by John Carpenter | Sep 14, 2014 | Ministry News
We need some major renovation work done to the ceiling and roof of our dining hall patio and storage room. We have a contractor that can do the job for around $1200. This needs to done before any winter snows come upon us. Please pray that our Lord will supply the extra finances for this much needed project — as well as our regular monthly expenses (which are becoming increasingly more difficult to meet). We thank you and praise the Lord for you in advance for remembering us before the throne of our sovereign Lord and Savior. We love and pray for you all! For Christ’s glory only!
by John Carpenter | Sep 14, 2014 | Ministry News
We are not going to be able to have a fall Del-Haven Banquet this year — so we have instead scheduled our banquet for next spring. It is slated to take place on the first day of spring — March 21, 2015. You will receive more information about this event — but please go ahead and mark your next year’s calendars. Lord willing — this will be a great way for us to launch our next year’s camp season! Put this, also, on your prayer list…thank you.
by John Carpenter | Sep 14, 2014 | Ministry News
A Word From The 2014 Staff Journal
Brittany, one of our girl staff members, wrote in our camp journal about her experience in helping us at one of our June camps:
“This week has been one of the best for me at camp — as far as being able to answer spiritual questions goes (lol). The girls are proud to say, ‘I believe in Jesus’ — and I pray they continue that.
Some of the girls had attitude problems, but I think it’s just a reaction to such a different routine. So many of these children are used to being ignored — verbally/Sexually/physically abused — so coming here they expect the same treatment. They want attention and negative attention is mostly what they receive, so they try to gain it. What a shock to meet people who are kind to them — and encourage them! I pray that the staff will remember that — and press on to be kind.
I’ve gotten so much encouragement from all the staff here over the years. God bless all the participants of Camp Del-Haven! You’re forever in my heart. Mary Lee — we miss you.” Love, Brittany
Dear ones, when we ask you to pray for our staff and the children that the Lord sends to us to minister to — this is just a sample of what you’re prayerfully supporting. Please continue to do so. The Lord uses your support to meet our needs!
by John Carpenter | Sep 14, 2014 | Devotional
“But my God shall supply all your need — according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (20) Now unto God and our Father — be glory forever and ever — Amen.” Phil.4:19-20
This all too familiar passage of scripture communicates such great comfort and hope to all of God’s needy children who are yet passing through this fallen world. Just to know that sovereign God, our heavenly Father, knows our needs before we ask Him (Mt.6:8) and, also, has perfectly provided the means and the substance of the supply of them — gives unto us great reason to rejoice, rest and be at peace. This truth should also motivate us to further rejoice and thankfully pray to Him — without ceasing (1Th.5:16-18) — casting all our care upon Him — because we know that He so much lovingly cares for us (Pe.5:7)!
This simple truth, however, is one of the most misunderstood aspects about the sovereignty of God over all of the lives of His loved and chosen children in this fallen world. Too often it is — that many Christians miss the point of truly seeking after the Lord God — who already knows all — and already has everything all worked out — especially where the oppressive trials and needs of this life are concerned. It is a vivid expression of fallen and carnal reasoning — that is based upon unbelief instead of true faith — that in times of trial and adversity and need we become weighed down with worry, doubt and are even brought to the brink of falling to pieces under the stress and strain of that which we must face up to and go through in this life. “Much tribulation” is a definite characteristic that literally substantiates the proof that we are, indeed, on the narrow way, or the right path, that leads through this fallen world into the eternal, glorious presence and Kingdom of God. [Ac.14:22] Praise His Name!
Dear ones, there is no reason for us to ever have to fret the threatening evil of our day and time, or our circumstances — because our Lord God is still in complete control — just as He has always been! And, as the apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians while he was living under one of the most oppressive governments in Roman history: “I have been crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live — yet not I but Christ liveth in me…and the life which I now live in the flesh — I live by the faith of the [eternal] Son of God — who loved me and gave Himself for me.” We can trust Him, who is our Savior and Lord — to never, ever leave us, or forsake us (He.13:5). He will protect, preserve and provide for all those — whom He has eternally redeemed. He is our Head — and we are His body. We are bound to Him by His everlasting love and sovereign grace — which reigns over our whole lives through His perfect righteousness (Ro.5:21). We are His building — and He is our sure and firm foundation (1Co.3:11 1Pe.2:4-5). He supplies all that we need — and then shows to us that He, Himself, is that which fills all our needs. Blessed be the holy Name of the Lord!
For Christ’s Glory Only!
John Carpenter
“Call upon me in the day of trouble — I will deliver thee —
and thou shalt glorify me.” Ps.50:15
by John Carpenter | Aug 24, 2014 | Ministry News
Well, dear friends and fellow-supporters, the 2014 Del-Haven camp season came to a conclusion on a very high note! The Lord blessed us with not only a good summer — but an especially good last camp. It was an older boys camp (age 9-12) and everyone was so well behaved that we couldn’t give out a single best camper award — like we do at the end of every camp session. Therefore — we ended up giving all the boys a best camper award! This is because they all were truly a great group of young men. Praise the Lord! So, when you pray for us — thank our Lord Jesus in a special way for our last camp. We have more than one good candidate for our LTS (Learning To Serve) Program — from where we hope future staff and counselor help will come.
The whole summer of camps was good. From our camp journal — our very first camp session has some insightful entries — some of which include:
“After teaching the same Bible studies year after year after year, I felt like they needed something fresh and new. I spent some time trying to change my second Bible study — about the crucifixion. However, I just kept going right back to the same “old” stuff. So, that is what I taught. At our campfire testimony time — there were a few testimonies about what they learned, or enjoyed about that Bible study. Thank you, heavenly Father, for the encouragement.” [Sounds like the hymn, “Tell Me The Old, Old Story”]
“Session 1 — June 16-19 — Little Kids
Great week! We had only 7 girl campers and 6 boy campers total — so, because the counselor-to-camper ratio was almost one-to-one — we were able to really get to know them well. The girls were singing “Everlasting Love” at the pool, and jumping in at “deeper than the sea”– except they said, “deeper than the pool”. They were very attentive in Bible study. I pray the Lord would fill them with the Holy Spirit in their understanding of the scripture that they learned. More than just words — make it to be “living and active” — a light shining truth and joy into every moment of the day! Lord, challenge them to see their sin clearer — convict them of their need for your forgiveness, and comfort them with your everlasting love that gives purpose to the most floundering soul. I’m so blessed to be here! Kendle L. [Thank you, Lord — for, Kendle]
