Dear Friends,
Each year at Montreat brings its share of joys and challenges, and this past year was an extraordinary case in point. Hurricane Helene and its aftermath fashioned an unprecedented story that we will long remember.
Any telling of that story must include countless individuals and churches that bore witness in record numbers again to God’s presence and capacity to provide. The generosity we received from you helped us weather the storm, sure; just as importantly, you helped us emerge with an even deeper sense of how meaningful this place is to so many.
Montreat is, at its heart, a place where people gather to explore their faith, renew their spirits, and connect with God and one another. So it was again this year, as young people gathered at youth conferences, artists engaged with clay and stained glass, and children roamed the valley in search of new swimming holes and shortcuts. Worship and music and prayer filled Anderson Auditorium, and there were quiet moments of smaller gatherings and “alone time” to remind us of what it means to belong to this community and to God.
The pages of this report include numbers and milestones. They include an accounting of the fiscal year that ended April 30, and a celebration of the gifts already received in this calendar year. Behind each figure and name is someone whose support made all of this possible, sustaining us through an intense season of recovery and repair. Just as importantly, your ongoing commitment helps to ensure that Montreat will continue to serve the church and the world for generations to come.
Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” On behalf of our entire staff, thank you for helping us bear our burdens and lift up this important ministry for the benefit of tens of thousands who drove through the Montreat Gate in 2025. We are humbled by your trust in us and all the more eager to move forward together.
Grace and peace,
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