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]
by John Carpenter | Jul 5, 2014 | Ministry News
Praises and Prayer Requests
Well, dear friends and family in Christ, we have had — thus far — two wonderful camps. They both went very well — the gospel of the glory of Christ having been given and there not occurring any real trial, or difficulty. In short, our prayers for God’s presence and protection have been answered! Thank you — and please continue to pray for us!
Also — all our prayers — yours and ours — for God’s timely provision is also proving to be heard by our Savior. The Food Pantry of Faith In Christ Fellowship Church in Oak Grove, MO has been a continual source of year round supply for us — along with the annual food showers from our long time friends of Crest Bible Church, who collected over 600 cans of food this year, and Forest Grove Baptist Church. And then there are our friends from Strasburg Church — whom the Lord sends to us with specific things that we always have need of. The Lord is so rich toward us through these precious friends in being able to physically feed the children that He sends to Del-Haven — so that we can spiritually feed them. Praise His Name! This is the evidence of the outworking of the indwelling Spirit. We thank the Lord of heaven and earth for His bountiful provision and supply!
We have the busiest part of our camp season coming right upon us. Therefore, your prayers and gifts are much needed to see us through the rest of the way. Please keep on keeping on in prayerfully lifting us all up before the throne of grace. Pray for the children that God sends to us — as well as the staff that will be ministering to them. May our Lord and Master be pleased to continue to guide, protect and provide — as only He can do. Thanks for being there.
by John Carpenter | May 15, 2014 | Ministry News
Do not forget to lift up our front line warriors for the Lord — our staff. These servants are the ones who must face the rigors of the day in and day out ordeals — that can involve the most unexpected situations that a ministry such as this entails. Therefore, they need daily strength and encouragement that only Christ our Lord can provide. So, therefore, please pray for them without fail!
God bless you for your continual prayers and support. We love you all very much.
It is mind boggling to think that just one month from today — we will have already had our first Del-Haven camp of the 2014 season! It is only true saving faith that beholds that which cannot be seen with physical eyes — and that also tightly embraces all the promises of our almighty and sovereign Savior/God. And, truly, the ministry here at Del-Haven is a work — of the faith of the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave Himself for us. [Ga 2:20]
We still have room for more campers in our first session, June 16-19. So, if you know of any 6 to 8 yr. old boys, or girls — that would like to go to camp — then go to our website: www.campdelhaven.org and fill out an application right away! Please pray that the Lord sends to us the children whom He wills to hear the gospel of the glory of our Lord Jesus. It is this prayer that He has answered for us – now – for over six decades!
Preparations are being completed in order to make the camp ready for the season. We are so appreciative of all who have participated — and who are yet planning to participate — in this much needed labor. We could not do it without you all! Again, continue to pray with us that the Lord guide us — and provide for us — and protect us as we press on in service to His Kingdom — for His glory only!
by John Carpenter | Apr 18, 2014 | Ministry News
Well we are coming up on our third Saturday workday. Things are gearing up in our preparation for the camp season. There is still plenty to get done — so, again, if you, or your group can lend us a hand — it will be greatly appreciated. Just let us know — if you can — that you’re coming — and when you’re coming. On Saturday’s we generally provide breakfast and lunch. People begin to show up around 8:00 AM and work till around 1:00 PM — but nothing is written in stone as far as this schedule is concerned.
If you, or your group want to help provide us with supplies, or things of that nature, just call us and get what we need. This sort of thing seems very fluid at this particular time. As we approach the month of June what is lacking will become much more obvious.
by John Carpenter | Apr 18, 2014 | Ministry News
As ever — we earnestly urge you to remember us in your prayers. Please be praying for our staff members — that the Lord will provide us with the maturity and leaders that we need — for both the boys and the girls. Pray for Sheri and Jeff our two major players where our staff is concerned. And, as always — be in earnest prayer for the children that are already applying for a position in our different camps. Pray that the Holy Spirit be preparing their hearts to hear and to respond to the presentation of the pure gospel truth of God’s Word. We love and thank you for being there in support of this ongoing evangelistic effort — all for Christ’s glory!
by John Carpenter | Mar 30, 2014 | Ministry News
Please be in earnest prayer for our staff and the children that will be coming this year. We have already received applications over the internet for campers. This is a gospel seed sowing ministry — and much prayer is the nourishing rain that makes it take root and grow in grace. Thank you for your continual love and prayerful support!
