John Vandervelde - Program Director

"It takes a whole village to raise a child" is an old African proverb that I am reminded of when I think of the support team behind the ministry of HoneyRock.  There are 16 permanent staff employed by this ministry and just over 200 seasonal employees who will serve here this year, but there are countless others who make up our support team.  These people are Partners, volunteers, prayer warriors, donors, ambassadors, and alumni, and they are crucial to the HoneyRock mission being carried out in the lives of students, campers, and families.

Last Saturday I was down in Wheaton and I was overwhelmed not just by the size of the support team we have been blessed with, but by how truly involved they are in what we are doing.  From 7:45am - 4:30pm I spent the day meeting with our Executive Council.  This group of men and women provide support, advice, and encouragement at a strategic level to Rob and me and the rest of the leadership team of HoneyRock.  They help us think through issues and opportunities, and they are an incredible resource.  Their combination of professional and ministry experience combined with their deep love of HoneyRock makes them vital to this organization.  I left my meeting with the Executive Council on Saturday so energized and excited about what we are all about.

From 6:00pm - 8:00pm we held a dinner for HoneyRock Partners and friends in Anderson Commons on the Wheaton campus.  Over 70 people came to this event.  We shared food together and heard some great testimonies from students.  I shared a brief presentation about HoneyRock, what we've been up to and where we are going.  I was able to meet and interact with HoneyRock alumni, camper parents, former staff, and many others who are standing behind this ministry.  As I drove home that evening I was deeply touched by the overwhelming care and support I received.  What a blessing!

It truly takes a "village" to carry out the mission of HoneyRock.  Developing young people for Christ and His Kingdom is no easy task.  It takes a team of supporters who are deeply invested to make it happen.  We can't do it alone and we don't want to do it alone--we need a village! 

Thanks to so many of you who are on our team! 

If you are interested in joining our support team, click here for more information.