North Shore Outdoor Ministries began in June of 2003 by Dawn McConnell.  So, I guess to let you know how NSOM came into being, we have to start with what God was doing in Dawn's life.

I was born and raised in south east Michigan and then headed off to college at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan.  I got my degree to be a Respiratory Therapist.  I accepted a full time job as a Respiratory Therapist at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Michigan in June of 1994.  I worked that job with passion until God spun my head around in June of 2001. 

I went on a mission trip as an adult leader with the youth group I was involved in.  This trip changed my life.  I could not shake the feeling that God wanted me in full time  youth ministry.  This concept sounded crazy to me.  I am a practical person who really doesn't like to take risks.  I didn't handle change very well back then.  But God was still calling.  In order to make sure of this calling, I prayed a prayer, that to me seem pretty safe.  A prayer that obviously God wouldn't answer (in my opinion).  I prayed "God, there are 2 things in my life that are keeping me from going off and becoming a "missionary" in youth ministry.  I have a good job and I own a house.  Those 2 things are keeping me from doing anything "crazy".  So, if You want me in full time youth ministry, you have to get rid of my house or get rid of my job."  Well, wouldn't ya know it, 2 days later, I received a phone call.  Someone wanted me to sell my house, and the kicker of it was, I would then have free housing offered by this same person.  So, I realized that God really was calling me into youth ministry.

The next year, after dreaming with some of my closest friends, I decided that NSOM was what I should do.  So, my church helped me buy some tents, stoves, lanterns, and other equipment.  3 youth groups attended NSOM in the summer of 2003.  I took my vacation days from the hospital in order to run NSOM

In 2004, I had 6 youth groups sign up to attend NSOM.  I didn't have 6 weeks of vacation.  So, the next big step of faith I had to take was to quit my full time job as a Respiratory Therapist.  After much praying, crying, praying and then crying, I was pleading with God to show me if I should quit my job.   He again was so faithful and confirmed that decision.  In May of 2004 I resigned my full time job as a Respiratory Therapist.

So, that brings us up to 2008.  God has been so faithful to provide for my needs.  Youth groups continue to come to NSOM and tell the people of northern Michigan about a Savior.  I am so thankful to have this job as the director of North Shore Outdoor Ministries.  I am thankful for each  youth group that attends, I'm thankful for each community we are able to serve, and I am so thankful for a God who knows us, loves us, provides for us, and hears us.

Thanks for listening,

Dawn McConnell