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!
by John Carpenter | Aug 24, 2014 | Ministry News
Well, dear friends and fellow-supporters, the 2014 Del-Haven camp season came to a conclusion on a very high note! The Lord blessed us with not only a good summer — but an especially good last camp. It was an older boys camp (age 9-12) and everyone was so well behaved that we couldn’t give out a single best camper award — like we do at the end of every camp session. Therefore — we ended up giving all the boys a best camper award! This is because they all were truly a great group of young men. Praise the Lord! So, when you pray for us — thank our Lord Jesus in a special way for our last camp. We have more than one good candidate for our LTS (Learning To Serve) Program — from where we hope future staff and counselor help will come.
The whole summer of camps was good. From our camp journal — our very first camp session has some insightful entries — some of which include:
“After teaching the same Bible studies year after year after year, I felt like they needed something fresh and new. I spent some time trying to change my second Bible study — about the crucifixion. However, I just kept going right back to the same “old” stuff. So, that is what I taught. At our campfire testimony time — there were a few testimonies about what they learned, or enjoyed about that Bible study. Thank you, heavenly Father, for the encouragement.” [Sounds like the hymn, “Tell Me The Old, Old Story”]
“Session 1 — June 16-19 — Little Kids
Great week! We had only 7 girl campers and 6 boy campers total — so, because the counselor-to-camper ratio was almost one-to-one — we were able to really get to know them well. The girls were singing “Everlasting Love” at the pool, and jumping in at “deeper than the sea”– except they said, “deeper than the pool”. They were very attentive in Bible study. I pray the Lord would fill them with the Holy Spirit in their understanding of the scripture that they learned. More than just words — make it to be “living and active” — a light shining truth and joy into every moment of the day! Lord, challenge them to see their sin clearer — convict them of their need for your forgiveness, and comfort them with your everlasting love that gives purpose to the most floundering soul. I’m so blessed to be here! Kendle L. [Thank you, Lord — for, Kendle]
