Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries has
operated under one mission statement since its beginning: to reveal the
presence of God to those who live, work, and play in the resort settings of Sevier County and the Smoky
Mountains. This mission statement has
never been made more real to me than in my time with Ober Gatlinburg during
this winter season.
LIVE
Each Sunday afternoon
begins with a worship service at the top of a ski lift. These services are open
to anyone who is interested—visitors, employees, ski patrol are all welcome to
join on any given Sunday. This last Sunday’s service was filled with people who
have been attending these services for many years. Two were members of ski
patrol who are frequent visitors to Sunday worship. Two local families also attended,
both of which were very familiar with the services we’ve had for so many years.
We praised God together for the pause from a morning of fun and movement. The
love of God is alive through SMRM for the people of Sevier County.
WORK
Ski ministry involves
countless hours spent working alongside the employees of Ober while not
actually being in place as an employee. Even from an outsiders’ perspective, it
is a joy to see the family bonds that the employees share with one another and a
joy to be welcomed in as a trusted friend. Aside from the usual banter, there
are also many opportunities for quiet and personal conversations. We are
trusted as friends, as wisdom givers, and as pastors. The love of God is alive
through SMRM for the employees of Ober Gatlinburg.
PLAY
And of course, among the
joy of services and conversations throughout the day, there is always time to
take advantage of the season and play on the snow. Sunday is a day off for many
of the international employees, so it is not uncommon to see many of them
taking the time to enjoy skiing or snowboarding on a beautiful sunny morning. There
is no better opportunity to better know a friend than by being stuck together
on a chairlift! It’s these times that allow us to understand each other better—to
have intentional and meaningful conversations. The love of God becomes tangible
in these moments to the students through SMRM.
Each day working at Ober
Gatlinburg solidifies the mission of SMRM as God brings this mission to life in
every person we encounter. Thanks be to God.
