by Joel Miller

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Three months ago, I stepped into the role of director at Eagle Eyrie Conference Center with a mixture of excitement, anticipation, and a healthy awareness of the responsibility that comes with leading a place with such a rich history. Now, looking back on these first three months, one thing stands out above everything else: God has been, and is, at work here.

Eagle Eyrie is much more than a conference center. It is a place where people come up and away from the distractions of everyday life, gather together, hear God’s Word, build relationships, and encounter the Lord in meaningful ways. To be part of this ministry is a tremendous privilege.

Over my first three months here, Eagle Eyrie has welcomed more than 6,000 guests through its gates. Each person came with a different story, different needs, and different expectations. Yet God knew every one of them before they arrived. We have had the joy of watching him use this mountain to encourage, challenge, restore, and transform lives.

We have heard stories of people making important spiritual decisions, families growing closer, young people being challenged in their faith, and individuals taking significant steps in their walk with Christ. One young individual was struggling with thoughts of whether or not to continue living, and God showed up. Revival came to his life along with the whole group. Praise the Lord! We may not always get to see the full impact of what happens here, but we can trust that God is using every conversation, every worship service, every campfire, every meal, and every moment spent at Eagle Eyrie for his purposes.

At the same time, there is no shortage of work to be done at Eagle Eyrie. There are buildings to maintain, facilities to improve, ministries to strengthen, systems to develop, and countless opportunities to make this place even more effective for the kingdom of God. The task ahead may seem overwhelming to some, but so is the opportunity. And that is what excites me.

I am excited to get to work. I am excited about the people God has brought and is bringing together to serve here. I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Most of all, I am excited because I believe God has a plan for Eagle Eyrie, and he who began this good work is faithful to complete it.

My first three months have been a wonderful reminder that Eagle Eyrie belongs to the Lord. We are simply stewards of what God has entrusted to us. Our goal is to faithfully care for this place while continually asking, “God, what do you want to do here next?”

As we look toward the future, there is much to accomplish and much to learn. But there is also great confidence in knowing that the God who has done amazing things over these first three months is the same God who will lead us into the months and years ahead. I can’t wait to see what God has planned for this special mountain.

Rev. Joel Miller is director of Eagle Eyrie, BGAV’s conference center in Lynchburg, Virginia.

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