A Lifetime of Quiet Faithfulness Becomes the Largest Gift in Peter & John Ministries’ History
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Media Contact: Jennifer Margerum | jmargerum@gopjm.com | 443-712-1010
A dear friend’s unexpected $3.9 million bequest to River Valley Ranch honors a relationship that spanned more than 40 years and three generations of ministry leadership.
Baltimore, MD — May 15, 2026 — Peter & John Ministries (BRIGHT-FM and River Valley Ranch) has received a $3.9 million bequest for its River Valley Ranch ministry from a longtime friend whose quiet faithfulness supported the ministry for 40 plus years. The gift is the largest single contribution in PJM’s 78-year history, which will provide significant momentum for PJM’s Amplify Hope Capital Campaign, still in its early phase.
A man of deep, uncomplicated faith, this friend lived modestly and gave generously. Over the years, he faithfully supported both BRIGHT-FM and River Valley Ranch through annual giving, gifts to a few projects, and one significant contribution to a previous RVR capital campaign. His giving helped make it possible for thousands of children and families to encounter the hope of the Gospel through camp, retreat experiences, and Christian media.
The relationship with this quiet man began decades ago through Tom Bisset, who served as President of PJM at the time and first connected with him as a friend of the ministry. Over the years, that friendship continued through Tina Bisset Blackman, now PJM’s Vice President of Development.
The remarkable extent of the bequest came as a complete surprise to PJM leadership.
“This astonishing gift is both humbling and inspiring,” said Jon Bisset, President of PJM and Executive Director of River Valley Ranch. “It reflects a lifetime of quiet faith and generosity, and it comes at a deeply important moment for our ministry. But more than anything, it reminds us why relationships matter more than transactions.”
“The whole thing makes me weep,” said Tina Bisset Blackman, Vice President of Development. “I looked forward to seeing him. He appreciated ministry updates, and then we just talked. I loved hearing about his life, his faith, his memories, and the things he enjoyed. What he has done here is so significant and moving. It’s a powerful reminder of the value of each person who gives.”
“He was a humble man with a genuine faith,” said Steve Lawhon, Executive Vice President of PJM and General Manager of BRIGHT-FM. “This gift reflects the kind of person he was: steady, faithful, and deeply committed to helping others encounter the hope of the Gospel. Its impact will be felt for generations.”
For PJM leadership, the bequest is also a reminder that many of the people who shape a ministry never stand on a stage or serve in public roles. Their prayers, encouragement, friendship, and faithful support quietly sustain the work for generations. His story is an encouragement to everyone who partners with this ministry, at every level, that faithful, quiet support has the power to shape what comes next.
The gift honors the past. It will also shape the future. The Amplify Hope Capital Campaign projects include a new dining hall at River Valley Ranch, expanded broadcast and digital media initiatives through BRIGHT-FM, and critical facility improvements across both ministries.
About Peter & John Ministries
Founded in 1948 by Scottish brothers and pastors Peter and John Bisset, Peter & John Ministries exists to share God’s life-changing message of love and hope through media and Christian camping. Today, its ministries continue to impact thousands of lives each year across the region and beyond through two cornerstone ministries.
River Valley Ranch (RVR) is a premier Christian summer camp and year-round retreat and outdoor education center situated on 450 acres in Carroll County, Maryland. RVR serves families, churches, and schools through dynamic programs designed to inspire growth, faith, and connection.
BRIGHT-FM is a network of radio stations and media platforms delivering messages of hope and encouragement through broadcast, digital media, and live events across Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Hagerstown, Frederick, and beyond. Stations include 95.1 FM Baltimore, 104.7 FM Hagerstown/Frederick, 103.1 FM Grasonville, and 95.1 HD-2 WRBS-AM.
Media opportunities include: interviews with Jon Bisset, Steve Lawhon, and/or Tina Bisset Blackman; on site tour of River Valley Ranch or BRIGHT-FM broadcast studio. For media inquiries, please contact Jennifer Margerum, jmargerum@gopjm.com, 443-712-1010.
To learn more, visit gopjm.com