 Jesus’ ministry saw many moments of
withdrawal and intentional isolation. The purpose invariably
was to focus more intently on God’s direction and to restore His
Spirit in the presence of His Father. In 1974, a group of
concerned Christians felt a strong desire for a closer walk with
God. Having been encouraged at a religious retreat to focus on
strengthening the programs already in place, the group’s focus
quickly turned to utilizing Camp Griesheim for a Christian
retreat center. Sixty people showed up for the first planning
meeting and set in motion the plan to lease Camp Griesheim and
renovate the existing building which at that time consisted of
one cabin. The cabin had a leaky roof and missing windows and
doors, but that did not deter the workers.
Volunteers pitched in to work and raise
funds and soon the cabin was in working order. One room became
a small chapel with a stained glass window that had been
salvaged 23 years previously from St. Peter Lutheran Church in
Emden. Rooms were created to form bedrooms and bunk bed
installed, with a capacity for 44 guests. Further donations
and volunteer labor provided new siding and a deck. The
building was dedicated on June 1, 1975 with approximately 500
attending the celebration. A new chapel was put up in 1980 to
accommodate a need for a larger worship area, which can seat
100. The chapel houses a piano, organ and a sound system, with
a pulpit backlit with a wall of glass.
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 The center hosts periodic praise celebrations
when the retreat center has not been booked. Rates are reasonable
and can be scheduled by phoning 309-244-9045 or by e-mailing
JVCrane@aol.com.
Visit the camp’s website at
www.campgriesheim.com to find out specific information such as
directions, rates, and camp guidelines.
[Jo Hilliard]
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