by John Carpenter | Feb 13, 2012 | Ministry News
As you probably know — we have been purging our mailing list to exclude addresses on our list that are no longer relevant. It is both good and necessary to periodically do this. We do not wish — at any time — to send news of our ministry, or our needs, to places that are neither valid nor receptive. And, having done this — may I sow a word of encouragement for you all to — maybe — talk about Del-Haven to someone new — who might become interested in supporting our ministry? We do have a website that you can send them to — if they are up to date with that sort of thing. Also, if there is a church group, or something like that — we would be glad to schedule a time to talk to them in person — and provide for them some brochures. After all — we do have 60 years of experience in preaching the gospel — and of being sustained by the grace of God — from which we can share. It is just a thought.
by John Carpenter | Feb 13, 2012 | Camp News, Ministry News
Our Saturday work days begin on Saturday, April 7th. We serve breakfast and lunch to participants. Please contact us if you or your church group would like to plan for a work project. 816-690-8465.
by John Carpenter | Feb 13, 2012 | Camp News, Ministry News
June 18-21 (6 to 8 year olds)
June 25-28 (9 to 12 year old girls)
July 9 – 12 (9 to 12 year old boys)
July 16-19 (6 to 8 year olds)
July 23-26 (9 to 12 year old girls)
July 30 – Aug. 2 (9 to 12 year old boys)
We have already begun to plan camper programs and activities of a little more variety for this coming year. There have been made some great suggestions that only need now to be implemented. The feedback that we have gotten from some of staff of recent years has been very encouraging as well. We are so happy that some of our best our planning to be with us once again. But — as we know that prayer is the accomplishment of God’s will — please be praying with us — and for us — that the Lord will lead us — even in all that we plan to do for Him. For we know of a certainty — that if we fill the description of the Word in acknowledging Him in all our ways — He will direct us in all our paths.
by John Carpenter | Feb 13, 2012 | Devotional
“Now ye are clean — through the Word which I have spoken unto you. (4) Abide in me, and I in you. According as the branch cannot bear fruit from itself — except it abide in the vine — no more can ye — except ye abide in me. (5) I am the vine. Ye are the branches. He that abideth in me — and I in him — the same bringeth forth much fruit! For without me [or, lit., apart from me] — ye can do nothing!” Jn.15:3-5
Religion without a real confession concerning the glory of the totally accomplished work of Christ — is, indeed, a dangerous thing! For it tends — in the end — to only flatter people by leading them — in a self righteous way — to think, or imagine — that they can do something without Christ.
Jas.1:21-22 tells us what we need cleansing from: “Wherefore, lay apart [or, put off] all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness — and receive with meekness the engrafted Word [or, the implanted word] — which is able to save your souls. (22) [lit.] But keep on becoming doers of the Word and not hearers only — deceiving your (own) selves!”
It isn’t that we don’t do anything — but that we don’t do anything according to our own fallen flesh! The Spirit of Christ and the Word of God dwells down inside of us and ever works to transform us into the image of the Lord Jesus Christ! Praise His Name! We, indeed, “have this treasure in earthen vessels — that the excellency of the power may be of God — and not of us!” So to be a true “doer” of the Word — is the same thing as saying “the Word” [which is Christ] does it all. There is no darkness, nor deception, where this pure truth is concerned!
The enemies of the truth spend all their time and effort in obfuscating this divine principle of grace. It is the way of the world to sow thorny weeds in the same place — the same heart — that the Word of gospel truth is implanted. The thorns, you remember, serve to choke the word to death…so it will not bear any lasting fruit. The lust of the flesh of fallen human reasoning may, indeed, receive the implanted Word with joy — but, alas, it has no real root to be able to endure the hot affliction that will, of a certainty, come upon it because of the Word. It, too, in the end — brings forth no real fruit. And, Satan — works day and night to blind the mind — so that it cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. And, as the Word says: “But if — our gospel be hid — it is hid in them that are lost”.
But — praise the Lord — for the revelation of Himself that He — is the Light of the world! And, also the scripture from Ep.5:8 that describes: “For ye were sometimes darkness — but now are ye light in the Lord! Walk as children of Light!” Oh, yes — Ps.119:105 says: “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet — and a light unto my path.” Also, vs.130 tells us: “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Praise the Lord for His Word and His Spirit and what they have done!
For Christ’s Glory Only!
John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Jan 8, 2012 | Camp News, Ministry News
This is the time of year that we spend much time in prayerful seeking for the Lord to go before us in preparing for the coming camp season. Please be faithful in doing same thing. Pray for campers and staff alike. That the Lord our God will send us both — to the glory of the presentation of His gospel. Pray, also, for the continual supply of everything that we will need in order to stay in operation. And, please continue to pray for the retirement of the debt we yet owe to the bank. We are making progress. It is just seems to be — not very fast. The current balance is $53,676.82.
We earnestly pray for these things — and we also pray for you. That God will bless you — and meet all your needs. And, we pray for you — that you, too, will be in prayer for these things for us — with us. God be praised!
Remember — prayer is used of the Lord in the accomplishment of His will and purpose for the furtherance of the glory of the purity of His gospel. The gospel of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ — the only Sovereign Savior Substitute — that ever was, is or ever will be! “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my Name — that will I do — that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (14) If ye shall ask anything in my Name –
I will do it!” Jn.14:13-14
