Rik Alspaw is the family and counseling minister at First Christian Church in Derby Kansas. Rik has been involved in full time ministry for over 20 years now and feels blessed to get paid to do what he loves. Rik is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and loves helping people strive for all that God has for them. Rik loves the Rocky mountains and getting to experience God through them. Rik and Carol have been married for 20 years, they have 3 kids and are rarely able to find them all in the same place. Rik is eager to see what God has in store for all of us this week as we come away for time with the lover of our souls.

Rik firmly believes that the scriptures are “living and active” and relishes the opportunity to bring them to life in new ways as he speaks and teaches. Rik also thinks it pretty awesome to do it with the mountains all around and at a place as beautiful as Hermit Basin.

Remarkable Music

Julie Nevel brings love and joy through her worship leading. She has been in full-time music ministry since graduating from Johnson Bible College. Based out of Harrisburg, PA, Julie has traveled from Scotland to Australia sharing the gospel through her music. Julie will prepare us with music before each lesson during the week, and share songs she has written and recorded in a live concert one evening. She will also host our wild, wacky and sometimes serious Talent show.

    Just one hour west of Pueblo, Colorado you will find the beautiful HERMIT BASIN CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE CENTER. Established to provide a setting conducive to rich experiences in fellowship and worship. Nestled 9,000 above sea level in the heart of the Sangre de Christo Mountain Range, the conference center looks out over a lush valley to distant mountain views of God’s awe inspiring creation. To find your way to the Hermit Basin, just get yourself to Westcliffe, Colorado, take the road from the southwest corner of town turn left at “Grandma’s House.” When 2nd Street comes to a “T”, turn right onto Hermit Road. From here all turns are marked by a Hermit Basin sign, Go 2 miles on Hermit Basin road to Road #137 / Kettle Lane - turn left. Take first right onto Road #150 / Muddy Lane. Go straight toward the mountains about 4 miles. You will be all set for a super week at the finest Christian conference facility you have ever seen!

    Before each meal we will gather together for prayer and then enter into the tastefully appointed dinning room for seating around round tables. A skilled staff prepares the meals and serve us at our tables. A rich variety of foods will make each meal an event to look forward to. Sparkling conversations over excellent meals are one of the many highlights of the week. Each day breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a late night snack will be provided. To top off the week, there will be a dress-up banquet Thursday night. You will need your Sunday best for that one.

    Hermit Basin consists of two primary buildings. The first is a multi-purpose building called the Day Lodge. Inside, a kitchen and dining room. In addition, there are three meeting rooms and two recreation/game rooms. Hermit Basin’s gift shop is also located in this building. The Day Lodge is spacious and comfortable with beautiful views available from the upstairs Vista room. A large outdoor sundeck for enjoyment is located on the west side of the building. The second facility is the housing unit. The building has 36 rooms; each room has a bath-tub/shower, queen size bed, telephone, hide-a-bed, and television. Half the rooms have a set of bunk beds while the other half have a kitchenette. All rooms include a queen size bed, queen size sofa sleeper, private bathroom, television, and telephone.

    Your arrival and registration at the center prior to 5:00 pm on Saturday, July 25 will give you time to settle in and be ready for a memorable week. Everything begins with a “Hospitality Dinner” followed by an evening filled with opportunities to get to know all the other campers. Activities vary daily and provide plenty of time for serious meditation prayer, and learning. Most days will include the following. Every morning will start with morning devotion in the Day Lodge. After breakfast we will meet together for praise and worship, our featured speaker and small group time. Lunch is next, followed by an afternoon of free time. Daily free time will allow you to enjoy the heated pool, hot tub, hiking trails and more. We will meet together again for dinner at 6:00 PM. After dinner, there are a wide range of activities waiting for you. Some evenings will be filled with music and worship, another opportunity to listen to our speaker, and time with your small group. Special Events include a talent show, an awards party, a Dress Up Banquet, the finding of precious new friends, and a nearness to God you haven’t experienced before. The evening activities end roughly around 10:00 pm. After 10:00, late night refreshments will be served in the dining room and many night owls may choose to stay up, play games or just sit chatting and getting to know their new friends.

    You will have the chance to join one of the many groups leaving the grounds for special destinations. One will head out on some kind of hike. Others will tour Colorado Springs to see the Garden of the Gods, the Air Force Academy and other sights. Others may visit the Royal Gorge, try white water rafting, visit a ghost town or take in Bishop’s Castle. In any case, don’t forget camera and film to record your adventure.

    We’ve talked about the fun and fellowship, but we’ve saved the best for last. There will be ample opportunity to spend quality time with the Lord. Just think what can happen when you take a week to look inside yourself to investigate God’s word, to seek what your creator intended for you, and to discover the potential others see in you! As you study and share in small group discussions, you will be rewarded with new insights, new confidence, new understanding, new values and a new nearness to people. It happens as we share what we each have to offer and strive together to reach new heights in our common search for God’s will in our lives. The theme will be “Eyes on Eternity-Developing a Jesus Mindset.”

    URGENT! EARLY REGISTRATION ADVISABLE! Hermit Basin Christian Conference Center will comfortably accommodate 120 campers. We suggest you mail the “REGISTRATION FORM” immediately along with your $150 minimum deposit. Make all checks payable to “SUPER 7 DAYS” and mail to: Super 7 Days, 8403 E. Champions Ct., Wichita, KS 67226. Only payment in full of the entire $375 by June 30 assures you of a reservation. If your plans change, and you are unable to attend, all except your deposit will be refunded. Talk to Steve about payments options.

    Most of all, its affordable. A total cost of $375 will cover your accommodations, meals, and practically all of the programming, (away from camp activities are at your expense and are your responsibility). Spend as little or as much as you like on these extra things, but do bring adequate spending money.

    Summer weather in the Rockies is pleasant but not entirely predictable. Sunny days mean T-shirts and shorts, but evenings can be a little chilly—so be certain to pack some warm clothing. Our final evening will include a dress-up banquet for which pretty dresses and coats and ties are in order. Fortunately the remainder of the week will be spent comfortably casual. Mountain climbing requires sturdy shoes. Don’t forget your swimsuit for the heated pool and hot tub. Pen, paper and your Bible are essential. All of your bedding will be supplied, but do bring your own towels and toiletries. White water rafters will need to bring clothing and shoes which can get wet—real wet! Hermit Basin has no laundry but there is a laundromat in town for your emergencies. Don’t forget your camera and tell all those you leave behind that they can write or call you at Hermit Basin Christian Conference Center, P.O. Box 25, Westcliffe, Colorado, 81252, phone (719) 783-2900.