Thursday, April 19, 2012

VanderSchel Update: April 2012

(For a printable version, click here.)

The VanderSchels / Ohio Bible Mission / April 2012

 
What We've Been Up To Lately:

We have been very busy here at Camp Peniel this spring! There have been many work projects going on, visitors stopping by, and much to do to get ready for the upcoming camping season.

February-- Izaac and Kim had the opportunity to attend a camp conference at Alpine Bible Camp in West Virginia. It was such an encouragement to be surrounded by so many other godly camp workers from across the country and to come home equipped with some new ideas to try here at Peniel.

March-- The kids had a great time working alongside some new friends as they helped out with work projects around camp. They enjoyed a beautiful, warm Spring Break from school while Kim was out of the country visiting her brother and his family in Okinawa, Japan. Izaac’s work with BCSA included judging several speech categories for the high school fine arts competition and numerous trips to the Statehouse to meet with representatives and senators regarding legislation potentially affecting our Christian schools. 

Brenna and Ashlyn helping with projects

Carson helping with a project
 
April-- We kicked off the month with a school field trip to Mott’s Military Museum. The kids had a great time checking out the tanks, planes, and wartime memorabilia. Kim has recently assumed the role of camp store manager and has spent many hours this month researching new products, placing orders, and preparing for the upcoming season. Izaac and the kids are looking forward to participating in spring baseball and softball leagues. We enjoyed celebrating Easter with our church family at Westerville Bible Church and with some good friends visiting from Washington Court House. The remainder of this month will find Izaac busily planning for the summer’s theme- decorations, games, skits, songs, etc. 

Easter 2012

Friends visiting for Easter
Our presentation schedule picked up again this spring. We’re thankful for the opportunities we’ve had to be in many different churches sharing our burden for the ministry of Peniel Bible Camp. We’re praising the Lord that we are currently at about 76% of our support, and we’re confident that He’ll provide the rest in His perfect timing. We’re so grateful for all of the churches who faithfully pray for and financially support our work in this ministry, and we thank the Lord for the opportunity He has given us to be a part of it. May we be found faithful!

What's Going On At Camp:

Tim Smith from Zanesville

Quite a few work teams have been busy on camp this spring. A group from Zanesville came in February, bringing with them a wonderful gift of some woodworking tools for the camp. Mark Goldfuss headed up a work team from his home church in South Carolina. They spent a week here at Peniel working on various projects all over camp—snackshop/bookstore renovations, youth cabin improvements, and boat shed repairs.

South Carolina work team

 

The Frys have moved on site and are currently getting settled in. They’ve taken over all the grounds responsibilities, and we’re so blessed to be partnering with them. Nathan has had a large part in helping Izaac and Dan Corey finish the snack shop and store remodel.

The next two weekends will be clean-up days here at camp. We’ll be getting all the buildings cleaned, aired out, and ready for campers. Consider joining us!

Father/Son Retreat and our Memorial Day Celebration will keep us hopping in May, just in time for the kick-off of the summer camping season.
 

OUT OF THE PARK, our summer youth camp baseball theme, will be a great opportunity for hundreds of young people to hear God’s Word, participate in various activities, and hang out with old and new friends. Please pray for the weekly speakers as they study and prepare their messages, for the campers to come ready to listen and respond, for the staff that God is preparing to use this summer, and for all those whose hearts and lives will be touched by the ministry of God’s Word at Peniel Bible Camp.
 
Camp Needs:
  • Funding is still needed for reimbursement of printing costs of the summer staff t-shirts. If you are able to help meet this need, a special offering or gift would be greatly appreciated.
  • We are in the process of replacing some of the outdated furniture in the lakefront and A-frame cabins. If you've recently purchased some new furniture for your home and have couches, chairs, end tables, dressers, lamps, desks, etc. that are still in good condition,  please consider donating them to the camp. Contact us at pbcprogram@gmail.com or through Facebook.
  • Summer staff (counselors, nurses, kitchen workers, custodians)
 
Our Prayer Requests:
  • continued financial and prayer support of local churches 
  • sale/rental of our home in WCH
  • witnessing opportunities in our community (subbing, ball games, etc.)
 
Kids' Column:

I’m having lots of fun at camp! I’ve been able to help my mom and dad do lots of things. This spring we’ve seen baby bunnies and baby racoons. They were so cute! It was fun having our friends come spend Easter with us. We stayed up really late talking. This week I started my softball practices. I love softball! Now I can’t wait for summer to get here!
Love, Ashlyn
Ashlyn at Mott's Military Museum

 Presentation Schedule:
  May 1- Heritage Christian (Findlay
May 8- Mentor Christian
May 15- Licking County Christian Academy

If you’d like to schedule an update or presentation, please contact us at pbcprogram@gmail.com

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Serving the Lord and Strengthening the Church by:
enhancing the current camping program
establishing new opportunities
encouraging continued involvement
 

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