What's New

Ponderosa's new director introduced at Colorado Baptist General Convention Annual Meeting
A pastor experienced in camp management, guest relations and volunteer coordination now is at the helm of Colorado Baptists' retreat center in Larkspur.

Messengers and guest to the annual meeting of the Colorado Baptist General Convention were told that Marcus Rawls is the new director of Ponderosa Retreat & Conference Center, Oct. 16 in Steamboat Springs.

Previously Rawls served as sports and outdoor pastor for Riverside Baptist Church in Denver.  He took that post in January 1998.  His responsibilities at Riverside included management of the church's retreat facility, Rocky Mountain Baptist Camp.

"He was responsible for overseeing a massive guest relations department of the church, including the recruitment and training of at least 150 volunteers," said Doug Lohrey, CBGC associate executive director.  Lohrey worked with Ponderosa's management committee in the search for a new director.

While at Riverside, Rawls "worked closely to help plan the church's Camp Highside and BaseCamp which are the children's and youth camps," Lohrey said, adding that Rawls also worked closely with Riverside's "Young at Heart" senior adult ministry that involved more than 200 people.

The director's post at the Ponderosa Center was vacant six months.

"I believe that Marcus will bring renewed passion to Ponderosa as well as the needed organizational zeal," Lohrey said.  "He knows what camping is all about and is used to working with volunteers.  He made significant improvements to the Rocky Mountain Baptist Camp and excited about moving Ponderosa to the next level."

Serving with Rawls is his wife, Terri, and their children, Mason and Morgan.

Lohrey encourages Colorado Baptists to plan their retreats, camps and other events through the Ponderosa Center.  "If you have not been there in a while I would like to invite you to return," he said.