Meet Heath at Camp – Heath Pawlak is adventurous, loves the outdoors, and is passionate about serving others. You could say he is perfect for the role of Recreation Services Administrator at Camp Echoing Hills.
Heath has spent the last ten years working in nursing homes, serving the last five as the Director of Memory Care. Before this, Heath worked as a preschool teacher, a worship leader, and interning as a youth and music pastor. He has also completed missionary work in hospitals and orphanages in Mexico, India, Dominican Republic, and Haiti.
Loving to travel, Heath looks for a way to serve whenever he goes somewhere new. It is how he met his wife, Rocio. While preparing for a solo trip to Mexico, Heath had reached out to several churches and orphanages in hopes to find a landing spot for short term service. One of the responses came from Rocio, who was a volunteer at a church in Morelia. In trying to find a way to network, heartfelt conversations naturally flowed. Not in their wildest dreams did they think this would lead to something so much more, but three years later, they continue to embark on ministry adventures together as husband and wife.
“I knew immediately that she was different than anyone I had met before,” says Heath. “It was clear in my heart that I had quickly fallen in love with her soul and it became mandatory within my spirit that I know her more. How reverently she spoke of Christ was a breath of fresh air for me. It was obvious that she saw Christ the way I’ve read about Him throughout my life.”
Earlier this year, Heath and Rocio found themselves at a place where they knew a change was needed. They turned to God, praying for direction. Heath did not expect to hear he was to change his career. Loving what he did, the calling led to some hesitation. Ultimately listening and trusting His word, Heath got instant confirmation he heard God correctly. It was 30 minutes after turning in his resignation when he found out about the opportunity at Camp Echoing Hills from a friend.
Researching both the role and the organization, Heath was immediately intrigued. Nonprofit and faith-based, Echoing Hills had the combination Heath was looking for. Creating activities for campers, working with volunteers, and organizing trips and respite stays provides the opportunity to serve.
“My passion is to serve God and others. This role allows me to do both,” shares Heath. “I have enjoyed the relationships I have made thus far. It has been great to have individuals come to me, wanting to open up the Bible together and asking for my support and guidance.”
When not serving others, Heath enjoys playing and writing music. He plays the guitar, piano, saxophone, and ukulele by ear and was once a part of a rap group as both a musician and lyricist.
When asked what he looks forward to in his new role, Heath shares, “Continuing to form relationships with others and partnering with Echoing Hills’ Community Living to expand camp to those we serve daily.”
That sounds like music to our ears!
