Can a little recreation and rejuvenation lead to revival and restoration? They can when pastors and ministry leaders really get away from e-mail, phones and meetings to recharge their batteries in a place designed just for them. The Summit is not some sleepy cabin in the woods – it’s a quiet place where ministers can reconnect with God and their church staff, and even enjoy a first-class retreat with their spouse.


"Our goal is to provide a high level of warm, Christ- centered hospitality in a first class setting from which Christian leaders will leave refreshed, encouraged, and sharpened." -Trent Wilbanks, Director of The Summit

“I stopped and let my window down – others now telling me perhaps I was risking my safety,” Branyon said. “It never dawned on me at the time. I was excited at the possibility of a plan.” The plan was a basketball program that would minister to local youth who had been stealing and vandalizing a youth center.


Toni Branyon, program director for Communities in Transformation, realizes helping children at risk can sometimes put herself at risk. Branyon, formerly a spunky elementary school teacher, has seen teamwork really work.


Transforming communities begins with the children, who are the leaders and parents of tomorrow. Communities in Transformation (CIT) brings together the people of a community to work together for youth in their area to help change lives.


“The vehicle has been after-school programs,” Branyon said. “Once teamwork is established, many different programs can be created to help the children.”

John Basie recently was selected as the associate director of IMPACT 360, a new organization geared toward teaching young adults to engage culture and be servant leaders whose actions earn a hearing of their faith.


“I am thrilled to be on board with this team,” Basie said. “The people make all the difference — they have a very strong sense of integrity and they take their faith seriously.”


John and his wife, Marana, have worked in ministry serving college students in the past, and they are excited about assuming roles that will allow them to serve in this capacity again. Basie points out times in his life when older, wiser and more mature Christians have helped him grow and develop. Basie, in turn, is looking forward to mentoring IMPACT 360 students spiritually and intellectually.


Basie will serve as Academic Team Leader and Associate Director for Academics for the organization. Basie recently served as Dean of Enrollment Management at Columbia (S.C.) International University and is finishing his doctor of philosophy degree in church-state studies from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He assumed his new role with IMPACT 360 on May 1.

Thank you for your prayers on behalf of Lifeshape. As you can see in this edition of the Lifeshape e-letter, there are many ways we see God at work. Please continue to pray for us!



The Summit requests prayer for God's wisdom and guidance in exploring volunteer opportunities to support the current staff in hosting and retreat preparation. Pray that He will draw out volunteers who share the passion for serving Christian leaders.


CIT requests prayer for God's clear direction about where future programs are most needed.


IMPACT 360 asks for continued prayer that the right students will apply for the fall program, and for the ongoing development of the curriculum.