres desires to reach.

In 2007 Hidden Acres began partnering with Refugee Resources Inc. to open the door to a new kind of camp ministry—a camp that reaches the refugee population in Dallas. But these mission camps serve a dual purpose. Beyond serving refugees the camps are also meant to awaken the hearts of Christian teenagers and college students in North Texas by calling them to serve the mission field at their doorstep.

And that is where we come in. As a youth pastor at Rockwall Presbyterian Church my prayer for our students is that they would mature and grow in Christ-likeness. One of the main markers I look for is an ability to focus less on themselves and instead serve others—in particular, the vulnerable and the defenseless.

Scripture makes it clear that this is our responsibility as God’s people: 

“For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God who is unbiased and takes no bribe, who justly treats the orphan and widow, and who loves resident foreigners, giving them food and clothing. So you must love the resident foreigner because you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.”

(Deuteronomy 10:17–19, NET)

 

So for the past three summers our youth have raised money to go on local mission trips and work with refugee children in our area. This summer we partnered with Hidden Acres for one week in July to help host and serve. What an amazing experience. We will never do it any other way!

Twenty-seven of our students were privileged to connect with over eighty children. We sang with them, did crafts, competed in games, performed archery, canoed, swam, and had daily small group times where we looked at God’s word and prayed together.

It was a game-changing week for RPC Youth. We formed relationships, we made memories, and our faith was enriched.

One student, Garrett, shared how hard it was to hear from a small child that there were times he had gone ten days without eating, and yet he was amazed by this child’s joy. Robert was impressed by one of the older boys. He naturally served and cared for all the other children around him. Chloe shared how she was able to talk about Christ’s love and to pray with a girl in her group during the week. One of our seniors, Noah, ended up explaining the trinity for the first time to one of the teenage campers.

Each one of our students was challenged and encouraged as they formed friendships with the kids, loving on them and serving them. We went on the trip in order to be a blessing, and we ended up being the ones blessed.

And do you know the most miraculous thing of all —twenty-seven teenagers for an entire week, and not one single complaint. My prayers were answered!

We cannot wait to go back!

Ricky Allegretto

Youth Director

Rockwall Presbyterian Church

 

 

*Name has been changed.

 

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