Someone recently said, “Life is about change. Sometimes it’s painful. Sometimes it’s beautiful. But most of the time, it’s both.” Never has that been more true than in recent days at Calvin Crest as we have faced a number of changes with the start of 2019.

David Chumley announced he has accepted the Executive Director position for the Central Valley School of Ministry in Fresno. We would like to thank Chumley for his time as the Program Director at Calvin Crest. He has been instrumental in navigating Calvin Crest through the challenges of the Railroad Fire, the smoke from the Ferguson Fire, and helping guide our staff to a place of health as we enter this new season.

In this recent transition of leadership, Joel Gist is stepping into the role of the Program Director. Joel is excited about hiring this year’s summer staff and working with them to live into what God is doing at Calvin Crest. We ask that you join us in prayer to lift up Chumley and thank him for his leadership, and to give Joel wisdom and discernment as he leads the summer staff.

Tim Simms, our current Director of Food Services, will transition into Joel’s former role as Director of Operations. He will remain heavily involved in Food Services alongside his wife, Danielle, and together, they will continue to ensure the kitchen runs smoothly and effectively.

Due to a decrease in Outdoor Education revenue from last year to this year and ever increasing expenses outside of our control, Calvin Crest found ourselves in the position of needing to right-size all departments. These changes are never easy. However, we believe we will continue to provide a high level of service to our guests while ensuring financial sustainability and faithfully stewarding the resources which have been entrusted to us. In addition, our team is creatively brainstorming and setting goals to increase our reach in all of our programs as well as through guest group rentals. We know that God is faithful and will provide the revenue that is needed.

This Monday, we also welcomed our new Executive Director, Tiffany Staman. While Tiffany was not the impetus for the changes described above, she was brought up to speed and included in the process. Together, we have all experienced God’s grace and peace this week as we navigated the pain and the beauty of change, and we trust Him to continue to lead and guide us in 2019.

We are thankful for the excellent leadership team at Calvin Crest as we enter this new season. We thank you for your prayer and continued support as God leads us ever onward in ministry.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us.

In Christ’s love,

Bill Ekhardt, Chair, Calvin Crest Board of Trustees

Tiffany Staman, Executive Director