To Whom It May Concern:
“My wife and I owned and operated a boy's youth camp for about 12 years. Individual boys would be in our care for as long as 8 weeks at a time. One of our biggest responsibilities was in hiring the 20 plus staff to care for these campers. The final determination I used in hiring an- individual was this:" would I allow this individual to be responsible for the care of one of my own precious children while I wasn't present"?
For Rod and Marcia Boothby I would set the bar to its highest notch. If my wife and I were killed and unable to raise our kids, I would completely trust them to raise and care for them, knowing they would be safe, loved and taught the same principles and values we would have taught them ourselves. Drawing on 30 years of much time and many experiences with them, I can assure you they are the best!”
Greg VanderWaal
B.S. Education
To Whom It May Concern:
Usually you can tell a lot about a person through those who are the closest to them. As it is, having Michelle Boothby, Rod Boothby's daughter attend our training program and now working for us, here is my appraisal. My first hand observation of Michelle and then becoming acquainted with her father, I can attest that he is a man of principle and integrity. He is responsible and most of all, a Christian and a gentleman. One in whom I would have no reservations with my own children.
Sincerely,
Pastor Louis R. Torres Evangelist
Vice-President Mission College of Evangelism
To whom it may concern: June 1st, 2008
I have had the distinct privilege of knowing Rod and his family for nearly 3 years. Having moved to the Swan Valley of Montana in the Summer of 2005, right away we developed a love and genuine respect for a man and his family that carries with them an atmosphere of true love and christian integrity.
Never have I met someone that possess such practical knowledge and yet have the level of spiritual maturity that I have witnessed in Rod's life. The Lord has blessed Rod with a unique gift to not only lead young people to a respect for Jesus Christ, but for a love for Him.
I would have perfect peace committing the spiritual welfare and guardianship of my own precious children to the care of Rod and Marcia Boothby.
My personal recommendation?
If you believe Jesus is coming soon, and your heart is burdened for your children to recieve a balanced, Spirit filled education that only eternity will tell, then send them to Mission Quest Academy. I know Rod and Marcia take the call seriously, and will do everything by God's grace to nuture their students in the admonition of the Lord.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions if you are considering Mission Quest Academy.
Jason Morgan
Senior Evangelist
Amazing Facts, Inc.
To Whom It May Concern: April 30th, 2008
I was Rod Boothby’s pastor for about 10 years, while they were members of the Gobles-Pinedale Seventh-day Adventist Church, in Gobles, Michigan. I knew Rod and his family very well and worked together with them in several kinds of ministries. I observed Rod working with young people in our Pathfinders program (ages 10-16), our Vacation Bible School, and in our youth Sabbath School classes. Rod demonstrated leadership abilities that commanded the respect of the youth and gained the support and backing of their parents. His leadership and involvement helped to build some of our youth programming during those years.
Rod also served in other church office positions, because church members recognized his deep spiritual commitment and love for God. I remember Rod as outgoing, warm, adventurous, light-hearted, and yet serious about his spiritual life. Rod has been a good husband and father, and makes family a high priority.
I would highly recommend Rod to serve in a position working with youth.
Sincerely,
Delmar Austin
Senior Pastor of the Green Bay SDA Church
To Whom It May Concern:
It was over seven years ago that I met the Boothby family and was struck by their genuine love for God that showed fruit in their children. What I couldn't figure out was why God gave them girls when
Rod was so good with boys (yes, their girls turned out wonderful). The Swan Valley Church is gifted with boys and Rod turned out to be a magnet for them. One of the gifts that Rod brings to ministering to young people is his incredible story telling ability. After listening enraptured to one of his made in Montana stories, it’s often a challenge to regroup my thinking to get up and preach the morning
sermon. Make sure you ask him to tell you about the proper way to spank a grizzly bear. Another skill Rod brings with him in working with youth is an ability to listen and quickly understand the heartfelt
desires of that person. I have appreciated his willingness to pay attention to my sons and make them feel wanted and accepted.
A close encounter with this beautiful country is waiting for you. Rod Boothby is a guide personally acquainted with the creator and will help you come closer to the Lord during your journey.
Pastor Tom Glatts
To Whom It May Concern, April 30th, 2008
This letter is written as a personal Letter of Recommendation for Rod Boothby. Having traveled extensively for my employment, I have literally met thousands of people. Rarely do these people have the effect on my life as profoundly as Rod. Knowing Rod for over half of my 42 years, I can state without reservation, I am a better person for the experience. Rod has become one of my closest friends, confidants and advisors. He clearly has a mission to impact all the people he meets in a positive way for the Lord. His magnetic personality is making a difference in a big way!
As we know from the bible, “…by their fruits ye shall know them…” This verse was written to inform people of the true way to measure a person. I believe Rod is a person who is best measured by this verse. Immediately upon introduction, one will realize from his wonderful Daughters, Son-in-law and Wife, that truly this man is striving to live a life dedicated toward a heavenly goal. Rod has a way with people that will draw everyone he comes in contact with toward a closer more personal walk with God.
My family has also been impacted in a large way by Rod and his family. My wife Christy and I found ourselves on a fast moving train over four years ago longing for a closer walk with God and each other. Through Rod’s example with his family, we were able to make major steps toward that goal including moving toward a simpler less complicated and less hurried lifestyle. After hours of conversation and encouragement from Rod through the years, we find ourselves on a much better path for having known him and his family.
I can recommend Rod Boothby with the highest accolades and respect to anyone having a desire to be closer to God. Please feel free to contact me at any time to discuss any questions you may have regarding our experience with Rod and his family.
Sincerely,
Jack Veldboom
jcveldboom@aol.com
To Whom It May Concern: May 19, 2008
I've been privileged to know Rod Boothby for nearly eight years. We have been camping in the wilderness, and spent countless hours around campfires singing songs and sharing stories. As fun as those times always are, I've enjoyed the spiritual side of our friendship even more. We have served together in planting a church, and the times of spiritual growth have been rich and life-changing.
There are many people who can lead you into and out of the forest, but when you can grow closer to God as a result of spending time together, you've really hit on something special. This is what my friendship with Rod has truly been. A very special experience with a friend of God.
Mark Bond
Missoula, MT
To Whom It May Concern: May 1, 2008
As Rod’s wife of 27 yrs, I guess I have a pretty good knowledge of what he is like, and what his interests are. Rod is a hard worker and has been a good provider for all the years I have known him. He has much practical knowledge and is very capable and efficient. He enjoys working, & is not
overwhelmed, but challenged by a big job. He also loves to spend quality time with family, friends & co-workers. I believe there are four specific areas that have consistently held a special place and top priority in his life. 1) The Lord, 2) His wife and children, 3) Wildlife and things of nature, and 4) Young People. Rod has loved the Lord all the years I have known him, and I believe he has served Him by his interaction with and dedication to each of these four areas.
He has served the Lord by his dedication to & work in the church. i.e. actively serving in various
leadership positions & church offices, youth programs, witnessing opportunities, and evangelism. He has served the Lord in his family by putting them as a number one priority, next to his personal relationship with God. His family is of the utmost importance to him, and he has sacrificed a great deal, to keep the heart of each one, and to fulfill each one’s needs to his best ability. We have always known how much he loves the Lord and us, not just in theory, but in practice.
The last two areas, Wildlife & Youth, are his favorite pastimes. I believe they go together in a very special way. He has served the Lord in wildlife by his care, concern and love for both the creatures God has created, and for the natural resources that we are responsible to preserve. He has a remarkable love and excitement to be out in the forest, or wilderness, looking for wildlife, searching for animal tracks, antler sheds, or other items of nature, that I believe is second only to Daniel Boone!☺ I have always been much impressed & have every confidence in his knowledge of wildlife and survival skills.
His love for the youth has been shown in his involvement in activities within the church, as already mentioned, but also by his love to connect the natural world, God’s second book, to the hearts of the young. Because of his energy and enthusiasm, he is able to draw spiritual object lessons and stories from nature to the youthful minds in ways that they never grow tired of
hearing or learning from.
Youth are a special resource. They know when a person sincerely has an interest and concern
for them, and I can honestly say, that young people know Rod cares for, and is working for their
best interest. He has a way with youth that I have always loved and been amazed at. Rod’s desire
to have a special school for young men has taken years to build into a reality, but I believe in God’s timing. I believe this school has a very important purpose in the days in which we live. In a world with almost impossible obstacles for youth, they need to be encouraged, and instructed, to’ look up’, ‘take heart, and ‘follow’ the path that leads to the Kingdom….
Marcia Boothby
To Whom It May Concern: May 19th, 2008
Well, a reference for dad... this wont be hard :) Pa and I have always had a lot of fun together, from my first recollections he has been a hero in my life and has earned that place ever since. There was never such a thing as him not wanting to do something together, I remember that playing cowboys or mountain men with him was way more fun than with friends my age because we would really go out for adventures:) I’ve loved every minute of time we’ve spent together, horseback trips into the Bob Marshal Wilderness, backpacking, canoeing, rock climbing, antler shed hunting, snowshoeing before dawn in the cold mountain air, oh just everything and then we’d talk. You know young people need that, and thank you dad for not only talking but listening and caring enough to be my friend! My dad is very spiritual, and you know not just religious, he’s real about it and that has always been an inspiration to me. I am excited for him to be working with youth in this way. I think that they need it, we all need “time out” and change from regular everyday life sometimes and I for one highly recommend my dad to any youth looking to not only have a lot of fun in the wilderness, but who wants to get a better idea of their mission in life. Come and meet not just my dad but my friend, and I know he’ll be yours as well.
Alecia Harding
Condon, MT
To anyone who has gotten this far in reading the referrals :),
I grabbed my Bible, some paper and a pen and headed out for a walk. I decided that the best place to write about my Dad would be while looking at a mountain, and listening to the sounds of the wilderness. I can walk as far as I wish (which is ‘never’ as far as Dad walks) in any direction and not see or hear the sights and sounds of people. A hymn or Bible verse pops into mind and I promise that anyone can’t help but to want to know better the One who made all this beauty! I can now see what my Dad saw in taking his family out of their “comfort zone”, to live such a life; to read such books (SOP), to sit in the quiet, to play games and sing songs, to endure hardships—cheerfully, to develop respect for each other…but most of all: a trust in God!
I could go on and on—that’s what people expect, but I have complete confidence as I merely say: come and spend time with him for yourself!:) And I won’t leave out my Mother! My Dad would never be where he is and who he is if he didn’t have her by his side to cheer him, pray with him and organize,… and “cook” for him. (You don’t know the meaning of the word ‘complementary’ until you see [hear] him eat my Mothers food!:)
Let me say that I am really thankful that my parents highly regard the heaven inspired Seventh-day Adventist message, and go to the books we have to find answers. (I can remember a ‘summer’ when my Dad read “Child Guidance” twice!) My trust in what they teach based now on my ‘own’ studying, has no questions.
The months that go by keep increasing in me a gratitude for the discipline I’ve received, and the amazing amount of fun I’ve had! The time my Dad spent and ‘spends’ with me I can’t begin to estimate. But maybe it wasn’t so much the “quantity” as it was the “quality”. I just know that no matter what it is, I am always the better for having talked about it with him. I’ve found he can make an object lesson out of anything, has a story for everything, can without fail make you laugh about something, and with a look, can discipline, love, cheer you, and yet say nothing!
I don’t know how to conclude except to say: It has been my prayer for many years that my Father would step out in faith and start such a school, that God would use him in such a way. For I believe that the times we live in plead for a retreat/refuge/home as this; and that what you learn… will touch your heart.
Thank-you so much for your time,
Warmly,
Michelle :)
