by John Carpenter | Jan 18, 2016 | Ministry News
Well, dear ones, 2016 is now under way and we already sense and see that this carnal world is poised to be much more oppressively against us as we press on in the ministry of the gospel of the glory, only, of God’s grace through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Please be in earnest prayer with us that He continue to lead us according to His perfect will and wisdom in protecting, providing and preserving us.
By His amazing and enabling grace we will persevere in fighting the good fight of faith out here at Camp Del-Haven. It can, at times, seem to be overwhelming, but by Christ’s strength — and your faithful, prayerful support — we can with confidence continue to bravely face the foe — and this — all for Christ’s glory only.
Oh yes, while you’re praying for us — be in earnest prayer for our country as well! We desperately need a quickening from God the Holy Spirit upon our whole land!
I recently received word that on the evening of Oct.15 — our dear friend and faithful supporter, Florine McClain, was welcomed and received into the loving presence of our Lord. Her family informed me that her final moments came with family at her bed side. They told me that she was in a “comfort sleep” when — as they put it: “Mom took her last breath with a slight giggle, smiled, and lifted her arms toward heaven. All of her children and several grandchildren were at her bedside to witness this incredible moment. It was bittersweet; but none of us will ever forget that experience as she left us to join her heavenly Father and be reunited with Dad in heaven.” Dear friends, Florine’s final testimony proves how grand it is to know the Lord Jesus — and to be known by Him throughout this life! I can’t imagine traversing through this sinful fallen world without Christ being with me — keeping me — encouraging me — ever drawing me into His presence! Praise His Name!
by John Carpenter | Dec 18, 2015 | Ministry News
Here is another entry from our 2015 camp journal:
July 2, 2015> “First older girls camp! Tuesday morning it stormed, and Wednesday we only had a morning swim time. That evening we were under a tornado warning, so we skipped campfire, set up a projector in the basement of the dorm and watched movies. One key to being a good counselor is to hide God’s Word in your heart so He can give you opportunity to use it and relate to the kids. Get to know them; be goofy; be serious; speak to their need of a Savior in the small and the big ways. When Christ taught parables, He used their language and stories they could relate to. He listened patiently, took time away from doing things to truly focus on the needs of others, and gave Himself up for us. Let that be our mindset. This week, not many offered to pray, but I pray they would desire to know Christ and grow in their relationship with Him… Nothing can compare! Cause them to adore you, Lord.” Kendle
Kendle may not be able to be with us in 2016. Please remember to keep praying for her — that our Lord will guide and direct and provide and protect her in all that she ends up doing in this world. And, pray for us that He will provide another wonderful worker and laborer for His glory in what is needed here at Del-Haven.
by John Carpenter | Dec 18, 2015 | Ministry News
Everyone here at Camp Del-Haven want to wish everyone in our family on our mailing list — and everyone who happens to get a copy of this letter — a very meaningful, wonderful and Merry Christmas!
2015 — another year — is all too quickly coming to an end. We, indeed, have much to be thankful for. We, indeed, love you all and are truly thankful for all of you and your continual prayerful support for the gospel ministry that continues to flourish here at Camp Del-Haven. Our great God truly is a preserving, providing, protecting God — who is worthy of all our praise!
by John Carpenter | Nov 9, 2015 | Ministry News
As promised — here is another entry from our 2015 camp journal:
06/25/2015 — “Hot week of boys andgirls camp! Loved working with the wonderful staff and loved the kids even more! Our theme song this year is “It’s Been Mercy All The Way”; And, our memory verses are Eph.2:8, 2Co.5:21 and Jas.4:7. There are always distractions here: It’s hot; Just play with the kids and don’t talk about God; Staff communications misfiring; Bad weather; Staff feeling sick, or things breaking. As it says in our song, “Lord, I thank you for your faithful mercy — All of my steps have been grounded by grace.” By his mercy He gives us kids with hearing ears; questions about God to answer; times of disobedience so we can teach discipline and reconciliation; and eyes lighting up with thankfulness of grace as the Word is read. The more I come here, after almost 9 years of being a “staffer” — the more I care less about the distractions and want more to focus on these precious children. Trials always abound, but children always need to hear of Christ as well. Lord, keep our focus on you; being bold with telling these kids about you; and bless your next week of camp.” Kendle
Kendle is a college student and one of our staff members who has been faithfully serving the Lord with us at Del-Haven for almost 10 years. She has a great passion for sharing the Gospel with young children.
This entry really delves into the day to day life in a camp with these children. Please continue to pray for the staff of laborers that the Lord raises up to minister for His glory at Camp Del-Haven.
by John Carpenter | Nov 9, 2015 | Ministry News
On November 1st we had a wonderful time participating in the missionary program at Pleasant Grove Bible Church. There truly is an eternal bond that exists within the body of Christ. We thank our Lord God for everyone in that precious assembly. To have been among them — and to experience the real presence of being spiritually sealed to them — only serves to enhance our true love for them. It is an earthly taste of heaven. The preservation of Del-Haven is realized through their lifting us up before the throne of grace — and we know it! Praise to our God for the evidence of His love and grace through every bit of this kind of support.
Please continue to pray for our brother, Dan McElwain, who has recently undergone a heart treatment. He has — by our Lord’s divine intervention — come through it quite well. However, he still needs our prayers for his complete recovery. Also, pray that he will be able to adopt a lifestyle that is conducive to his continual good health. Pray that Lord leads Dan into a less stress filled occupation.
by John Carpenter | Oct 26, 2015 | Ministry News
Dear friends, this is absolutely a favorite time of the year! The weather as of late has been just wonderful. The campground is lovely beyond words! We have scheduled a cookout for our staff along with the members of our board as a show of appreciation for their service for the glory of Christ this last summer. Please be in prayer for us and them as we have them out here once again for a relaxing time in the Lord. Lord willing, we hope and pray that they can be with us again next year.
We received word that a dear friend and faithful supporter, Florine McClain, has been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. She needs all of our prayers. The Lord has used this dear prayer warrior to support and sustain Del-Haven from the beginning of its existence. She is a precious member of our prayer family, and we love her very much! Please remember to lift her up before the Lord. Also, please be in urgent prayer – once again – for our board member, Dan McElwain. He has suffered yet another stroke and needs our prayers. Tests are still being given that will determine exactly the right course of medical procedure. Dan is an important asset to the leadership of Del-Haven. We pray that our Lord will afford him a quick and complete recovery.
Please do not forget to pray for the meeting of our every month operational expenses. The last couple of months have been especially hard for us in that department. Our Lord sustains us by His grace, but not without stretching our faith and trust in Him. We need your continual prayerful support.
During this last summer’s first older boys camp, after the first morning Bible class, it was unusual to see 4 boys just lingering around — and a couple of them even remaining in their seats. One of the seated boys — named, Jacob — emerged as the leader and spokesman for the group. He informed me that he really liked it that I taught the Bible so thoroughly. He said that when he went to church — all his pastor said was: “…blah, blah, blah — Jesus loves you” and that’s it! Now of the 4 boys there was, Jacob – his brother, Lucas – and his friend, Cody. Then there was another camper named, Amaury. Each camp day Jacob and Amaury had questions that needed additional explanation with deeper understanding. Jacob claimed that by the gospel he had been changed; and Amaury stayed up till 3 AM reading his mother’s Spanish Bible. He was elated to be given an English version of the Bible. The other boys, Lucas and Cody, more or less just followed Jacob into the further hearing of the truth. Please remember to be praying for these lads that the Holy Spirit will – by grace — seal the gospel to their hearts and lives for His glory!
