Back in 1972, the first mobile phone call was placed, ATARI introduced the game Pong to the world, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 1,000 (1,003.16) for the first time. Also that year, a group of families began a camp with the purpose of sharing the gospel in the beautiful mountains of Colorado.

It’s amazing what cell phones, video game systems, and the stock market have become in thirty five years. We are more connected than ever, we can simulate everything from bowling to war with computer graphics, and a major event in our world can swing the stock market as much as it had completely gained 35 years ago. What does all that mean for the Kingdom of God? Very little.

Since 1972, thousands of lives have been impacted and changed through the camp now known as Nationwide Youth Roundup. What is simply amazing is seeing these changes happen one person at a time at one very special place. Just a few months ago, the beautiful valley surrounded by God’s handiwork was again filled with nearly two thousand people worshiping and being impacted with the Word of God. Around the pond, 73 wooden stakes were driven into the ground indicating lives that had been buried in the waters of baptism during the week. Others decided to rededicate their lives – in fact, over 300 came forward to repent and to turn the other direction to again chase after the cross and not the world. We know many more decisions happened around campfires throughout the 40 acres as sacred time with youth groups closed out each night. What will those 400+ lives do this year differently that might not have happened had they not attended this year? What impact will they make for the Kingdom because of the change that God did in them through the ministry of NYR?

What is significant about NYR is that every dollar given to the ministry goes into the event of NYR. There is not an office staff or even an office front. Volunteers work year round to prepare for this incredible week where God does His amazing work. What has changed in the 35 years of ministry is the cost of creating this special experience.

The registration cost has been something we wanted to keep as low as possible in order to allow anyone the opportunity to attend NYR. This unique atmosphere brings so many unchurched youth who want to go on an inexpensive week trip to Colorado to wrap up their summer. More often than not, once the cell phones, game systems, financial and social pressures are stripped away for a week, they are overwhelmed with the Savior who died for them. That’s a Kingdom win!

We need your help to continue to make this special place of ministry a place that is making a Kingdom impact. Would your church consider a special Thanksgiving offering for this ministry out of gratitude for what God has done in your Youth Group? Would your Missions Team consider making a monthly commitment to a ministry that is making Kingdom impact? Would some individuals such as grandparents, parents, NYR alumni or students consider a special gift to the ministry that has impacted their lives maybe for generations?

You can be sure of this; what hasn’t changed in 35 years is that the saving power of Jesus Christ is unashamedly preached, the Father is worshiped, and when the week is over we are all amazed at what God did. Would you be a part of this Kingdom impact? Enclosed with this letter is a self-addressed envelope that your gift may be returned in. Also included is a letter explaining the PAC program for individuals that are interested in supporting NYR on a monthly basis. Thank you in advance for your generosity and for investing in the lives that are making a difference in the Kingdom.

In Christ,
Scott Ensminger
Event Director