Each year, SFCers from across the Mid-Atlantic region gather at Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia for a retreat weekend filled with fellowship, skiing, and worship before the season ends. This year was the 6th annual gathering.
“Going into the Winter, we didn’t even know if there would be snow at Snowshoe,” reports Mid-Atalntic Regional Director Josh Knipple. “Heading into the weekend, we kept checking the weather. The weekend of the event, it got cold enough that they could make snow!” They ended up getting two full days on the mountain. About 30-50 people from D.C., Camp Royal, Harrisburg, West Virginia, and even an individual from Charleston, South Carolina, attended the retreat. There were so many people in attendance from all over Mid-Atalantic.
Josh, affectionately known as Knips, and his friend Pete, the owner of a local coffee shop, had meticulously planned for an outdoor gathering on the first night of the retreat. However, the weather had other plans, and it started pouring rain. Undeterred, they swiftly rearranged the entire group into a cozy cabin for devotions. This unexpected turn of events turned out to be a blessing in disguise, fostering intimate conversations and relationship-building.
“One of the most inspiring stories came from a man who traveled from South Carolina. He was the original snurfer, and his first snurf board models are now in a museum in Vail! His faith has transformed his life, and he now crafts crosses out of old railroad ties. During the retreat, he set up a table outside Pete’s shop and shared his crosses with everyone, spreading his message of hope and resilience.”
Inside the coffee shop, there is a prayer wall. Sometimes, people visit Pete’s shop to view the prayer wall, not even for a coffee. The crew from the retreat spent time at the coffee shop, adding to the wall. There are now over 1,500 prayer requests up on the wall.
Josh and Pete were privileged to hear a multitude of stories from the retreat participants, each one a testament to the profound impact of God on their lives and shared communities. A remarkable 80% of the attendees were returning, their familiarity with the retreat evident in their active involvement in running things and preparing meals. This weekend will be etched in their memories as a poignant conclusion to the season, a testament to the enduring power of fellowship and faith.