Bill Redmon’s ’62 life mission is to help organizations who are serving people with disabilities. He was director of Lake Aurora Christian Camp & Retreat Center for 34 years and is currently working on a new endeavor, StirringWaters, which will meet the needs of the disabled and their families. Bill answered a few questions about his new project, his ministry and his time at Atlanta Christian College.
Tell us a little bit about the project you’re working on, StirringWaters. What exactly is it?
StirringWaters will be a waterpark designed by therapists and aquatic professionals to provide thrilling experiences for people with all disabilities. No longer will they need to just sit on the deck. In the StirringWaters waterpark, people from the entire globe will experience joy, fun and laughter—possibly for the first time in their life.
How did you come up with the idea of a water park for special needs children?
When Lake Aurora began running and hosting programs for people with disabilities, I recognized that traditional forms of water experiences were difficult to impossible. So, I began on the quest to create a more inclusive aquatic experience, and that evolved into a full waterpark with features that do not currently exist in any waterpark in the world.
What led you to this area of ministry?
First, it was very obvious from Scripture that Jesus expected all of His followers to give special attention to those who were in need. Secondly, I was on a board for a disabilities ministry and realized that what the church and camps were currently doing often missed the mark for people with special needs, so I decided this was a cause I would champion.
How can the Point family pray for you and support you in this endeavor?
Pray that followers of Jesus will unite around ministering to this marginalized population which, with their immediate care givers, makes up one third of the world’s population. With StirringWaters being located at the intersection of all the “worlds” in America (Central Florida), the American church has the opportunity to truly build that “city set on a hill” so people will see and experience our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at ACC?
I have too many favorite memories. Perhaps one of my favorite memories was being part of the quartet that traveled to different summer camps, including Lake Aurora, which would be the camp I would later come to lead for 34 years.