By Russell Klinner
Executive director, Shocco Springs
As 2020 nears its end, I look back at the unprecedented obstacles we faced at Shocco Springs, and I am reminded of God’s goodness and His faithful love and care for His people.
How has Shocco Springs fared during this remarkably different year? Due to the global pandemic, our campus was completely shut down in March. We reopened six weeks later with new safety procedures and found that approximately 80% of our scheduled guests would end up canceling their reservations.
Financial losses have been devastating, which led to the postponement of many capital projects, including the building of our new chapel.
Mission hasn’t changed
Even with downsizing our staff and deeply trimming expenses, as well as expending all our savings, we face an anticipated net loss of around $1.6 million for the year.
I know that God’s purpose for Shocco Springs has not changed. Churches who brought groups this summer told us they experienced more intimate bonding time with their youth and children than ever before. With lower guest numbers, our staff was able to develop a deeper intentionality to our ministry, and we saw multiple salvations and baptisms.
As 2 Corinthians 4:18 states, “We look not to the things that are seen, but to the things that are unseen: for the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
Loss of income, extremely reduced guest numbers, loss of staff and canceled projects are tangible (seen) things that I may be tempted to focus on.
However, God reminds me to not be overwhelmed by these tangible things but to focus instead on the eternal (unseen) things such as the many salvations, baptisms and groups who had amazing experiences with the Lord while they were here.
Our faith is firm, and we know that God’s mission for Shocco will continue. He is our faithful Provider and we are confident that God will continue to speak to people on campus in life-changing ways.
We give Him the glory for all He has done in the past and all He will do in the future through Shocco Springs.
How can you help? Remember that we are here for you and because of you! Bring your group to Shocco and experience this special Christ-centered gathering place for yourself.
If you have questions about other ways to offer support, you can contact our development coordinator, Wendy Westerhouse, at wwesterhouse@shocco.org.
Seven reasons why you should visit Shocco Springs
Most people in the Baptist community have at least heard of Shocco, but have you visited our campus lately? Here are seven reasons why you should plan a visit to Shocco Springs in the near future.
#1 – Scenery/Location
Centrally located in Talladega, Alabama, Shocco’s scenery is magnificent. Enjoy our seasonal lake activities or take a hike on our 800+ beautiful, wooded acres.
#2 – All-inclusive Lodging, Meeting, Dining and Recreation
We have an abundant selection of meeting spaces, lodging facilities, recreation options and dining choices, whether you need space for 10 or for 1400.
#3 – New on Campus: THE STATION
First floor of Bagley Center has been completely renovated to accommodate the merging of our Snack Shop, Gift Shop and Hospitality Desk into one beautiful new space. Whether getting a key replaced, buying a new Shocco sweatshirt or finding a quick snack, THE STATION is where you’ll find what you need. Adjacent to THE STATION is a beautiful new common area with plenty of seating, where you can relax and enjoy your frappes or iced coffees from THE STATION.
#4 – Recreation for all Seasons and all Ages
Our recreation options are constantly expanding. Regardless of the ages of your group members or the season when you visit, we have fun and exciting rec options for you! In addition to our seasonal lake and pool activities, we offer many year-round activities. Bazooka Ball, Night Hikes, Campfires, Sports & Climbing Pavilion, High Ropes and Low Ropes Courses, Paintball, and Adrenaline Jump are just a few.
#5 – Great Staff/Customer Service
Customer service is top priority for us at Shocco. We will greet you with a smile and do our best to serve you in a way that honors the Lord, as well as our guests. Janie Curtis with ARC of Talladega told us this summer, “Your staff was so amazing with our campers. Each staff member we came in contact with went out of their way to make the campers feel special.”
#6 – Birthday Party Packages Now Offered
We can now help you plan your next birthday party or special event. We offer fun and exciting adventure recreation packages at www.shocco.org/specialevents.
#7 – Have a Life-Changing Experience with God
Ultimately, our desire is to provide an atmosphere where you can relax and unwind in God’s incredible nature, so that you will be able to hear from Him. So many people tell us of how they experienced God at Shocco in ways that were life-changing.
Allie Olmstead, director of student ministry for Nature Coast Church, summed it up best: “Thank you, Shocco Staff, for giving us such a wonderful week here. Your hospitality was a beautiful representation of Jesus! We’ll be back!”
Whether you are looking for a location for a marriage retreat, a youth or adult conference, a birthday party site or a one day recreation or team-building event, Shocco Springs is the perfect venue. We have openings for fall and winter retreats, and we are also accepting reservations for spring and summer of 2021. You will find more information at www.shocco.org or you can call us at 256-761-1100.
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