by John Carpenter | Nov 20, 2014 | Ministry News
Well, dear friends and family in Christ, we have arrived at the time of year for celebrating the union and communion of being a part of the America we have come to know and love. This, of course, is Thanksgiving Time. And, all of us from here at Camp Del-Haven want to lovingly wish all of you — our faithful prayer warriors and supporters — a very Happy Thanksgiving! We trust that you will be able to spend a holy blessed time of fellowship with friends and family – around a sumptuous meal – reflecting upon all the ways that God has born testimony to you of His presence and power in your lives. I can tell you for sure — that as we reflect upon these things in our lives — we will be thinking and thanking Him for all of you. You are each and every day, week, month and year — the Lord’s answer to our prayers! Thank you.
This ever present reality is often expressed during our camp season. For example here is another entry from this year’s camp season:
Little Kids Camp #2 — July 14-16 —
“We have 2 full cabins and one full dorm of boys. Chapel has gone really well. Most of the children seem really receptive to what Jeff and Sheri are teaching them. Jason is the most adorable kid I have ever seen (Layla is, too). Last night (Tuesday night) Jason was asking questions about God and being saved. It was great to answer some of his questions. We have been learning memory verses today (Ps.139:14) and it is a very hard one to teach because it is so long. It was hard for me to be patient with them because I knew the verse really well — so it taught me to be patient. There was one camper who didn’t know it very well so I said it with him for awhile so it was awesome to get to know him. At the campfire, I was sitting in between Jason and Nevaeh — and Nevaeh fell asleep on my shoulder. It was so precious. I will miss everyone so much! I’m realizing how this week is the product of so much prayer! It’s such a blessing! Isaac R.
Please remember to lift up Isaac before our Lord — for His ever present protective, providing and guiding grace and power over his life. He has been (and we continually pray that he will be yet again) such a valuable spiritual asset to us. Thank you, Lord! And, of course, along with him — please continue to pray for youngsters like Jason and Layla. They are just two examples of all the children that the Lord sees fit to send out here and into the hearing of His great and precious gospel — with its life transforming power. This is what is being accomplished through all of your faithful, prayerful support of Camp Del-Haven.
I thought I would be able to report to you concerning a much needed new roof on our dining hall patio, but that task has not yet been done. Please pray that the Lord will see this task through to its completion. We are so dependent upon Him for virtually everything! But, that’s alright — He is so very dependable and reliable!
by John Carpenter | Oct 18, 2014 | Ministry News
It is a great time to reflect upon the many God given testimonies of this year’s ministry. For example, an unsigned entry in our camp journal for July, 2014 relates:
“We had 3 cabins full of girls this week at camp. About half were new campers and half had been campers in the past. I was so glad to see how attentive they were in each Bible class. One girl, Abigail, came up to me after each Bible class to ask me questions. It was obvious that she was really thinking about the things we were learning out here. This was her second year as a camper. I pray that the Lord will continue to put her in places to hear His word and that He will send people into her life to help mature the seed planted. May the Spirit quicken her to new life in Christ. This was such a good week and I’m so thankful to the Lord for sending out this staff of girls. I love how they have displayed kindness and the love of Christ toward the campers this week. I enjoyed our morning devotions and prayer time each morning before we woke the campers for the day. I pray that the Lord will continue to draw these young ladies to Himself — teach them through His Word — and strengthen them for the service for the Kingdom of God for which He has purposed them — whether it is now, here, at Del-Haven, or in the future. Thank you, Lord for your continued mercy and grace.”
This is another blessed entry into the historical records of what the Lord is doing with all of your precious prayers and support of this ministry. Thank you. We love you. Please continue to bear our burdens up before our loving and providing God.
by John Carpenter | Oct 18, 2014 | Ministry News
Prayer Requests
This is, indeed, the off season where our camps are concerned — however, there are still many things that we need to do, both, to prepare for this winter — and the next camp year as well. As mentioned in our last newsletter, we need major repairs done on our Dining Hall roof over the enclosed patio. They are scheduled to be done — and the expense is going to be just over 1,000 dollars to do it. Please remember to pray with us concerning the meeting of this additional expense.
Winter cold is always an issue where our buildings are concerned — and that requires propane to maintain the heating of them. We filled our tanks (which took 820 gal.) while the propane rate was down, but the bill we are faced with is $1344.
Please pray with us in regards to this need as well. These are nothing but oppressive worldly trials — that are only temporary. Our great God is a great provider!
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!
