ABOUT DISCIPLESHIP FOCUS

While skiing in Utah and Colorado a number of years ago, Will and Betty Wyatt were struck with the negative, disinterested attitude of the young people working at the ski areas, lodges and restaurants, and how this indifference affected their pleasure in being at the area. They thought about what a difference it would make if a ski area was staffed by Christian young people whose cheerful attitude of serving the guests would have a powerful impact. They shared this idea with several college-age young people, a few adults, and Bob Mitchell, then President of Young Life. Over the next few weeks, ideas and dreams formed of having a ski resort staffed by young Christian men and women who, at the same time, would be involved in a biblical studies program during their free time. It seemed as though God was prompting these ideas, for within a few short months many unusual things happened. While on a rare business trip to Colorado, a friend in the real estate business whom they had not seen in years, tracked them down to say he had a listing on a ski resort development for sale in southern Colorado. The proposed facility was far more than a ski area, also including year-round activities of tennis, riding, swimming, golf, and other recreation facilities. It seemed the perfect place for the culmination of their dreams.

Yet, at this time, it was nothing but a dream. It was a multimillion dollar project and there was no money. Several weeks later their real estate friend was at a Christian conference and assigned a room with a wealthy developer from Texas. Upon hearing about the project, the man became excited about the idea. After looking at the property, he felt that purchasing it for the proposed work/study program was possibly what God wanted him to do. After much prayer, the plans progressed in a very short time to the point of making the purchase within the next few days. Then the phone call came. The sale of another business interest which was to provide this man the money to purchase the property had fallen through. God had closed the door!

The months following were frustrating. Many young people, either college students who wished to take off a year or two from school to get more direction or college graduates who wished to get some biblical training before going on to a career, had been excited when they heard about the possibility of such a program. They were disappointed that the project had fallen through. Will knew he could probably raise the ten million dollars necessary to start the project, but was determined not to run ahead of God’s leading.

A year and a half after the door had closed, Bob Mitchell received a phone call from a man he had not met, and from a place he had not heard of: Jack Herschend, owner of Silver Dollar City​ near Branson, Missouri. Jack, a Christian man, wanted to know if Young Life would be interested in sending some young people to work at his theme park. He wanted a Christian witness and alternative lifestyle activities for his employees. Bob Mitchell responded that if they could also have a biblical studies program, Young Life would be glad to send some young people. Since they had been in on the original dream and planning, Young Life​ asked Will and Betty to head up the program. The first summer was 1977.

This was definitely God at work. Will and Betty had pursued nothing. They had made no contacts. The phone call came from someone unknown, providing just the elements they had prayed for and planned for nearly two years earlier. Except even better. The facility was already in operation. No time, effort, or money needed to be spent on development. God provided a facility already in existence where young people could serve others as they worked, and also have the opportunity to get into the Word. God’s blessing has continued to be on the experience since that time.

After many years of renting a small resort some distance from the park, Silver Dollar City donated funds to build cabins and meeting rooms right across from the park. Will and several young men from the program constructed the facility, and the first summer to be held at “Notch Pines” was 1993.

In 2000 the Dollywood theme park donated funds to build another facility for a second program in Pigeon Forge,Tennessee. Dennis and Shanna Fuller, both alumni of the program and volunteer leaders in Missouri for several years, were sent to Tennessee to build the facility and direct the program there. Cabins similar to those in Missouri were constructed, and with a partially completed facility the first Tennessee program was held in 2002. With “Eagle’s Call” now complete, a full contingency of students attend the program in this location as well.