El Porvenir Christian Camp in New Mexico is 'busy living' as a spiritual retreat
That's because Kathy and her youth group friends made the trip from Amarillo to northeastern New Mexico throughout their junior high and high school years to attend church camp.
For decades, El Porvenir Christian Camp was a regular destination for groups from Paramount Terrace Christian Church. After PTCC became Hillside Christian Church in 2006, its hundreds of young people were too many for El Porvenir, and Hillside began using other locations.
But when Kathy and I joined Amarillo's Washington Avenue Christian Church, a smaller congregation, a couple of years ago, El Porvenir again became a possibility for us. WACC sends men's, women's and family groups to the site near Las Vegas, New Mexico, every year.
I'll admit, though, I'm happy, but I'm not normally a camper. As a kid, I attended church camp only once, maybe around age 10. The whole time I spent at Ceta Canyon Methodist Camp, I was wishing I was back home near McLean. I remember inspiring times around a campfire and some fun in the swimming pool, but I just wasn't a social boy.
I did get over my shyness to some extent as an adult. I was wowed when I attended a three-day Walk to Emmaus, enough so that I later worked as a team member on several Walks. But the fact is, the Myers-Briggs personality test still reveals me as an introvert.
Despite myself, El Porvenir kept calling. This year's Ironman men's retreat, a Friday-Sunday event, was last month. Melvin, a wise man in our Sunday school class, told me I should consider going. I would get to know some of the WACC guys – and God – better, he said, and he filled me in on the history of Hermit Peak, one of the mountains that surrounds El Porvenir.
My wife had told me how her youth group friend Glenn had been compassionate as they hiked up Hermit Peak, walking with her as she had trouble keeping up with the group.
So I went. Our friend Barry offered me a ride in his pickup, so the four-hour drives each way were nice and fun. The El Porvenir bunkbeds were comfortable, and none of the 20 or so guys in the 'dorm' snored. The hamburgers, tenderloin and other meals were top-notch, and we had a whole afternoon off from spiritual talks, small group discussions and outstanding worship music.
I even got to try pickleball for the first time, with Steve from our church guiding me and the other beginners.
Of course, the spiritual aspect was the reason we were there – 96 of us, with about 60 from our church and others from two churches in Oklahoma and New Mexico. The weekend theme, 'Memento Mori,' sounded a little dark, because it's Latin for 'Remember your death,' or 'Remember you will die.'
We learned that during the Roman empire, victorious generals who were being praised by masses of citizens for their success also would have someone whisper 'Memento mori' in their ears to remind them to be humble.
Four sermons by Paul, a preacher in Oklahoma and a veteran of WACC's retreats, effectively turned death to life by laying out scripture that pointed to making the most of whatever time we have on Earth.
Paul and Lennie, our lead pastor and organizer of the weekend, posed questions like this to us: 'What would you do if you had 60 minutes left in your life?' 'One year?' 'Five years?'
We discussed practical things such as funeral plans and making sure family members are familiar with bank accounts, but also emotional aspects like telling wives and children how much you love them and want to see them in heaven. The one- and five-year scenarios gave time for doing our best to spread Christ's good news of salvation to others – and all the actions that God wants us to be doing anyway.
Paul supplemented his sermons with videos, including a clip from 'The Shawshank Redemption' movie with the line, 'Get busy living – or get busy dying.' Certainly, despite the theme, the retreat's focus was on life. Paul (from Oklahoma, not Tarsus), reminded us that with his resurrection, Christ defeated death and made eternal life possible for everyone.
The biblical Paul wrote in Romans 14:8: 'If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.' (NIV)
El Porvenir is nestled among beautiful, craggy mountains and towering trees – but a devastating fire in 2022 changed the trees on the surrounding slopes into black sticks reaching toward the blue sky. Without tree cover, rocky crests that weren't visible before can be seen now.
A man who has attended the retreat regularly since it started in 2011 said that for the most part, the fire moved by on each side of the camp like the parting of the Red Sea. Some older cabins and the bridge across Beaver Creek were the main losses. Our weekend was proof that the camp is 'busy living.'
Yes, I'm glad I went. And I hope everyone who pondered their death went home anticipating growth and following God's path in the years to come. After all, El Porvenir is Spanish for 'the future.'
Mike Haynes taught journalism at Amarillo College from 1991 to 2016 and has written for the Faith section since 1997. He can be reached at haynescolumn@gmail.com. Go to www.haynescolumn.blogspot.com for other recent columns.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Haynes experiences men's retreat at El Porvenir Christian Camp
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Dig into the UK's ancient past at these 7 archaeological sites
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Despite their ancient age, the UK's most famous archaeological treasures keep revealing new secrets, from recently unearthed dinosaur species to new Roman excavations. To help you follow the archaeology buzz, we dig into the nation's top spots to explore our ancient past, where revamped museums, interactive exhibits and hands-on excavation experiences bring our early history vividly to life. 1. Sutton Hoo, Suffolk First unearthed in 1939, with the shadow of the Second World War looming, Sutton Hoo is an early medieval royal burial site that's famously home to the ship burial of seventh-century Anglo-Saxon King Rædwald. Long-neglected, Sutton Hoo reopened in summer 2019 after a year-long refurbishment, which included transforming Tranmer House, home of Edith Pretty who commissioned the original archaeological excavation (the events of which are dramatised in the film The Dig, released in 2021). Now open to the public for the first time, the 1930s house has in-depth displays detailing the development of the dig and the ongoing research at Sutton Hoo. The refurb also saw the creation of a new walking route out to the burial mounds, where you can follow in the footsteps of the Anglo-Saxons, who hauled the monumental timber ship to the top of a hill to bury their king, replete with gold and other treasures, including the iconic Sutton Hoo helmet. Nearby, at Woodbridge, pay a visit to The Longshed, where the Sutton Hoo Ship's Company (a team of professionals, volunteers and enthusiasts) is currently constructing a replica of the ship. 2. Isle of Wight The Isle of Wight earns its status as one of Europe's richest palaeontology hubs by producing new dinosaur discoveries practically year on year. Among the island's findings are around 20 species of dinosaur from the early Cretaceous Period. In 2024, one of the best-preserved dinosaurs ever found in the UK was unearthed on the island. Named Comptonatus chasei, it formed part of the local eco system over 120 million years ago. This discovery came only one year after the fossilised remains of a previously unknown dinosaur were found nearby, triggering reanalysis of similar remains to help solve the age-old question of why the dinosaurs went extinct. Lots of fossils are on display at Dinosaur Isle, the UK's first purpose-built dinosaur museum. Step over the sea wall at Sandown to explore its recreated prehistoric landscape, populated by life-sized models of the Isle of Wight's biggest dinosaur discoveries; see skeletons as they were found by fossil hunters; watch volunteers preparing the latest finds; or join the Fossil Walks led by expert guides teaching you how to find your own ancient artefacts. 3. Stonehenge, Wiltshire There's always something big being unearthed in Stonehenge country, and the latest discoveries reveal the origin of the largest rocks in the circle. In the last decade, it was discovered that the mysterious bluestones came from a quarry deep in the Welsh Preseli hills. And, in 2024, scientists found that the alter stone – arguably the most ritualistically important piece of the formation – was brought to Stonehenge from the north of Scotland, a journey of well over 500 miles. Try your arm at dragging a massive stone monolith at the site's smartly curated visitor centre. Or, for the closest possible view of the stones, visit the site during winter or summer solstice: the only times of the year in which you can stand among the stones as part of its 'managed open access'. Watch the sun set and rise at this magnificent monument and share in the ancient sacred tradition. Just be sure to check the specific solstice entry times for the day. Stonehenge country has numerous options for further exploration, including the many archaeological treasures on show at Salisbury Cathedral Museum. And within sight of the stones is the UK's biggest prehistoric monument, which is around 4,500 years old. Uncovered in 2020, the Neolithic find includes 20 vast holes that suggest the boundaries of an earlier enclosure circle. The site is so large that is contains Durrington Walls, the UK's largest henge, and Woodhenge too. 4. Wittenham Clumps, Oxford Occupied for more than 3,000 years, archaeologists were expecting to find some worthy prizes beneath the ground of this ancient Oxfordshire landmark. What they weren't prepared for was a double-whammy discovery that spanned two rich seams of history: an extended Iron Age settlement with more than a dozen roundhouses dating from 400BC to 100BC as well as a vast Roman villa dating back to the late third century. Wittenham Clumps is managed by Dig Ventures who offer various 'Archaeology In Your Hands' experiences, which they describe as 'exciting crowdfunded and crowdsourced archaeology projects you can be part of'. These can range from guided excavations at live digs to 'Finds Room' experiences, expert talks to online courses endorsed by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists. It can be as in-depth or accessible as you desire; DigCamp, for example, are day experiences for families to get hands-on at a real, live, in-progress dig, dirt and all. 5. Orkney Islands, Scotland At the heart of Neolithic Orkney's rich pickings, four UNESCO World Heritage Sites are widely regarded as the finest in Western Europe. Skara Brae is older than both the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge and has been dubbed the Scottish Pompeii for its pristine state. Dating back some 5,000 years, this Neolithic settlement was discovered in 1850 by the Laird of Skaill, thanks to a landscape-stripping storm that raised grass from a mound under which the ruins had been concealed for millennia. With the white-sand beach of the Skaill as a fittingly dramatic backdrop, Skara Brae is a stone-built prehistoric settlement that reveals the finer points of day-to-day Neolithic life. See ancient homes complete with stone bed enclosures, dressers and seats. Replica constructions complete the interior interpretation, which can be further explored in touch-screen clarity at the on-site visitor centre museum. 6. Hadrian's Wall Country Discoveries still abound at Hadrian's Wall, where there are plenty of places to step back into the past. Try historical re-enactments around the ruins, archaeological talks, guided walks or wall-spanning history-focused hikes and bike routes that take you between the North and Irish Seas. Plus, there are lots of hands-on dig opportunities for all ages. The wall itself, a near 80-mile stretch of fortifications marking the northern frontier of Hadrian's Roman Empire, isn't the only attraction here: there's so much more to see in the surrounding country. A mile south of the wall, Vindolanda is regarded as one of Europe's most exciting Roman digs: nine forts built on top of each other that garrisoned soldiers from across the Roman Empire. It includes a bathhouse, tavern and shops, all dating back to the third century. And if this isn't compelling enough, a 2017 discovery revealed an entire Roman cavalry barracks underneath the site, complete with thousands of extraordinary military and personal possessions dating back almost 2,000 years. It was a haul significant for its size and pristine state, but also for its evidence of the long military build-up that led to the wall's construction in AD 122. Excavations at Vindolanda take place annually, attracting hundreds of volunteers from all over the world, so sign up early. Or visit the on-site museum, which has an extensive display of the mind-boggling number of objects found during the excavations. 7. Scilly Isles The tiny Isles of Scilly are home to 239 hugely significant ancient monuments and archaeological landmarks: the UK's greatest density of historic sites. Maritime shipwrecks, Bronze Age burial chambers dating back 3,000 years, deserted Christian chapels on uninhabited islands, fortified castles and English Civil War headlands, all contribute to these wild islands' natural landscapes. St Mary's, the largest island, is home to large stone earth mounds that form distinctive Bronze Age burial chambers known as entrance graves — often described as Scillonian tombs, thanks to their local concentration. Strikingly preserved Innisidgen has sweeping views across to neighbouring St Martin's. And the cemetery of Porth Hellick Down, in St Mary's, to the south east, has six grave mounds, including the impressive 12-metre-wide Porth Hellick Down Burial Chamber: just two of a string of ceremonial monuments lining the Scilly Isles' coastal hilltops. They're stellar spots for eternal rest, or a panoramic place to camp for a few nights if you manage to bag a booking at any of the islands' campsites. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only). Solve the daily Crossword
National Geographic
2 days ago
- National Geographic
Dig into the UK's ancient past at these 7 archaeological sites
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Despite their ancient age, the UK's most famous archaeological treasures keep revealing new secrets, from recently unearthed dinosaur species to new Roman excavations. To help you follow the archaeology buzz, we dig into the nation's top spots to explore our ancient past, where revamped museums, interactive exhibits and hands-on excavation experiences bring our early history vividly to life. The iconic Sutton Hoo helmet sits in Room 41 of London's British Museum, along with a replica showing how the original might have looked in its day. It's only one of four known complete helmets from Anglo-Saxon England. 1. Sutton Hoo, Suffolk First unearthed in 1939, with the shadow of the Second World War looming, Sutton Hoo is an early medieval royal burial site that's famously home to the ship burial of seventh-century Anglo-Saxon King Rædwald. Long-neglected, Sutton Hoo reopened in summer 2019 after a year-long refurbishment, which included transforming Tranmer House, home of Edith Pretty who commissioned the original archaeological excavation (the events of which are dramatised in the film The Dig, released in 2021). Now open to the public for the first time, the 1930s house has in-depth displays detailing the development of the dig and the ongoing research at Sutton Hoo. The refurb also saw the creation of a new walking route out to the burial mounds, where you can follow in the footsteps of the Anglo-Saxons, who hauled the monumental timber ship to the top of a hill to bury their king, replete with gold and other treasures, including the iconic Sutton Hoo helmet. Nearby, at Woodbridge, pay a visit to The Longshed, where the Sutton Hoo Ship's Company (a team of professionals, volunteers and enthusiasts) is currently constructing a replica of the ship. 2. Isle of Wight The Isle of Wight earns its status as one of Europe's richest palaeontology hubs by producing new dinosaur discoveries practically year on year. Among the island's findings are around 20 species of dinosaur from the early Cretaceous Period. In 2024, one of the best-preserved dinosaurs ever found in the UK was unearthed on the island. Named Comptonatus chasei, it formed part of the local eco system over 120 million years ago. This discovery came only one year after the fossilised remains of a previously unknown dinosaur were found nearby, triggering reanalysis of similar remains to help solve the age-old question of why the dinosaurs went extinct. Lots of fossils are on display at Dinosaur Isle, the UK's first purpose-built dinosaur museum. Step over the sea wall at Sandown to explore its recreated prehistoric landscape, populated by life-sized models of the Isle of Wight's biggest dinosaur discoveries; see skeletons as they were found by fossil hunters; watch volunteers preparing the latest finds; or join the Fossil Walks led by expert guides teaching you how to find your own ancient artefacts. Dinosaur Isle is the UK's first purpose-built dinosaur museum. Here, a boy admires an iguanodon skeleton. Photograph by Dinosaur Isle 3. Stonehenge, Wiltshire There's always something big being unearthed in Stonehenge country, and the latest discoveries reveal the origin of the largest rocks in the circle. In the last decade, it was discovered that the mysterious bluestones came from a quarry deep in the Welsh Preseli hills. And, in 2024, scientists found that the alter stone – arguably the most ritualistically important piece of the formation – was brought to Stonehenge from the north of Scotland, a journey of well over 500 miles. Try your arm at dragging a massive stone monolith at the site's smartly curated visitor centre. Or, for the closest possible view of the stones, visit the site during winter or summer solstice: the only times of the year in which you can stand among the stones as part of its 'managed open access'. Watch the sun set and rise at this magnificent monument and share in the ancient sacred tradition. Just be sure to check the specific solstice entry times for the day. Stonehenge country has numerous options for further exploration, including the many archaeological treasures on show at Salisbury Cathedral Museum. And within sight of the stones is the UK's biggest prehistoric monument, which is around 4,500 years old. Uncovered in 2020, the Neolithic find includes 20 vast holes that suggest the boundaries of an earlier enclosure circle. The site is so large that is contains Durrington Walls, the UK's largest henge, and Woodhenge too. The latest discovery surrounding Stonehenge reveals that the origins of its mysterious bluestones lay in a quarry deep in the Welsh Preseli Hills, and that they first stood in an earlier stone circle. Photograph by Andre Pattenden, English Heritage 4. Wittenham Clumps, Oxford Occupied for more than 3,000 years, archaeologists were expecting to find some worthy prizes beneath the ground of this ancient Oxfordshire landmark. What they weren't prepared for was a double-whammy discovery that spanned two rich seams of history: an extended Iron Age settlement with more than a dozen roundhouses dating from 400BC to 100BC as well as a vast Roman villa dating back to the late third century. Wittenham Clumps is managed by Dig Ventures who offer various 'Archaeology In Your Hands' experiences, which they describe as 'exciting crowdfunded and crowdsourced archaeology projects you can be part of'. These can range from guided excavations at live digs to 'Finds Room' experiences, expert talks to online courses endorsed by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists. It can be as in-depth or accessible as you desire; DigCamp, for example, are day experiences for families to get hands-on at a real, live, in-progress dig, dirt and all. 5. Orkney Islands, Scotland At the heart of Neolithic Orkney's rich pickings, four UNESCO World Heritage Sites are widely regarded as the finest in Western Europe. Skara Brae is older than both the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge and has been dubbed the Scottish Pompeii for its pristine state. Dating back some 5,000 years, this Neolithic settlement was discovered in 1850 by the Laird of Skaill, thanks to a landscape-stripping storm that raised grass from a mound under which the ruins had been concealed for millennia. With the white-sand beach of the Skaill as a fittingly dramatic backdrop, Skara Brae is a stone-built prehistoric settlement that reveals the finer points of day-to-day Neolithic life. See ancient homes complete with stone bed enclosures, dressers and seats. Replica constructions complete the interior interpretation, which can be further explored in touch-screen clarity at the on-site visitor centre museum. Skara Brae, located on Mainland's Bay of Skaill, in the Orkney Islands, is older than both the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge and has been dubbed the Scottish Pompeii for its pristine state. Photograph by Visit Scotland 6. Hadrian's Wall Country Discoveries still abound at Hadrian's Wall, where there are plenty of places to step back into the past. Try historical re-enactments around the ruins, archaeological talks, guided walks or wall-spanning history-focused hikes and bike routes that take you between the North and Irish Seas. Plus, there are lots of hands-on dig opportunities for all ages. The wall itself, a near 80-mile stretch of fortifications marking the northern frontier of Hadrian's Roman Empire, isn't the only attraction here: there's so much more to see in the surrounding country. A mile south of the wall, Vindolanda is regarded as one of Europe's most exciting Roman digs: nine forts built on top of each other that garrisoned soldiers from across the Roman Empire. It includes a bathhouse, tavern and shops, all dating back to the third century. And if this isn't compelling enough, a 2017 discovery revealed an entire Roman cavalry barracks underneath the site, complete with thousands of extraordinary military and personal possessions dating back almost 2,000 years. It was a haul significant for its size and pristine state, but also for its evidence of the long military build-up that led to the wall's construction in AD 122. Excavations at Vindolanda take place annually, attracting hundreds of volunteers from all over the world, so sign up early. Or visit the on-site museum, which has an extensive display of the mind-boggling number of objects found during the excavations. A mile south of Hadrian's Wall, Vindolanda is regarded as one of Europe's most exciting Roman digs. Excavations at Vindolanda take place annually, attracting hundreds of volunteers from all over the world, so sign up early. 7. Scilly Isles The tiny Isles of Scilly are home to 239 hugely significant ancient monuments and archaeological landmarks: the UK's greatest density of historic sites. Maritime shipwrecks, Bronze Age burial chambers dating back 3,000 years, deserted Christian chapels on uninhabited islands, fortified castles and English Civil War headlands, all contribute to these wild islands' natural landscapes. St Mary's, the largest island, is home to large stone earth mounds that form distinctive Bronze Age burial chambers known as entrance graves — often described as Scillonian tombs, thanks to their local concentration. Strikingly preserved Innisidgen has sweeping views across to neighbouring St Martin's. And the cemetery of Porth Hellick Down, in St Mary's, to the south east, has six grave mounds, including the impressive 12-metre-wide Porth Hellick Down Burial Chamber: just two of a string of ceremonial monuments lining the Scilly Isles' coastal hilltops. They're stellar spots for eternal rest, or a panoramic place to camp for a few nights if you manage to bag a booking at any of the islands' campsites. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
USA Today
2 days ago
- USA Today
Celebrating Culinary Craft: Bacio Trattoria Wins 2025 Consumer Choice Award for Italian Restaurants in Barrie
Bacio Trattoria, a family-run Italian and Roman restaurant known for its authentic, handmade cuisine, has been recognized as the 2025 Consumer Choice Award winner in the Restaurants – Italian category in Barrie. This distinction reflects Bacio's commitment to preserving tradition while creating a memorable and heartfelt dining experience for every guest. Located in the heart of downtown Barrie at 62 Dunlop Street West, Bacio Trattoria brings a piece of Italy to the local community-offering more than just food, but a connection to culture, family, and flavour. With its warm atmosphere, vintage lighting, mural of the Trevi Fountain, and walls lined with olive oil and Italian wines, the restaurant invites guests to experience a true taste of home. A Culinary Journey Rooted in Experience and Heritage Bacio Trattoria is led by Chef Francesca, who began her culinary journey in Rome at just 15 years old. With 37 years of experience in the food industry, she brings a depth of knowledge and a genuine passion for Italian cooking that is reflected in every dish. 'I grew up in a kitchen where we cooked with what we had-fresh, simple, and from the heart,' says Chef Francesca. 'That's the way I still cook today. I want people to feel like they're eating at my family's table in Rome.' Homemade, Fresh, and Inspired by Rome The menu at Bacio Trattoria features a wide range of Italian and Roman dishes, all made in-house using carefully sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy hand-rolled pastas, slow-simmered sauces, and rustic Roman favourites such as supplì-crispy rice balls with beef and cheese-and pork-and-beef risotto cakes. The menu also includes fresh seafood dishes, hearty risottos, and thin-crust Roman-style pizza baked to perfection. Each dish is crafted with intention, with options for multi-course tasting menus, vegetarian selections, and curated wine pairings available for those looking to experience the full spectrum of Italian dining. An Atmosphere That Feels Like Home Bacio's motto, 'guests arrive as customers and leave as family,' is more than a catchphrase-it's a guiding principle. The restaurant's size and layout create an intimate setting where staff take the time to learn guests' names, dietary preferences, and favourite dishes. Whether it's a couple's date night, a group celebration, or a casual weekday meal, the atmosphere remains welcoming and personal. 'We want guests to feel relaxed, taken care of, and full-like they just left Nonna's house,' says Chef Francesca. Bacio also hosts private dining experiences and events, offering tailored menus and attentive service to make every occasion feel special. They are proud to maintain 'SAFE' certification standards, ensuring that guests can dine with comfort and confidence. Locally Loved, Community Connected Since opening in Barrie, Bacio Trattoria has become a staple in the local food scene. The restaurant supports local vendors whenever possible, from produce and meats to wine selections, and has participated in community-driven events and fundraisers. Their commitment to consistency and care has earned them a steady stream of glowing reviews and word-of-mouth referrals, establishing them not only as a place to eat, but as a valued part of the neighbourhood. 'This award means a lot because it reflects the trust our guests have in what we do-and that's something we never take for granted,' says Chef Francesca. To explore the menu, inquire about events, or make a reservation, CLICK HERE or visit About Consumer Choice Award: Consumer Choice Award has been recognizing and promoting business excellence in North America since 1987. Its rigorous selection process ensures that only the most outstanding service providers in each category earn this prestigious recognition. Visit to learn more. Contact Information: Sumi Saleh Communications Manager ssaleh@ SOURCE: Consumer Choice Award View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
