(CEM’s annual 15-day backpacking trip serves as an opportunity for our students and interns to unplug from the responsibilities and distractions of daily life and experience the great outdoors. CEM has been leading wilderness backpacking trips since its inception over 40 years ago.) Read below for glimpses of how this 15-day backpacking trip in Tahoe National Forest with no toilet paper (and other essentials) rocked our world. Somedays we wanted to give in and give up, but instead we learned to look in and look up. To God be the glory.
Sierra was born with a hole in her heart, an effect of alcohol in the womb. Open heart surgery was in order - twice - to patch the hole. As life resumed, Sierra found herself at a horse ranch with her mother. Sierra’s father eventually manipulated his way back into Sierra’s life, despite her mother’s original attempts to create separation.
When Sierra was eight years old, her mother was diagnosed with brain cancer. As Sierra’s grandparents stepped in to care for their daughter, Sierra’s father became her sole caretaker. It soon became apparent to Sierra’s teachers that things weren’t right at home, so CPS got involved. Sierra’s grandparents were granted custody; not too long after, Sierra’s mother passed away. Mike BoonChairman, CEM Board of Directors While we, the Board, prepared for Chuck and Barbara’s venture off into the anticipated future of retirement, we spent much time, corporately and individually, prayerfully seeking God’s desire for the anticipated future of CEM’s leadership. We have taken into consideration both near-term and long-term ministry needs. We have attempted to be good stewards of the resources and opportunities which God has provided. With those considerations, it seemed prudent to us to ask Nate Boyd (pictured) to step into the Executive Director’s position for the near term. Please join us in congratulating Nate on this new venture of trust and pray for him in this new role.
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