Ila Vango

January 20, 2015

To:  Members of the Sound View Board of Directors and members of the Strategic Board of the Olympia Presbytery

From:   Ila R. Vango

I am unable to attend this very important meeting on the decision to close Sound View Camp and Retreat Center, but I would like my thoughts to be known.

When I was a young child I was afforded an opportunity to go to camp.  Even though I attend Sunday School once a week for one hour, I never really understood how much Jesus loved me.  Being in camp for 5 days with other kids and seeing the love of Jesus displayed over and over and being shown how He loved me changed my heart and mind forever.

Sound View Camp may not have the same impact on every person that had the privilege to go there, but I am sure that more than one person gave their life to Christ while being shown the love of Jesus.  There are many young people and families that have never had a firsthand encounter with how much Jesus loves them and being with Christian counselors could be all they need to accept Jesus as their Savior and turn their life over to Him.

If Sound View Camp is closed, one person that might have learned firsthand how much Jesus loves them would be lost.  In Genesis 18:16-33, Abraham pleaded with God to spare Sodom even if there were only 10 righteous people there.   Can no less be done for Sound View Camp?  Even if just one person is saved through the ministry of this camp, God will look with favor on this mission.

Thank You

Ila R. Vango