Blog

Expanding the Perimeter

Posted On: March 19, 2025By: Matt Graybill

A great blessing unfolded last summer as 40 neighboring acres were purchased from donations. The property, located at the end of Pine Lake Road (near the gate) and Emerald Lake, was in the early phases of a residential home being constructed early last year and posed unique challenges to Pine Lake’s peaceful, retreat-centered environment.

The Pine Lake board recognized the gravity of these potential challenges and stepped in to provide guidance and strategic direction. With prayerful discernment, the board shaped a path to pursue a purchase. Fundraising efforts started and initial financing conversations were held with institutions as an agreement was being negotiated, BUT GOD! Within a week, multiple generous contributions were received for the amount needed to complete the purchase! Praise the Lord! The collective action serves as a clear testament of God's provision, affirmation of the board’s direction, and the strength of Pine Lake's community.

Now, this new property has many possibilities. Facing westward, the “L” shaped perimeter has a flat open area then pours down into a small valley with a steep ridge of pines before the property line dives 90 degrees southward. The rainwater from the steep ridge and

The property drains into Emerald Lake to the northern edge and later into Pine Lake.

New hiking trails are being mapped to clear at Work Day (March 1) with other possibilities being dreamed! The steep ridge serves as camp’s new highest elevation point and overlooks a vast area. For early camp folks, it could be the “new” bluff! Future campers will have more places at camp to hike, explore, play, and grow in their faith amidst God's creation.

This is a tremendous blessing for future campers and guests. Thank you to the board, Robbie Coblentz who led negotiations, and the generosity of faithful supporters. PLFC now stewards 160 acres entrusted for the work of God’s kingdom!

This article was written for PLFC's newsletter.

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The Joy of a First Visit!

Posted On: March 4, 2025By: Matt Graybill

Welcoming someone to Pine Lake Fellowship Camp for the first time brings a unique joy. Whether a camper steps onto the grounds with wide-eyed wonder, a parent envisions the space where their child will grow, or a retreat guest arrives seeking rest, their experience at Pine Lake becomes unforgettable.

The journey to camp often begins with a Google search, a phone call, a connection at a promotional event, or a recommendation from a part of the Pine Lake family. While the website and social pages offer a glimpse, nothing compares to driving up Pine Lake Road and stepping foot at camp.

Recently, I toured several group leaders around camp. As we explored trails and facilities, Pine Lake’s founding story naturally came up, and we discussed the history, purpose, and mission of camp! Pointing out a spot like the campfire circle on the island, where generations have gathered for worship, laughter, and quiet reflection, connected with these tour leaders as they envisioned their group (youth/church/family) experiencing the same thing!

Another frequent connecting point is the leader’s desire to slow down...recognizing their (and their group’s) need for retreat. In a world filled with noise and distractions, Pine Lake offers something different: the whisper of wind through Mississippi pines, the ripple of water on the lake, and the warmth of a campfire shared with friends. Away from screens and schedules, guests and campers find true retreat, rediscovering the peace that nature, time with God, and community so freely give.

A first visit to Pine Lake sparks a deeper connection—a place to restore, retreat, and be transformed through Christ. If you’ve experienced this same joy, you know the impact it can have. Who in your life needs this kind of experience? Invite them to visit, attend an event, or join you for a retreat.
You never know how one visit might change a life!

This article was written for PLFC's newsletter.

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2024 Year End Update

Posted On: December 17, 2024By: Matt Graybill

2024 has been an exciting year of ministry at Pine Lake Fellowship Camp. We’ve been blessed to witness lives transformed by Christ’s love, and we want to take a moment to thank you for being a part of this journey and share several impactful moments!

When I asked PLFC Program Director, Suzanne Opel, about a memorable moment, she recalled a youth week camper who masked hurt from difficult circumstances with a sour attitude and air of disdain for everything and everyone at camp. As her counselor and others fought through the tough layers of self-protection with genuine care and love, her mask slowly came off. She built meaningful friendships with her cabinmates over the final few days of camp. Her mom later shared “She changed back to the sweet daughter she used to be and has committed to Christ.”

More Impactful Moments:

CAMPER PARENT “As soon as I picked up my son from camp, I could see a difference in the way he spoke and acted with me and his camp leaders. When we got home, we went through his campfire lessons. He truly listened and took in more than I could have ever hoped for!”

SUMMER CAMP: 350 Campers attended Overnight & Day Camp! 27 campers made first-time decisions or recommitments to follow Jesus Christ!

4,500+ GUESTS & CAMPERS spent time at Pine Lake, including 15 new guest groups!

EXPANDING BOUNDARIES! – Over the summer, 40 neighboring acres were purchased debt-free. Hallelujah! This addition sustains a retreat experience for all and creates future opportunities!

CAMP SALE –Supporters rallied and raised over $29,000!
Two quilts sold for over $2,500 each!

Your opportunity to make a difference! Donations account for 20% of our annual operating budget. We are currently 2/3 of the way to funding that need. While increased guest group rentals are filling in some of the financial gaps, we still need $25,000 to close out 2024.

Will you consider a gift to help PLFC end the year on a strong note!

Thank you! Your generosity and prayers empower Pine Lake to carry forward the mission of reconciliation with God, nature, and one another through hospitality, spiritual growth, community, and more. Thank you for being a part of the work God is doing through Pine Lake Fellowship Camp.

Sincerely,

Matt Graybill
Executive Director

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Tiny Seeds Bring Tremendous Impact

Posted On: December 5, 2023By: Matt Graybill

As 2023 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we've shared at Pine Lake Fellowship Camp in 2023! It has been a year of growth, transformation, and nurturing of faith for campers and guests. Just as a mustard seed starts small and grows into a mighty tree, a camper growing in Christ can do great things!

Tiny Seeds Bring Tremendous Impact:

“Mark” (not his real name) was unsure if he wanted to ride the zip line. It was out of his comfort zone, but he knew that taking a refreshing ride down the line would be a thrill, scary as it was. As he geared up, he watched several campers calmly climb up the ladder and take off without hesitation, but Mark was nervous. It came easy for those campers, but not for him. As Mark’s turn drew closer, the facilitator encouraged him and gave directions all the way up to the top of the platform before “hooking in” to the 300’ zip line. It looked even scarier from up there! He had completed each step but was having trouble garnering the last bit of courage required to push off from the platform. Then, his cabinmates started to chant his name…”Mark! Mark! Mark! You can do it Mark!” With that, Mark launched from the platform and flew down the line! His cabinmates encouragement was the tiny seed that transformed Mark’s week with newfound confidence. His demeanor changed after that moment! Mark walked a little taller and became more engaged in each activity and with his cabinmates. These tiny seeds bring about tremendous impact! The transformative love of Christ impacts each camper in many ways!

More Mustard Seed Moments:

Camper Parent: “My daughter loves camp and getting to grow in Christ with others. She shares her experience with others, and she wants to become a future leader at Pine Lake!”
Largest Summer Camp attendance! (Overnight Camp: 191 | Day Camp: 115 | Good News Fellowship: 68)
94 campers made a first-time decisions or recommitments to follow Jesus Christ!
24 summer staff experienced “mustard seed” moments while sharing the love of Christ!

Will You Consider a Year-End Donation?

The need/goal is $25,000 by December 31 to balance the budget going into 2024!

We invite you to consider a part in “planting mustard seeds” for the coming year. A financial gift of support makes moments of tremendous growth possible. Thank you! I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

Matt Graybill
Executive Director

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“What is getting in the way of your relationship with God?”

Posted On: August 25, 2023By: Matt Graybill

"What is getting in the way of your relationship with God?"

That was the question Emily and her cabin reflected on at the prompting of her counselor and the camp pastor. Emily, a smiley and busy teen has a past that includes family addiction struggles, an absent father, and other difficulties. She waited for her cabinmates to finish sharing their answers before simply reflecting, "I've been really angry at God for some things that have happened in my life..." Denial and distraction had helped her cope, but they left her with a deep, unresolved anger about the circumstances beyond her control. In that moment, she took time to finally pause, pray, and identify what was standing in the way of her relationship with Christ. Praise the Lord that Emily felt secure with her counselor and cabinmates to see a barrier that needed to be moved out of the way!

So many campers made decisions to follow or recommit to walking with Christ this summer! We had the most summer campers ever! From campers gaining confidence riding on the zip line for the first time to counselors teaching campers how to look up Bible verses, lives are changing at camp.

Summer 2023 Highlights:

Many stories like Emily's where God revealed things to campers, staff, and volunteers that helped them grow closer to Him!
94 Decisions for Christ and a record attendance of 374 Campers!
$5,265 was awarded to each of 41 campers who requested financial aid.

Remembering a Founding Board Member

Posted On: August 8, 2023By: Matt Graybill

It’s with a heavy heart to share about the passing of an Association Member, former board member, and volunteer, Glenn Myers.

Glenn and his wife Emma have been a part of Pine Lake Fellowship Camp since its inception and are some of many folks responsible for establishing and carrying out the mission of Pine Lake Fellowship Camp.

Glenn was involved in nearly every level of camp: administration, operations, and participation. He served as a founding board member in addition to holding leadership positions at summer camp during the early years with his brother, Luke. Most recently, he and Emma were participants and facilitators in a variety of retreats and events. It was rare to not find them at Family Camp, Camp Sale, or 55+ Retreat. Throughout each level of dedicated service, Glenn volunteered his talents and skills as a gifted teacher to share God’s word with campers, mentor leaders, and do happily do jobs like trim trails, rake pine straw, or shovel stones.

One of many memories I recall is when Glenn and Emma brought their inflatable sailboat to camp so campers could experience the “wind in the sail.” As Glenn and two campers paddled from the shore, he was teaching the campers about the mechanics of a sailboat. There was a lot of waiting on the sporadic June breeze, but when the water would begin to ripple and the wind would catch the sail, each camper’s face would widen into a smile. And Glenn’s would too.

Obituary:

Rev. Myers, 86, passed away Thursday, August 3, 2023, at his daughter’s home in Meridian, MS. He lived most of his life in Neshoba County, where he was a Teacher and a Pastor. He pastored Pearl River and Nanih Waiya Mennonite Churches for over 35 years. He was a member of Jubilee Mennonite Church, and he was also a chairman/board member of Pine Lake Fellowship Camp. His hobbies were gardening, hiking, walking, and singing.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mary Myers; sister, Ruth Sewell; brothers, Homer and Luke Myers.

Survivors include his wife, Emma Myers; daughters, Milli Floyd (Marvin), Sheila Zehr (Darrell), Beth Myers; sisters, Rhoda Yoder, Karen Moats; brother, Marlin Myers; (9) grandchildren; (9) great- grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers please send a donation to Pine Lake Fellowship Camp, 10371 Pine Lake Road, Meridian, MS 39307, or contribute online.

Memorial Contribution Form

Glenn Myers Celebration of Life Service