In February 1991, Maurice Wise made the momentous announcement that an anonymous donor was giving a major gift to UM Camp/Retreat Ministry. Every conference in the U.S. with a camp/retreat ministry would receive at least $1 million specifically for Camp/Retreat ministries on February 1, 2000. The only stipulation was that each Annual and Missionary Conference had to submit a one-page proposal describing how they planned to use the funds. All proposals were submitted and received. In addition, each conference agreed to receive an amount above and beyond the $1 million, which then is to be forwarded to an account designated for the development of a National UM Camp/Conference/Retreat Center and Ministry. The amount given for this new National Center is $20 million, so the total gift is over $90 million. The announcement concluded with a quote from the donor: "May God be glorified in all that we do in our National Camp/Conference/ Retreat Center."

Maurice, a United Methodist Camp/Retreat Director, was contacted by the donor and became the donor's representative and the conduit of information to and from him to other parties.

We learned a few things about the donor. He was a life-long United Methodist from Texas. He was richly blessed financially and was actively praying and seeking guidance from the Spirit on how he might best share his resources. He attended a talk about United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministry and began to explore it further. He discovered how powerful this ministry was in helping persons grow in their faith. This is what led to the announcement.

Over the years, we have provided updates and answered questions. It is time to do so again. As most of you know, the original donor died prior to the announcement in 1991, but he had given the money and the dream to a second donor who was totally committed to it. This second donor maintained the requirement of absolute anonymity also. Although we have not received a great deal of new information since the last report, the following update is helpful.

1. As reported by the national UM Reporter, the second donor died in 1994. Maurice Wise, a UM Camp/Retreat Center Director in the Detroit Conference, says that an executor plans to contact the General Secretary of the General Board of Discipleship directly. The executor will determine the "appropriate time" of the contact, which has not yet occurred. Information and clarification provided through this contact represent an important launchpad for many necessary steps toward the creation and organization of the Center. We wait with anticipation.

2. The National Camp and Retreat Committee and General Board of Discipleship have developed a strong, cooperative working relationship. Together, they continue to collect ideas and develop potential visions for the ministry of the center.

3. Much initial thought has been given to roles and responsibilities in the development of this new ministry and its facilities. Additional information and conversation with the executor is needed, in order to progress further.

4. The actual site for the Center has not been chosen. Three tracts of land were purchased by the donor prior to his death. One of these may serve as the location for the Center. All three are in Texas, according to Maurice Wise, who has conveyed information in a more limited way for the executor. The actual locations of the property have not yet been revealed.

5. Answers provided by Maurice to some of your questions:

a. There may or may not be additional moneys beyond the $1 million for each conference, but no one should try to predict how much this might be, since it depends on earnings generated up to the time of the distribution in the year 2000.

b. The intent is that conferences will follow the proposals they originally submitted; however, if mitigating circumstances require a change, this will not jeopardize their receiving the funds.

c. Each conference that was in existence when the proposals were accepted will receive the $1 million; therefore, conferences which merged will, in essence, receive $2 million.

d. Each conference will receive a proportional amount of the $20 million for the national center in addition to the $1 million; this designated amount must be passed on specifically for the national center. The process for doing so will be outlined at a later time. Maurice describes the amount to be passed on as $20 million dollars divided by 76 Annual and Missionary Conferences. This figure comes to $263,157.90.

e. There is no collateral or documentation available to secure loans in order to begin projects prior to Feb. 1, 2000, when the moneys will arrive at the conferences.

If you have further questions, contact Kevin Witt:
Phone: (541) 317-1615
E-mail: KWitt@gbod.org.