Northern Michigan CFO Beginnings

(A history by Russ and Nadine Kindig, founding Council Ring.)

You never know when God will speak to you. If you believe in a God-given idea that comes to you, and accept the invitation He offers, a dream will come true.

The dream for Northern Michigan CFO was conceived at least five years before it was born. At first only two thoughts were defined - a small camp, and in northern Michigan. The idea was exciting, but then came the questions. Where? Who will serve on the Council Ring? How much will it cost? Did Michigan need another camp? Was this a personal desire or was it truly from God? As other questions came to mind the dream seemed too big to cope with. But the dream persisted!

It became evident this was a matter of praying for guidance. The first answer revealed that we were surrounded by experienced Council Ring people. It was brought to light that there was a college in Traverse City. Without too much difficulty to reach, it was nestled between the east and west arms of Grand Traverse Bay on 146 acres of wooded land. When we contacted the college officials about the use of their facilities they had never heard of CFO. In fact, no one seemed to know about CFO in the area - "virgin territory"! But God had gone before us, and the facilities were available and ideal. A search for other locations was made but none were available, and final arrangements were made to meet in Traverse City.

In the meantime, the Association Office was contacted regarding the proper procedure for establishing a camp. All requirements were met, doubts and skepticism were resolved; and at the May 1977 Annual Meeting in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Northern Michigan was granted its first charter.

The first camp was held July 30-August 6, 1977. Willard Ireland was one of the speaking leaders. Thelma Lee, who had been a "mid-wife" for several new camps, was the other. The Council Ring officers were Russell Kindig, Chairman; Nadine Kindig, Secretary; and Gale Long, Treasurer. Other Council Ring members were: Evelyn Long, Sam and June Davidson, Don and Rosey Maatman, Roy and Jean Perry, Leslie and Donna Uren. A total of 108 attended camp, ranging from two months to 83 years of age, with one-third being new campers. The dream appeared to be fulfilled.

Plans began for a second camp. The speaking leaders were to be Norman Renshaw and Agnes Sanford. As plans unfolded it became evident to Agnes, now 80, that it would be physically impossible for her to speak regularly at camp. Arrangements were made for her to attend and share as she felt able. Lucile Anderson was invited to speak with Norman.

Many people yearned to be in a camp with Agnes. As a result our facilities were filled by mid-March, and a waiting list was established. Just before camp a phone call was received - Agnes would be unable to attend! When this was announced there was an obvious moment of disappointment. Then, a sense of peace hovered over the campers. They began to focus on the total camp program; and by the end of the week, 277 lives had been touched in unexpected ways.

The miracle of CFO is that God is not dependent on any one person to make His loving presence known. Each person contributes as they are freed from their anxieties and rest in the love that abounds. "Great" people are "ordinary" people who response. Hope was rekindled, problems were lessened or dissolved, and lives were changed. What greater miracle is there than to be in the powerful presence of love!