The West Lake Church of Christ building is nestled in picturesque rural southern Ontario. Behind the old white wooden clad historic building are buried the loved ones of generations past. There you find inscribed on one of the grave markers: "Only one life t'will soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last."

Since reading the tombstone in the summer of 1973, that saying is embedded in my memory as a constant reminder of the brevity and priorities of life. I can choose to invest in all types of activities and busy myself in many good things but will they last and have they prioritized Jesus Christ?

River's Edge exists to love and lead people in a relationship with Jesus Christ. We have chosen to invest our L.I.F.E. in camp ministry because we believe it is one of the most impactive ministry activities available to minister to the whole person. Here is what our L.I.F.E. means.

L. Labour - This is how you get involved physically. Either as a volunteer or staff member, all of us have some degree of Labour that can be provided to meet the diverse needs of operating, enhancing or building our facilities. Whether a work bee, specific site task, or helping in one of our Ministry Zones (Hospitality, Programming, Site, and Administration). Labour alongside us to create a place for memories to be made.

I. Influence - This is how you create opportunities. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2Corinthians 2:12 that "...the Lord had opened a door for me."! We need people to introduce us to others who share the same passion for ministries and seeing people introduced to a relationship with Jesus Christ. Doors of opportunity can be opened as people maximize their platform of influence to connect the right people, in the right way to accomplish the right things here at River's Edge. Offer your Influence to help open doors for the Kingdom?

F. Finance - This is how you invest financially.  Ensuring the resources are available is a priority of our ministry. We are dependant on the Lord moving in the hearts of His people to give generously to our annual operating costs, our annual capital projects, and our Legacy development projects designed to ensure the effectiveness of our expanding ministry for generations to come. Invest your Finances to create sustainability and permanence in our fiscal responsibilities.

E. Expertise - This is how you professionalize ministry. The complexities of operating camp ministries to this generation are vast and often confusing. Government regulations and compliances, human resource management, fiscal accountabilities, building codes and permits, environmental and economic considerations, are just some of the factors that all contribute to the need for the camp to find experts that can advise us how to proceed. Extend your Expertise and ensure we are a Christian ministry functioning intentionally and professionally.