Rest for the Weary
By Amanda Buck , OMS Europe / Middle East Communications
If you casually mention the name “ Peña de Horeb ” in just about any evangical church throughout Spain , at least one person ’ s eyes will light up as they launch into a story of how much they love this camp . The camp ’ s impact runs so deep that some have chosen to have their ashes scattered on the campgrounds . This is the legacy of Peña de Horeb .
Translated from Spanish into English , the camp ’ s name is “ Rock of Horeb ,” referencing the famous mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments and the Jewish people entered into a covenantal relationship with God . The name is an apt reminder of this covenantal relationship for all believers today , and the camp provides a physical space for Christians to remember the promises God has made .
For nearly 50 years , Peña has been a unique place for churches and individuals in Spain to escape the relentless pace of the world and find true rest , as well as a place to offer evangelistic camps for children and adults . The 17-acre campground , situated just above the unbelievably blue Tajo River , offers space for churches and workers to slow down and be refreshed .
Today , the need for this kind of space continues . The world has not slowed down , and the desire for hope is more tangible than ever . People and pastors alike are worn out . Peña offers an alternative to this pace .
“ Are you tired ? Worn out ? Burned out on religion ? Come to me . Get away with me and you ’ ll recover your life . I ’ ll show you how to take a real rest . Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it . Learn the unforced rhythms of grace . I won ’ t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you . Keep company with me and you ’ ll learn to live freely and lightly ” ( Matthew 11:28 – 30 MSG ).
Unfortunately , the pandemic forced the camp to close for two years . With zero income in those years and the grounds and buildings continuing to need maintenance , reopening has been difficult . Despite these challenges , God remains faithful . Summer 2022 was the busiest on record , despite the two-year shutdown . Clearly , the camp is still vital .
Please pray with us as we invest now so that Camp Peña de Horeb can continue its legacy of pouring into lives for years to come , offering its revitalizing presence to the people of Spain .
11