by John Carpenter | Dec 12, 2011 | Ministry News
Dear ones, may we here at Camp Del-Haven extend our warmest wishes for you all to have a very Merry Christmas — 2011! Use this time to be especially mindful and earnestly prayerful for — not only of our families — but also of our nation. The worldly attacks on our Lord Jesus Christ are becoming much more overt and outrageous. The country is becoming much more careless in the way it refers to anything that is remotely of a Christian nature and character. Satan delights to show how powerful he is in troubling and afflicting the people of God — and especially the work of the ministry of Christ. But, as the Word of God descriptively declares: “Now is come salvation and strength — and the Kingdom of our God — and the power of His Christ! For the accuser of our brethren is cast down — which accused them before our God day and night — and they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb — and by the word of their testimony!” Re.12:10-11
by John Carpenter | Dec 12, 2011 | Camp News, Ministry News
Please be in prayer for us as we close out 2011 — and make the necessary plans and
preparations for 2012. Pray that God’s wisdom from up above be diligently sought for — and that we be not distracted with all that is going on around us. We need continual guidance and provisions from the Lord for everything — as usual — but especially for the sustaining of our staff of young people. We never know what hindrances the world will work into the equation of their lives. Only the coming months will tell. They are ever upon our hearts and in our prayers that they may be “kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation”.
By the same token — please remember all the children who have gone through the camp program. Pray that the work of the Holy Spirit will be manifest in their young lives. Causing them to grow in grace and knowledge of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Giving them strength to meet each of their days in this dark and dangerous world. Teaching them to pray — and the importance of God’s Word in their lives.
by John Carpenter | Nov 17, 2011 | Ministry News
It is with sincere love and joy, dear ones, that we here at Del-Haven do wish you all a very blessed and Happy Thanksgiving for 2011!
We have enjoyed some mild and wonderful — even beautiful — days recently. Fall is such a marvelous time of year. There are tons of leaves on the grounds…everywhere we step! If one somewhat mild day any of you want to help us — come on out and rake up and burn some leaves. We have an abundance! And, it won’t be long before we must batten down the hatches for winter.
The place always seems so quiet and uninhabited at this time of year. Nevertheless — we must not at all cease to be diligent in prayer — petitioning the Lord God to ever continue to sustain us in this ever changing and corrupt world. I am sure that we all know — that we are all aware — of the onslaught that the Evil One is launching against the Kingdom of Christ. The oppression and the pressures that he has been waging against us — have been on the increase all about us — in order to stifle — in order to prohibit — the proclamation of the gospel of God’s grace. More than ever we must band together and stand together in the good fight of the faith!
by John Carpenter | Nov 17, 2011 | Camp News, Ministry News
The month to month necessities of Del-Haven still need to be met on an ongoing basis. And, we still have a balance of $56,000 with the bank that we need to — Lord willing — pay off and retire. Please resume your earnest prayers with us in this matter. God has brought us through financial difficulties like these in the past — and He can do it again. Please pray that He will.
Most of all, ever be in prayer with us for all the children that have passed across these camp grounds this last summer. And, that have heard and embraced the truth of the gospel of the glory and grace of Christ, our God. They are for the most part — so much like sheep for the slaughter in that they are being herded back into the untoward environments of an ungodly school system. They, indeed, need our prayers — for God to keep them in the safety and security that comes from being rooted and grounded in the knowledge and understanding of His word. Pray that they remember their memory verses and gospel choruses and find in them comfort and strength and protection that can only come from the Lord. Please, dear ones, persevere with us in this Godly endeavor. We love you and thank you for doing so.
by John Carpenter | Oct 13, 2011 | Camp News, Ministry News
Fall Friendship Banquet 2011
The weekend began with a staff overnight at Camp Del-Haven. About half of the staff members attended and shared in an evening of fellowship and “catching up” since the summer sessions had ended.
On Saturday afternoon, we met with several of the faithful supporters for a time of fellowship and celebration. It is always encouraging to spend time with those who have supported Del-Haven through prayer and giving from the beginning (1952) and those who have joined the Lord’s work at Del-Haven along the way. As always, we missed those who were not able to attend this year.
The theme of the banquet was “Bless the Lord, O My Soul.” It was suggested by Marylee Carpenter who challenged both board members and staff to commit to memory and study Psalm 103.
John Carpenter emceed the event and gave a message over the many benefits bestowed upon us as mentioned in Psalm 103. His granddaughter, Sarah Jane sang “My Lord Knows The Way Through The Wilderness.” This was her first year to attend the camp as an official camper.
May you truly be blessed as you continue to serve our Lord and Savior. We appreciate your prayers and support and thank the Lord for each of you.
by John Carpenter | Oct 13, 2011 | Camp News, Ministry News
Please be in prayer with us for our staff members. The Lord has greatly blessed our need for staff the last several years and they are very dear to us. They volunteer their time and truly seek to serve the Lord by sharing the Gospel with the children who otherwise may not hear. They care for these campers and develop relationships with them, sometimes for several years. One such previous camper is Delano. He has been camping with us since he was six years old. He is currently in our Learning to Serve program as a 14 (soon to be 15) year old. He and his family have a great need as to where they are living and where he can go to school. This is a burden that he continually casts before the Lord, and we also ask that you be praying with him and with us about this situation. In addition, we have several of our staff members who are facing the trials and adventures of college and working their first major jobs. The Lord has sent these young people to Del-Haven for a reason and we trust that it is to minister to them and help prepare them for future ministry and Christian living.
The payoff on the bank loan for the waterlines and lake has been slow. The bank continues to work with us and allows us to pay a monthly interest and extra payments toward the principal as we are able. The current loan balance is $56,200.
