by John Carpenter | Aug 8, 2011 | Camp News, Ministry News
As our 59th summer of camp ministry winds down — please be in continual prayer for both staff and camper. We are not ignorant of the enemy’s devices and know that he will be plotting wicked things to happen in order to try and thwart the word and work of the Holy Spirit. He always does — but he shall not prevail because of God’s word of truth: “If God be for us — who can be against us?!”
Your continual prayers and gifts will serve sustain us in the meeting of our worldly expenses and defending us through all of his attacks — and then some! Thank you all for being faithful in supporting us — we truly do love you!
Well, we have had to suffer the dog days of an especially hot summer here at Camp Del-Haven. Our brave and bold staff have weathered through these last few camps with amazing vigor and endurance — and with no complaints! God’s grace has indeed prevailed every hour of every day. And, the boys and girls have also behaved remarkably well in spite of the untoward heat. We have simply added more swim time to the schedule.
We have seen the Spirit of the Lord mightily at work in bringing the gospel of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ into the hearts and lives of these chosen campers. Which is what it is all about — Praise His Name!
by John Carpenter | Aug 8, 2011 | Devotional
“O God, thou art my God! Early will I seek thee — my soul thirsteth for thee — my flesh longeth for thee — in a dry and thirsty land where no water is — to see thy power and thy glory. So as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.” Ps.63:1-2
This Psalm was written when David was in the wilderness of Judah. He knew hot and dry days — one right after the other. And, the Holy Spirit used that experience in his life to cultivate and convey how much he truly longed for the Lord to make His presence to be realized to his soul.
He says: “O God (Elohim — triune God), thou art my God” (El — singular form — God of omnipotence; God of strength and endurance). “Early will I seek thee…” Which denotes at the crack of dawn he sets out on a mission to find His God. This speaks of the love that He had for God — which, in turn, speaks more of God’s love for him (for we love God because He first loves us).
The intensity of this great love is articulated next. Even so is it expressed by how thirsty for Him he indeed is. He is thirsty for God’s presence and power and glory.
He is thirsty for God’s word which promotes the means of the true worship of God in Spirit and in truth — which every true believer loves to do. So much so that his flesh all but faints in pining away for God’s gracious power to show itself — to enable him to persevere and endure. For at the present time — he is indeed “in a dry and thirsty land where no water is”.
Water is a Semitic symbol for both God’s Word and God’s Spirit [Eph.5:26 and Jn.7:38-39]. And, in every true believer’s experience there are very real times of soul wrenching seeking for the water of word and Spirit. Times that serve to stretch their faith — and enhance the relationship with their Lord and Savior.
And, where else do we feel — do we sense that we are — the most content — the safest and most secure — where all our needs are met — but in the sanctuary of our God’s presence. Sanctuary is actually: Holy Place…where the mercy seat is — where our atonement — our redemption — our sanctification is eternally established — by Christ our God’s gracious person and work.
Here is where we truly see and understand His great glory and power in the eternal salvation of our soul. It’s all Him! He is the water that we long for — He is the strength that we lack — He is the power that proves to be sufficient to prevail over all the insurmountable odds that are against us.
Let us show ourselves to be His children by fulfilling that which is written in Pr.8:17: “I love them that love me — and those that seek me early shall find me.”
For Christ’s Glory Only!
– John Carpenter
by John Carpenter | Jul 6, 2011 | Ministry News
The first two Del-Haven camps of the 2011 season have already come and gone. And, the Lord has richly blessed us indeed. This year has unfolded so fast — that I can’t hardly keep up with all that’s going on around us.
Waiting For A Ride
Session 1 Campers and Staff
Session 2 Campers and Staff
by John Carpenter | Jul 6, 2011 | Ministry News
We are currently renting a van twice week from HMH in Lee’s Summit for about $90 per trip. Thank you for praying with us concerning this need. Many of our campers would not make it to camp without assistance. Special thanks to Mrs. Vasholz for her generous donation toward this need.
by John Carpenter | Jul 6, 2011 | Ministry News
We have experienced a much needed — and greatly appreciated — food shower from our dear friends at Crest Bible Church. Once again they gathered over 20 boxes of can goods, cake mixes and macaroni and cheese! Things that little boys and girls love — and want more of! Our special thanks to our special friends for this ongoing show of great support for the cause of Christ.
We have also have a few individuals who have responded to the “Needed Items” list in the previous newsletter. Special thanks to The Lyons and The VanHorns for making a special trip to camp with those supplies.
