Bill & Joanne Merkley - Site Managers

Bill and Joanne seldom attended church or Christian camps as children, but they both knew that God was working in their lives from a young age. They were married June 25, 1977 and then both married Christ through baptism February 9, 1986 in the Wynndel Christian Church. Bill and Joanne have a wonderful family of four grown children: Bill Jr., Rebecca, Amanda and Jennifer, and three grandkids: Teaghan, Logan and Kaine, the true joy of their lives.

With a natural love of children Bill immediately began working with youth in camps throughout BC, the USA and Pine Lake. Joanne lent her skills at the 2VM Camp in Lumby BC and Swan Valley Bible Camp on Kootenay Lake as chief cook, bottle washer and nurse. Bill worked together with Eric Nyrose at various camps and retreats. In September 2009, with the Spirit's leading, Bill and Joanne left their home of 30 years and moved back to their homeland of Alberta, unsure of where God would direct them, but deciding to be, as Walter Fox says, "rewired rather than retired." As they drove away from Creston, Bill stated that it would be neat to end up somewhere like Pine Lake, and here they are. God is good!