by John Carpenter | Feb 10, 2013 | Ministry News
Well, once again, dear ones, it is hard to believe that although right at this moment the Del-Haven campground is quiet — and cold — and bare — with trees and limbs down all over the place — Lord willing, in just a little over three months from now — the entire place will be humming with activity! The usual policing of the buildings and grounds will obviously have to be done in advance, it is true — but more importantly is the preparation definitely has be made — by prayer and Bible study — to be effectively used to present the gospel of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ unto the boys and girls that He will be sending to us. And, for all of these things we earnestly solicit from all of you — all of your prayers!
As we attempt to keep in touch with staff and camper alike — throughout the year — we have been encouraged with the prospects of a prosperous 2013! We have heard from some of our best staff members — that they are planning to be here once again this year. That’s absolutely great news! While there are others who have indicated that they will not be able to help us this year — and this naturally leaves gaps that we need to fill in their absence. So — dear “prayer warriors” — please bring this need up before our ever faithful God and Savior. He knows our needs before we ask Him — but that fact does not mean that we don’t have to ask Him. It just assures us that He already knows what we need. In fact, He prompts us to — even commands us to — cast all our cares upon Him, for He cares for us! As we have noted before — prayer is that which God has chosen to use — to accomplish His will (not change it).
Other than the ongoing and regular financial needs that we have — of the 32 beds we are still in need of seven more new mattresses for the bunks in the dorm. They cost $100 for each. It would be nice to be able to start the new camp season with fresh replacements for all those bunks in the dorm. Please pray with us about this need as well.
by John Carpenter | Feb 10, 2013 | Devotional
“And the Lord went before them — by day in a pillar of a cloud — to lead them the way. And, by night in a pillar of fire — to give them light; to go by day and night. (22) He took not away — the pillar of the cloud by day — nor the pillar of fire by night — from before the people!” Ex.13:21-22
The occasion that this text refers to is the very first time that the children of Israel saw the mighty way in which — the delivering Lord God — was going to manifest His presence in guiding and protecting them. This divine phenomena showed up — right when they come to the Red Sea. It led them there — and then protected them from their enemies till they crossed through it on dry ground! It continued to lead them on — throughout their 40 year wilderness journey. In fact, every place that they put up the Tabernacle — this manifestation of God’s preserving presence showed up.
We see a wonderful parallel between the constant presence of the pillar and the prevalent place that the Word of God comes to have in the lives of all His true children. The Holy Spirit uses it to lead us through each day as well. We find from God’s written word — the path of salvation and of life and peace and strength and hope. From it we receive much encouragement and eternal assurance — that God is sovereign and in complete and total control — of all things — at all times!
Like the pillar that provided its guidance and protection during the daytime — every time they were to move from one place to another — even so does the Word of God bless us with that wisdom which is from above — and that Godly instruction so that we can know the way wherein we are to walk. And, then there’s the night — and there are many dark nights in the life of child of God as they traverse this worldly wilderness — that same pillar of cloud suddenly becomes a pillar of fire! Fire to light the way — and at the same time — to ward off the enemy. Fire to gloriously contrast the times of darkness that we must often go through.
Is.4:5-6 alludes to this when God says from there: “And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion — and upon her assemblies — a cloud and smoke by day — and the shining of a flame fire by night — for upon all the glory shall be a defense. (6) And there shall be a tabernacle — for a shadow in the daytime from the heat — and for a place of refuge and for a covert from storm and from rain.”
We learn from this — that it is the Lord, Himself, who is our guiding pillar of cloud by day — and our protecting pillar of fire by night! Like the line of the hymn says: “The Lord’s our Rock — in Him we hide — a shelter in the time of storm!” Jn.1:14 very appropriately tells us: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt [or, literally: “tabernacled”] among us — and we beheld His glory — the glory as of the only begotten of the Father — full of grace and truth!” Praise the eternal and incarnated Son of God — the Lord Jesus Christ!
For Christ’s Glory Only!
-John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Jan 28, 2013 | Ministry News
Planning a Visit—Give us a Call
Please let us know if you decide that you want to come out for a visit — so we can open the gate for you. We have an automatic opener that we recently had to replace due to someone trying to open it — without the opener. A quick call to us — in advance — will do just fine…thank you.
by John Carpenter | Jan 28, 2013 | Ministry News
The 2012 donation receipts were also mailed out this week. If you do not receive yours for some reason please let us know.
by John Carpenter | Jan 28, 2013 | Ministry News
We do have a budding need — it seems — where one of the freezers that we had given to us last year is concerned. It seems to operate — sporadically! So — once again — please be in prayer with us for another — more reliable one — if you will. If you know of anyone — or, any group — that might have one that they might donate to a ministry of the Lord — please let us know: (816) 690-8565 or, (816) 774-4128.
As ever and always — please do not forget to be in continual prayer for our ever changing summer staff. We know that we will be having to replace some of our regulars this year. Pray that our Lord sends those whom He has willed and purposed to help us. He fosters even our prayers — to the accomplishment of His will.
Also, I think we all know how that our schools have emerged as some of the most dangerous places in our land! In light of the most tragic events that have occurred — if anything — we should be greatly urged to be continually lifting up before our sovereign almighty Lord God — all our children. We should be in unceasing prayer: That God will protect and preserve them from harm — and continue to draw them to Himself — to make of them men and women of God — in the midst of our crooked and perverse nation and generation. This is what we are about — here at Del-Haven.
