Massanetta Story: Unsung Hero
For over two decades, Rich has been an unsung hero of Massanetta’s mission “to be a place for all people to experience God.” You won’t find Rich on stage during an event, but his work behind the scenes has ensured that thousands of people could see, hear, and fully experience the transformational nature of a Massanetta experience.
Rich and his wife, Pat, were looking for a way to combine their passions for camping and volunteering. In the fall of 2004, they met with Massanetta staff to explore how they might serve. That conversation led to weeks of volunteer service starting in 2005 and eventually to purchasing their retirement home just across the street at Sunnyside — becoming a permanent part of the Massanetta community they love.
Over the years, Rich has helped countless guests experience Massanetta fully. From running audio and visual elements for conferences to maintaining and expanding Massanetta’s IT systems, he has ensured that both staff and visitors stay connected — making the mission a reality in so many small, critical ways.
One example of his behind-the-scenes work came during the Bible & Church Music Conference several years ago. He noticed that some people couldn’t hear the speakers well. As the A/V person for the conference, this bothered him. “I went over to my church and got permission to borrow some of the hearing assist devices,” he said. Seeing others fully participate in the conference brought him joy — after all, it’s hard to engage in a keynote or worship service if you can’t hear what’s being shared.
“Massanetta has given me a way to use my talents to make the guest experience better,” he said. By building the IT infrastructure from one router and two guest computers in the lobby to a campus-wide WiFi network, Rich’s background as a network administrator has strengthened our ministry in countless ways. From saving thousands of dollars to be used elsewhere to helping leaders prepare and deliver presentations smoothly, this quiet service continues to have a transformational impact.
Reflecting on what he sees from his perspective, and why an initial week of volunteering turned into a 22-year love of service, Rich said, “I’ve watched the kids at the Middle School Conference and even the adults from the Bible Conferences who can’t wait to come back year after year. It speaks a lot to the culture of a place, and volumes about the ministry. They can’t wait to come back, and I feel the same way.” Massanetta has a way of making you feel like part of a family — one you can’t wait to see again.
Like Rich, the Massanetta community is made up of unsung heroes through generosity. Your support helps make every Massanetta experience possible, even when no one sees the work behind the scenes. Its impact is felt in every corner of our ministry. Thank you.