Pennsylvania Retreat Center Offers “Mountain Top” Experience

By Rachel Mari

Blue Mountain Christian Retreat and Conference Center, located in New Ringgold, Pennsylvania, aims to provide a peaceful setting in which individuals may set aside the noise and demands of life and connect with God.

“We provide a place for God to move in the hearts of His people through guest speakers, powerful worship, and family retreats,” says the ministry’s website. While Blue Mountain Christian Retreat (BMCR) offers retreat opportunities to groups all year round, it is currently starting the summer season, one of its busiest times.

Upcoming events include: a conference with Robert Stearns of Eagles’ Wings on June 14 and four “Family Week” conferences in July, starting with Family Week #1 on July 2 with Pastors Gary and David Ham. There are two services a day in the morning & evening. While the parents are receiving in the services, counselors lead the children in Bible lessons, crafts, pool days, nature hikes, gym games, campfires, etc.

Founded in 1974 by Chris and Margaret Dornbierer, both natives of Switzerland, Blue Mountain Christian Retreat originally had a capacity of 35 overnight guests. Today, the ministry can accommodate up to 400 in its guest quarters and up to 450 in its auditorium. The retreat staff includes 12 full-time workers who live on the grounds, plus many part-time workers from the local community. During the summer months, the staff increases by an additional 20-25 workers.

Throughout the year, BMCR hosts women’s retreats, couples’ weekends, pastors’ and ministry leaders’ conferences, a men’s retreat, youth events, and family weeks. During the summer, Youth Explosion is held each Wednesday night and features worship, teaching, and games. Each week is sponsored by a different local church, Christian university, or ministry school. Ministry partners of BMCR include: Elim Bible Institute, Advancing Native Missions, Global Teen Challenge, Dayspring Ministries, Eagles’ Wings, Maoz Israel Ministries, and New York School of Urban Ministry.

Above all, the staff at BMCR considers their prayer ministry to be the most important part of what they do. “We want to partner with you to see the Lord answer your prayers,” says the ministry’s website. Prayer requests may be e-mailed to admin@bmcr.org.

When describing the ministry of BMCR, founder Chris Dornbierer was known to say, “More than anything, we want the retreat to be a place where people seek the Lord and spend time alone with Him. It is such a peaceful, tranquil setting that truly, the presence of the Lord does seem to permeate the whole place.”

For more information on Blue Mountain Christian Retreat and a complete schedule of programs visit www.bmcr.org. To become a prayer or ministry partner, contact info@bmcr.org or call (570) 386-2154.