Dear Friends in Christ,
As we prepare for another vibrant summer at Lutheridge, Lutherock, and Luther Springs, we are filled with gratitude and hope. Your steadfast support—through prayers, gifts, and countless volunteer hours—has been instrumental in revitalizing our ministry and laying a strong foundation for the future. We shared earlier that the board has begun work toward the search for a new permanent CEO. We also want to share some other important milestones.
Financial Renewal and Stewardship: The Ministry is Debt-Free
In November of 2023, the debt load for the ministry was nearly $3.3 million. Today, Luther Springs is debt-free following the conservation land sale. We have fully repaid the internal borrowing from our endowment, thanks to early contributions to the Lutheridge 75th Birthday Capital Campaign, proceeds from the Luther Springs conservation land sale, and the sale of the northern half of Lutheranch. Additionally, the $2.1 million loan on Lutheranch will be paid off in the coming days, facilitated by the initial Lutheranch property sale and a generous gift from the long-term loan holder. For the first time in many years, NovusWay concluded 2024 with income exceeding expenses. In and of themselves, each of these financial goals was a heavy lift. Hard work, difficult decisions, and steadfastness moved the ministry to a debt-free position, a significant financial milestone for the ministry. This achievement reflects our shared commitment to responsible stewardship and the collective generosity of our community.
Investing in Our Camps
With the retirement of Luther Springs’ debt, the remaining conservation land sale proceeds and a major gift from a dedicated supporter have enabled significant improvements to the facilities, including the addition of a new lean-to and shed for golf cart storage and the addition of designated storage areas that will help us utilize other spaces for their intended purpose.
When Lutheran Services Carolinas started Trinity View decades ago, Lutheridge was in a position to help by providing the land at next to no cost. Then, in 2023, when NovusWay was in financial difficulty, LSC purchased that land and asked to purchase four additional connecting acres in the future. They just purchased those additional acres, and the proceeds from that sale, along with Lutheridge 75th Birthday campaign gifts and insurance money from the hurricane, are funding the purchase of four new Hill Cabins at Lutheridge. Five of the old Hill Cabins, two of which were condemned and all beyond their useful life, have been removed. The new cabins are currently being constructed, and the land is being prepared for their installation before summer camp. The Lakeside restrooms at Lutheridge have been gutted, and the framing is complete so that they too will be ready in time for summer.
At Lutherock, issues at the Director’s House created by the hurricane have largely been addressed with landslide cleanup efforts. We’re hopeful that the remaining tree removal will be completed through the PPDR process once approved, alongside work from a hired arborist to mitigate risk near key structures and camper areas. The Crowsnest is approximately 90% complete post-hurricane, with a few final projects remaining to prevent future water intrusion, and ongoing road work is progressing through a mix of contracted and in-house efforts.
Resilience and Recovery
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, we have received over $1 million in recovery gifts and an insurance settlement exceeding $1.5 million. These funds have allowed us to rebuild stronger, addressing damages not fully covered by insurance, such as comprehensive roof repairs with added gutter guards and water damage remediation. The roads at both Lutheridge and Lutherock have been or are being repaired, primarily with hurricane recovery donations.
The Lutheridge 75th Birthday Campaign
The Lutheridge 75th Birthday Capital Campaign is over halfway to the $3.6 million goal. More about our campaign progress will come out after the May 2 Lutheridge Birthday Banquet.
Looking Ahead
The first quarter of 2025 ended with revenue significantly ahead of expenses, signaling continued financial health. Our camps are experiencing increased camper registrations and a surge in summer staff applications, reflecting a renewed enthusiasm for our programs.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to each of you—donors, staff, camper parents, church friends, and all constituents—for your unwavering partnership in this ministry. Your support is the cornerstone of our mission to provide transformative experiences rooted in faith and community.
With gratitude and anticipation,
The NovusWay Board of Trustees and Co-CEOs, Mike + Mitzie
