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[ Who We Are | Statement of Belief | Say hello to the MM Family ] Who are we? Mountain Ministries was formed out of a need for outreach to the 18-35 year old resort worker. In 1977 Alicia and Bill Spear came to Colorado to ski for a few days in between work demands. What was found in Summit County was an incredible playground for young adults which included skiing, biking, hiking, climbing and many other main line sports. However, there was no particular Christian outreach to these young people even though many Christian groups like Campus Crusade for Christ, Navigators, Intervarsity, etc. often utilized the activities and centers of the County for retreats and conferences. What about the 15 to 20 thousand young people who were here routinely- working as lift-ops, waiters and instructors (while playing?) How would they hear the Gospel message that was presented in churches if indeed these women and men would not even think about going to a church building? Both Alicia and Bill were touched by the obvious need for direction and purpose that was verbally expressed by many of these young people. They discovered that these young people would respond to a personal invitation to have dinner or lunch at a house. Over the next year we were persuaded by a continual tugging at our hearts and minds to make a permanent move to Colorado. We believe that tug came from God's Spirit. We operated for the next 2 years by commuting (in a VW van) from the Denver area into the mountains (no heat, no power, i.e. in the van.) Summit County was decided on as ministry area by 1980. Mountain Ministries was finally incorporated in June of that year. Technical Information: Mountain Ministries is a 501c(3) Tax Exempt Charitable Corporation under the laws of the United States and also the State of Colorado. Our incorporation number (#74-_______) along with our tax exempt numbers given by the State are available for confirmation as needed. As a tax exempt organization we operate on a non-profit basis. We submit the normal corporate reports yearly to the State of Colorado and to the Internal Revenue Service. The large house that is utilized for this work is owned by Mountain Ministries and used to facilitate teaching, rehabilitation, counseling and Bible Studies, potluck dinners and social activities free of charge to participating individuals regardless of their ethnic origin. We do function as an extension of Church Community and we are quick to refer young people as they desire, to a Bible teaching Church in the area (which may have liturgy that is familiar to them.) Most of the churches in our area refer singles to our activities. Our staff live at the house where daily chores are split among the residents. We also maintain Cabins in the Wyoming mountains above Sheridan. These are shared with other Spear family members and graciously allowed to be used as a retreat destination for pastors, friends of the ministry, and special programing particularly during the early summer months. Funding: These geographical areas are expensive to live within, which brings the question of methods of funding to the foreground. Alicia and Bill decided, after much prayer and counsel to not ask for funds, but to rely on God to support the work as He wanted. So, we do not solicit funds by letter or verbally by deputation, etc. We just pray. This has not always been easy, for God has often sent support at the last minute (in our minds, anyway!) One huge benefit is that it has released us from having to evaluate people we meet as possible donors rather than as friends. It has released us from the anxiety of wondering where the next house payment would come from if we didn't take charge and raise the money. Simply put, if the money would not have come in, we would not be where we are today! We are, of course, open to questions concerning where these monies have come from over the years (29 of them so far!), and how it has been spent. God has apparently laid it on the hearts of individuals to support this missionary effort. We have never missed a payment that is due nor have we gone hungry! Only we and our heavenly father have known our specific needs. That is quite a testament to God's faithfulness and grace, don't you think? [ Who We Are | Statement of Belief | Say hello to the MM Family ]
mm@mountainministries.org
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