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July 2025 Newsletter

by | Aug 8, 2025

BETTER THAN GOLD! 

Camp season at The Way Out Ministries began with Camp Gold Rush. The weeklong urban camp held at our ministry center featured a California Gold Rush theme complete with daily panning for gold and a general store for kids to weigh out and spend their earnings.  Each day a hootenanny and progressive skit kicked off the camp program followed by recreation, crafts and Bible class.  The energy was electric, especially on one rainy day—yes, rain in California!  Our incredible staff and volunteers “got ’er done” and didn’t miss a heartbeat on the fun! 

A youth group called “Junkyard” headed by pastor Todd Stiles and volunteer, Nancy Edler came all the way from Prairie Ridge Church in Ankeny, Iowa to help.  We also had volunteers from our own Zion Youth and The Gathering Church. On the last day of camp, parents were invited to come and see the good things that the children had learned all week.  “Better than gold” to be  certain! Thank you sponsors for this week of summer Fun!

THE WAY OUT FORT WORTH 

We are excited about moves forward this month to establish a ministry center in Fort Worth, Texas under the direction of Rachel Perez.  A special start-up donation has been made, and God has put people in place and made His   calling sure. The Board of Directors approved plans at a special meeting in July and a property to lease has been selected pending inspections.  Pray with us as we pursue this vision.  

ZION CAMP 

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9

Ministry is full of blessings, but it’s never easy. It involves a lot of hard work, discipline, and yes— heartache; however, it’s summers like this that fill me with joy and encouragement to push through the more difficult seasons of  ministry.

We experienced many great moments of fun and growth, but on night three of Camp Zion, our youth shared—for the first time—stories of loss, anxiety, depression, and abuse. These stories left our leaders and me with heavy hearts and a deep desire to love more intentionally.  Although the stories were overwhelming, we were even more struck by God’s presence through prayer, worship, and the power of His Holy Spirit. Night three ended in a time of prayer, surrender, healing, and hope.

We also witnessed one new student receive Christ for the first time, and many others made renewed commitments of faith. One of our  senior graduates asked to be baptized in the camp pool—a powerful next step in his faith journey that we were honored to be part of.

Lives are being changed every day, and we are so blessed to witness God at work and to share in moments like these. Thank you for your   continued support and camp sponsorships that help make these life-changing experiences possible.

Ryan Bruce