Merry Christmas from the VanderSchel family
at Peniel Bible Camp
Isaiah 9:6- “For
unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be
upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the
Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.”
We’re so thankful for the opportunity to serve
this Mighty God at Peniel Bible Camp!
Camp is a beautiful place in the winter time,
although we’re all hoping for a bit more snow than we had our first winter
here. Taking a walk around the property, you can see all the buildings through
the bare trees that you normally can’t see during the spring and summer months.
The lake has begun freezing in spots and has become a haven for dozens of
geese.
Since our last newsletter, our kids have been
given the opportunity to be enrolled at Northside Christian School. We are so
grateful for the Christian education they’re receiving and for the fun
extra-curricular activities they’ve been able to
take part in. The girls both played on the Junior
High volleyball team this fall, and all three of them are looking forward to participating
in future musical and dramatic programs. They’ve transitioned back into a
regular classroom very well from the homeschooling that we had been doing.
Izaac and Kim are both still involved in off-camp
activities that help us to meet folks in our rural area and introduce them to
Peniel Bible Camp. Izaac refs basketball in the local public schools, and Kim
substitute teaches. Many of these people we come in contact with have lived in
Morrow County all their lives but never knew the camp existed. Our desire it to
be salt and light in our community.
God has been so good to this ministry. We’re
thankful for the partnership we have with our co-workers, Nathan and Nikki Fry.
Many blessings from this past year here at the camp include: bookstore/snack
shop remodel, donated woodworking equipment, youth cabin improvements, donated
sound system for the entire camp, new roof/siding on main restroom building,
introduction of FACE camp, newer ice cream machine,upgrade/repair
of front dam, the donation of 2 golf carts, and the help of some dedicated work
teams—just to name a few!
Although
it’s time for the first snow to begin to fall here at Peniel, we’re already planning
ahead for our upcoming camping season this spring and summer. Work is being
done on the summer’s youth camp theme, research is being done to enhance and
promote our new outdoor education program (FACE camp), an upgraded recreation
area/ropes course is being installed, and new promotional materials are being
designed.
If
you’re looking for a place to rest, relax, and regroup this winter, consider
renting a cozy A-frame cabin here at Peniel. You’ll enjoy walking the trails around the
lake or just keeping warm while you catch up on some reading. Contact us at
pbcprogram@gmail.com if you are interested in more information.
Our
family is so grateful for the gifts, support, and prayers of our friends and
family this past year. As 2012 comes to a close, may we continue to be faithful
to the work that God has called us to do in the New Year. He has truly done
above and beyond all that we could ask or think.
Christmas
blessings,
Izaac, Kim, Ashlyn, Brenna, and Carson
for a printable copy with pictures, click here.
