December 27, 2002

New Hospitality Director, Ben Warrell will be Loucon's new Hospitality Director. Ben completed his internship last fall at Loucon, and was able to step in and fill an unexpected vacancy. He has already been a great asset to Loucon, and we know that he will continue to contribute to this special ministry.

December 23, 2002

Greatly Missed, The end of December marks the last day of employment for our secretary, Sonya Selby. Sonya did an outstanding job filling in the shoes of Frances Gibson during the past four months. Sonya has always had a calling into the performing arts, and she has decided to following that calling. She will be heading back to school to better prepare for what the Lord has in store for her life and His ministry. We wish you the best Sonya, and thanks for your service to Loucon and Christ!

September 27th, 2002

After working for 41 years in a variety of jobs, Frances Gibson has retired from full time work at Loucon. Frances began working part time at Loucon in 1993 as a cook's helper. In June, 1997, she became a full-time staff secretary and will be retiring from that position.

When recently asked about what was her most unforgettable moment, she responded: "No question about it. That would be when Spencer, my eleven year old grandson, told me about his accepting Christ into his life. Let me share with you how he told me. He bounced into the office before breakfast that Thursday morning and asked if I would have lunch with him. I said, yes of course.

"At lunch I went to the dining hall to find Spencer, spotting him with his friends, I slowly approached. He had a glow on his face that I had never seen before. His friends were excited and informed me that he, Spencer, had something wonderful to tell me. As his friends moved back, I became aware that both Spencer and I were standing directly under the picture of Christ over the fire place.

"Spencer turned to me and said, 'Nan Nan, I didn't know they hurt Jesus so bad before they killed him.'

"I inquired what he meant. Looking at me with tears in his eyes he told me he had seen the Passion Play the previous night. He said, 'I really cried a lot when I prayed.'

"He looked so happy as he told me that if he died that day, he knew he would go to heaven. We embraced and rejoiced; what a glorious feeling!"

The next year, Spencer's younger brother Shaun found his God, and both were baptized in Jesus' Name.

Gibson says that "so many wonderful experiences" have come her way at Loucon that she just cannot leave completely, so she plans to work part-time, "possibly in the kitchen."

September 22nd, 2002

Loucon Celebrated its 50th anniversary on September 22nd, 2002, with about 1,000 of its friends. Bishop King, Carl Hurley, and several volunteer made the day a huge success. God has truly blessed Loucon over the years.

This was a very special occasion, and just like everything else that has occurred at Loucon over the last 50 years it was made possible and even more special by all those who gave of their time and talents. It was truly a joyful occasion, and the air was filled with laughter and music praising our Lord. We wanted to take a moment to thank some more of those special people.

Thanks to Adam Potter, JenEric (Jennifer & Eric Coomer), Andy Norvell, Charlie Hardesty, Drew Holladay, Jim Butler, Rev. Todd Love, Dan Smith, the Boldens (Michael & Annie), and David Stevenson for sharing their musical talents as well as lifting up such a joyful noise to the Lord. Thanks to Abby Downs, Jayne Wesley, Donna Denton, Beth Mudd, Arianne Holt, Elizabeth Lawrence, Wes Baggerly, Steve Barnum, and Josh Graham for leading our guests in folkdancing, Zipline, van tours, and hayrides. And thank you to everyone else who made this day such a wonderful success!

September 18th, 2002

There are three "E" s in Deere! While one has been known to see many deer roaming the fields at Loucon they will now see a new green one cutting the grass as it goes. $7,000 was donated in memory of Josh Nottingham, a camper who passed away in the winter of 2002."In Memory of Josh Nottingham" will be painted onto the tractor. Josh will be greatly missed. Josh's money, in addition to monies made from concessions at New Song, was utilized to purchase a new John Deere 5105 tractor and finishing mower. Thanks for supporting concessions at New Song.

September 1st, 2002

Meet the staff... Loucon's 50th year will be a year of new faces as some of our valuable long time staff will be retiring from service. Trying to fill their shoes will be some very competent staff members who have been serving Loucon for years through the summer camping and retreat ministry. We thought that it would be a good time for you to meet the new staff, so here is a little information about each of the servant leaders God has brought to Loucon.

Michael Curry recently graduated from WKU with a major in Recreation and a minor in Psychology. Mike has served at Loucon as a summer staff over the last five summers, and he took an internship during the summer of 2001. Mike has worked as a weekend host during the 2001-2002 retreat seasons. He is currently our Assistant Program Director, and Mike will become the Program Director in March of 2003.

Ben Warrell is our intern during the fall. Ben is about to graduate from EKU with a major in Recreation. Ben served at Loucon during the summers of 1993-1996, and he was Loucon's first Program Director during 1994-1995. Ben also met his wife Susan here at Loucon. They have been married for three years and are the proud parents of their 11 month old son, Paul. During Ben's service here he will have his hands into every aspect of Loucon's operations to help prepare him for his future in camping ministry. We know that this is a time of learning for Ben, however we look forward to the vision he will provide during his time with the team.

God has truly blessed us with an amazing team for the coming year. We hope that you will be coming to Loucon soon. It will be a chance to meet our team, and an even better opportunity to grow in your relationship with God. We look forward to seeing you!

August 9th-11th, 2002

Once again some 5,000 young people, adult leaders, children, and families came together at Loucon for the 16th New Song Festival. And once again many young people made commitments to Jesus Christ. Over 150 people came forward during the weekend and 41 met Christ for the first time. As we celebrate these new brothers and sisters in Christ, I also want to celebrate the New Song Festival Committee and the Loucon Staff for another marvelous year. Thanks also goes out to all the volunteers who work our event. It is truly wonderful to work with people who keep the salvation of young people as top priority. God bless you all.

April 8th, 2002

NEW Cabins are finished: "The Clarence Reynolds Place"

There are 2 new cabins up NOW. We had many volunteers who helped finish this project before summer camp began. This new building site is located near the old A-frame & Cuckoo's nest.

October 25, 2001

Lucy Rau gave garden in memory of Raudy Rau. It is a beautifully landscaped garden at our flagpole that is planted with year-round colors. Come check it out!

· Raudy gave much of his time and money during the last half a century that Loucon has been in existence. He took pride in this camp and the ministry that takes place here both in the summer and during the retreat season. Just think where Loucon would be today with-out the generosity of his father and that which he himself has shown to Camp. Thank you Lucy for providing us a beautiful addition to the central campus of Loucon. What a fitting memory for Raudy.

Triumphant Entry

· Our dear friend, The Rev. Dr. Robert Shaver went home to his Master in May of 2001. Dr. Shaver, with his ready smile and quick wit became a dear friend to each of the Loucon staff as he "supervised" his building projects over the three years. He gave Loucon the funds to build the Shaver Dining Hall, with the beautiful private dining room "The Ruby Room" in memory of his beloved wife, Ruby. He also allowed Loucon to build the Ryan Office, and the all new beautiful Charles Wade Shaver Aquatic Center.