by John Carpenter | Apr 18, 2014 | Ministry News
Well we are coming up on our third Saturday workday. Things are gearing up in our preparation for the camp season. There is still plenty to get done — so, again, if you, or your group can lend us a hand — it will be greatly appreciated. Just let us know — if you can — that you’re coming — and when you’re coming. On Saturday’s we generally provide breakfast and lunch. People begin to show up around 8:00 AM and work till around 1:00 PM — but nothing is written in stone as far as this schedule is concerned.
If you, or your group want to help provide us with supplies, or things of that nature, just call us and get what we need. This sort of thing seems very fluid at this particular time. As we approach the month of June what is lacking will become much more obvious.
by John Carpenter | Apr 18, 2014 | Ministry News
As ever — we earnestly urge you to remember us in your prayers. Please be praying for our staff members — that the Lord will provide us with the maturity and leaders that we need — for both the boys and the girls. Pray for Sheri and Jeff our two major players where our staff is concerned. And, as always — be in earnest prayer for the children that are already applying for a position in our different camps. Pray that the Holy Spirit be preparing their hearts to hear and to respond to the presentation of the pure gospel truth of God’s Word. We love and thank you for being there in support of this ongoing evangelistic effort — all for Christ’s glory!
by John Carpenter | Apr 18, 2014 | Devotional
“Now the God of peace — that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus — that great shepherd of the sheep — through the blood of everlasting covenant…” He.13:20
This is the traditional time of year where it is common among professing Christians to meditate and focus upon the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. And, that great event is what sanctifies Him — and all of us who truly believe in Him — from all other religious systems and beliefs throughout the world! For any and all religions that follow some special man — no matter how great that they may make him out to be — none — absolutely none of them — ever truly and historically died and then was raised back to life as the Savior of all His loved and chosen followers.
This text not only declares this truth, but puts the greatness of this feat in perfect perspective. It may said to do this — through three points. First of all, it makes plain that our Savior and Lord was completely in league with almighty God. God — who is unto us who are His — a God of peace. Hence, it says that He — as the God of peace — brought again from the dead our Savior and Surety, the Lord Jesus. God did this great thing for Him — because He is His Son! Ro.6:4 says, “like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father”. Praise His Name!
Secondly, this text declares the Lord Jesus to be the great Shepherd of the sheep. This premise of the perspective is so important because it adds unto the equation eternal divine purpose. His purpose was the eternal salvation of His sheep! Jesus declared Himself — from Jn.10:11 — to be the “Good Shepherd” — which — “giveth Hid life for the sheep”. It is from here, also, that He announced the amazing truth: (14) “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. (15) As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father — and I lay down my life for the sheep!” And then the Lord Jesus said, (18) “No man taketh it from me — but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down — and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received from my Father.”
This last phrase gives us the: Third point that puts Christ’s resurrection into perfect perspective for us. For it declares that our Savior/substitute was under law to obediently do, and to have this done, unto the glory of God’s grace. This is the essence of the “Law of the Lord” — that is fulfilled “in the blood of the Everlasting Covenant”. It is this Law — that becomes the delight of true child of God (Ps.1:1-3). They meditate day and night on the fulfillment of this wonderful gospel truth!
Beloved, He.13:21 makes it clear that we — His sheep — are the recipients of the eternal blessings of Christ’s shed blood of the eternal covenant. For it says that through His resurrection — the God of peace will: “make you perfect in every good work to do His will — working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight — through Jesus Christ — to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen”
It is indeed our earnest prayer that each of you will have a wonderful time of worship in spirit and in truth this time of year. May your reflections upon the great resurrection of our Lord bring glory — only — upon Him.
-For Christ’s Glory Only!
John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Mar 30, 2014 | Ministry News
Please be in earnest prayer for our staff and the children that will be coming this year. We have already received applications over the internet for campers. This is a gospel seed sowing ministry — and much prayer is the nourishing rain that makes it take root and grow in grace. Thank you for your continual love and prayerful support!
by John Carpenter | Mar 30, 2014 | Ministry News
The summer of camp season 2014 is coming right upon us. Our first Saturday work day is only a couple of weeks away…if the weather permits. Please be in prayer for our main man Jeff Hall, who underwent hernia surgery just this same month. His recovery from this will definitely have to be taken in consideration. We do not want anything to go wrong. Jeff’s knowledge of what needs to get done is invaluable to us. Pray with us for his complete physical healing and total recovery.
As always — there are many tasks that need to get done before the first group of campers come on the premises. We will once again be designating each Saturday a preparation day for the camp season. If you — or, your group — can schedule a day to help us — Praise the Lord — we will greatly appreciate your assistance.
