URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

After more than 60 years of Hiawatha Youth Camp (HYC) ministry at Piatt Lake, the current Board of the Piatt Lake Bible Conference Association (PLBCA) has set into motion a series of proposals that would result in the association taking over the camp and forcing HYC to pay weekly rent of $6000 if we want to remain at the very place we’ve always been...the place where all of the buildings were built, paid for, and maintained by HYC.

Our hearts are filled with gratitude to the Lord for all He has done through the decades at HYC and so it is with sadness that we address this difficult situation. The founders of PLBCA and HYC had a vision for ministry cooperation, and we’ve enjoyed that for many decades.

Thousands of young people from all across the nation have come to Piatt Lake for a week (or more) at HYC, with hundreds of them accepting the Lord as Savior and countless others serving Him in ministry and with their lives. Praise the Lord for the great things He has done!

We know that the Lord can move in the hearts of young people no matter the location, but we also agree with one speaker who describes HYC at Piatt Lake as being a “thin space” between heaven and earth. The Holy Spirit has moved so powerfully over the years, we truly feel blessed to be a small part of helping grow the Kingdom. We don’t want to leave Piatt Lake. Ever.

You’e likely asking, “why on earth would PLBCA be doing this?”

Well, based on hours and hours of direct communication between our two boards, it appears PLBCA is operating out of fear and concern that the association is in need of stronger protections from potential legal challenges by “having” a ministry that would shield them from exposure. That ministry appears to be HYC and the approach seems to be one that makes it impossible for us to remain. Frankly, it’s a mess. An unnecessary mess.

We completely understand the need for protection but completely disagree that taking over HYC is the only possible route. 

In fact, on Sunday night, the HYC Board shared a comprehensive proposal that would: bring both HYC and PLBCA closer together in true ministry partnership, honor the existing lease that allows HYC to continue owning, maintaining, and paying for the expenses - but also inviting PLBCA to come alongside and invest, volunteer, attend, and participate in everything that takes place on the grounds.

The PLBCA Board members are good people who love the Lord. We have much in common. Many on the HYC Board have cottages on Piatt Lake and are neighbors with the PLBCA Board. These are not our enemies, they are our friends.

But right now, friends are in disagreement with how to handle the continuation of HYC at Piatt Lake - and we need your prayers because a 60-year partnership at one of the most special places on earth is at stake.

And to our friends on the PLBCA Board, we’d much prefer to work together and help you find other solutions to your dilemma than to simply drive away the ministry you helped create decades ago.

Lord, we need you.