Pioneer on the Lake: Reflections on 80 Years of Faith and Ministry
October 2024
"But I trust in You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God’. My times are in Your Hands." - Psalm 31:14-15
What captures your attention when you visit Pioneer on the Lake? If you’re like many, the breathtaking sunsets might be the first thing that draws you in. But take a moment longer, and you’ll notice something else: the lake itself. The way the water moves, the currents blending and flowing together, each one carrying its own story. Where did that current come from? Where is it headed next? And what impact will it have as it travels onward?
Pioneer on the Lake has been influencing lives for Christ for nearly 80 years. People from all walks of life have been shaped by the rhythms of God’s Spirit here, each one leaving with a renewed sense of faith and purpose. Some spend a week at camp, others come for a retreat, a volunteer weekend, or a day’s adventure. But each person carries the impact of Pioneer’s ministry beyond the lake’s shores, scattering the message of Christ across the world.
A Ripple Effect Beyond Our Shores
The “waves of people” from Pioneer on the Lake continue to flow far and wide, reaching places beyond our wildest imagination. Each faith-building experience serves as a catalyst for spreading the gospel. We are deeply grateful for the way the Lord has used this ministry in ways both big and small, furthering His kingdom through the simple yet profound work of Pioneer.
As we look ahead to the future, we are inspired to keep following God’s lead and “catch the wave” of His movement, spreading His love, grace, and truth wherever He sends us.
Pioneer Fest 2024: A ‘God Event’ Like No Other
Sometimes, the best way to know God is working behind the scenes is to witness the way He turns unexpected challenges into blessings. That’s exactly what happened at Pioneer Fest 2024.
For months, the stage was set for a wonderful event with headliner Mac Powell. Advertising was in full swing, and beautiful weather was on the forecast. But then, a worldwide airline outage struck, leaving Mac Powell stranded in Colorado and his band stuck in Georgia. How could we move forward with plans that seemed to have fallen apart?
God, in His sovereign goodness, had a better plan. Enter Ben Fuller, a contemporary Christian musician stranded in Buffalo after a concert in Western New York. Unable to find a flight home, Ben found himself available and ready to step in. With the help of key people, we were able to make the switch, and Ben became our headline artist for the evening. What a powerful story of faith he shared with us, and what an unforgettable event Pioneer Fest 2024 turned out to be. One person even took the step of baptism in the very lake that has sent out ripples of faith far and wide!
Mark your calendars now for the 4th Annual Pioneer Fest, happening on July 20, 2025. It’s going to be a day to remember, as we also celebrate Pioneer’s 80th anniversary. We can’t wait to see what God has in store!
Family Camps and Music Week: A Tradition of Fellowship
Our Family Camp weeks and Music Week continue to be a beloved tradition for many. These weeks are modeled after the classic Family Camps we’ve known and loved for years: morning devotions in the Chapel, Bible studies for adults and children, meals shared in the Dining Hall, evening campfire devotions, crafts, sports, and plenty of free time to connect with family and friends.
This year, we saw increased attendance and positive feedback from campers who are returning year after year — and bringing new friends along for the ride! If you haven’t joined us yet, we’d like to extend a personal invitation for next year’s Family Camp sessions, with the first week kicking off on June 29 – July 5, 2025. Don’t miss out on the fun and fellowship!
Retreats: More Than Just Summer Camps
Pioneer on the Lake isn’t just a summer destination. While our Family Camps are a major part of our ministry, we also offer many year-round retreat opportunities. We host groups from all over the United States and even beyond, including places like New York, Ohio, Georgia, Texas, and even Canada.
Whether it’s a family reunion, a youth group retreat, a men’s or women’s getaway, or a church board planning session, Pioneer provides a peaceful and reflective environment that allows people to grow in their faith and connect with God. Our retreat facilities are the perfect setting for any gathering, and we invite you to consider Pioneer on the Lake for your next event.
Volunteer and Support: Helping Pioneer Thrive
Pioneer on the Lake is blessed by the hands of many who volunteer their time and talents to maintain the camp and support its mission. From gardening to painting, tree trimming to installing new locks, volunteers are the lifeblood of our operation. It’s heartwarming to see so many people come together to care for this “Warm Place in the Son.”
We’ve also been fortunate to receive generous donations that help keep the camp running and allow us to improve our facilities. Operating a camp is no small feat, and as we approach our 80th anniversary, we recognize that many of our buildings need attention. The beautiful lakeside location that we cherish also brings its own challenges, particularly during harsh winters when Lake Erie’s waves can cause wear and tear on our structures.
Building Updates: Restoration and Preservation
As Pioneer on the Lake approaches its 80th year, we are working hard to maintain and restore some of our beloved buildings. Two of our lakeside gems are in need of significant repairs:
Wendt’s Shelter: The roof over the men’s and women’s bathrooms needs replacement due to damage caused by harsh winters. We also need to rebuild the framing and add a proper pitch for a metal roof. Your donation to the "Restore Wendt" fund will help us preserve this gathering place for future generations.
Hickman Hall: Known for its beautiful wood floors and stunning lake views, Hickman Hall has experienced water damage from a leaking roof. The front window frames are sagging and need to be reframed, while other areas of the building need drywall and flooring repairs. Please consider supporting Hickman Hall by contributing to the "Help Hickman" fund.
A Warm Pioneer Thank You
As we celebrate 80 years of God’s faithfulness, we are overwhelmed with gratitude. The Lord has truly blessed Pioneer on the Lake, and we are excited to continue His work in the years ahead. We also look forward to celebrating all that God has done, and all that He will do, in 2025!
"May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands." - Psalm 90:17
