HopeWood: Building Relationships

You’re probably familiar with HopeWood Outdoors, one of the many organizations that partners with the NEOS. Also known as “Lutheran Outdoor Ministries in Ohio (LOMO),” this organization’s primary focus is, "Bringing people together to experience Christ through natural settings and programs.” They accomplish this through on-site summer camps, year-round retreat opportunities, environmental education, off-site retreats, and summer events and programming in the community.  Morgan Lee-Barton is the Guest Relations Manager for HopeWoord. This position involves marketing, managing registrations, and helping out with general day-to-day camp operations. "Personally, being involved in this organization gives me the opportunity to meet people of faith from all over the state. It gives me hope for the future of the Church," they beam. "Our organization empowers people (especially young people) to ask questions about faith and take ownership over their faith."

HopeWood has many participants who aren’t involved in faith communities at home, but come to camp year after year, because it is the place that they experience God and participate in a faith community. People build relationships here. They build relationships not just with each other, but with God.

Contributions to Mission Support help organizations like HopeWood benefit individuals, families, congregations, and communities by helping them dig deeper in their faith journey. It helps our Lutheran camping ministry pay for the things that make this ministry possible: dedicated staff members, facility upkeep, curriculum and training resources, and so much more. HopeWood thanks all those who contribute to Mission Support to help support their wonderful organization.