My family has been a part of Lakeview and Lakeview has been a part of my family since the very beginning, quite literally. I had always grown up hearing stories of my grandparents, Rev. Frank and Fran Richardson, spending free time at Lakeview and all of their hopes and dreams of what Lakeview would grow into. As I got older, the week I would spend at Lakeview became my favorite part of the year. The relationships and connections I made over the years are the biggest reason I am the person I am today.

Having the opportunity to be Sprout for the last three years has been the greatest honor of my life. I have seen campers make lifelong friendships, learn to trust themselves more, and commit their hearts to Christ. I have seen counselors volunteer their time, their energy, and their hearts to this camp and our campers. I have seen my fellow staff members become better people, fall in love with service and ministry, and learn how to be the hands and feet of Christ. The biggest lesson that the Lord has taught me through Lakeview is that ministry doesn’t only belong at the pulpit on a Sunday morning. Sometimes ministry looks like setting up foam machines in 95 degree weather. Sometimes ministry sounds like Tsula and Wohali chants on the versus field. Sometimes ministry feels like hard and exhausting grunt work that usually goes unnoticed. Every part of Lakeview works to bring our kids closer to Christ and to glorify Him through every part of the day, and that is what ministry is. I know my grandparents would be so proud of the camp that Lakeview is today and would love every person that crosses the Thunder Bridge to bring others to Christ.

Anna “Sprout” Callender

Lakeview Program Coordinator