Last Updated on November 14, 2022 by OCF Communications
On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”
—John 7:37-38, NKJV
Ten years ago, Colorado experienced a devastating series of wildfires throughout June, July, and August that included the Waldo Canyon fire on the northwest edge of Colorado Springs. It is the third-most destructive fire in Colorado history, destroying 347 homes.
The usually green late spring ground was tinder-dry and brown. Haze from that fire and others filled the skies, some of it even reaching OCF’s Spring Canyon Conference Center, 100 miles due west. Those attending a mid-June Summer Celebration retreat marveled at how obscured “the Hook” was, that prominent portion of Mt. Princeton that stands sentry over the retreat center.
But even more astounding than the views and smells from the blazing infernos was the area of “the Canyon” by its namesake spring. Verdant, lush plants and beautiful summer flowers flourished on either side of the stream formed by the spring that endlessly bubbles up clear, refreshing, life-giving water that tumbles down the hillside into twin ponds below.
Nothing better illustrates what has really taken place over the decades at Spring Canyon as the center celebrates its 60th anniversary of ministry this summer. Jesus Christ is the spring of living water continually offered through the varied programs, thrilling activities, and warm fellowship there. Envisioned as a place for “building up the believer, evangelizing the nonbeliever,” Spring Canyon and its sister retreat center White Sulphur Springs in Pennsylvania have been powerfully used by Christ to fill weary, life-burned souls with restoration and salvation from His living water.
If you have never experienced an OCF conference center retreat, consider doing so this summer. More than a vacation, you’ll encounter Christ in the glory of His creation and in fellowship with other believers that will bubble up from within–as the road sign says, “Welcome Home!”
Thank you for answering Christ’s call to join us as a prayer warrior for the ministry of OCF. Your prayers help make ministry possible.
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