Peniel Bible Camp: VanderSchels July 2011 Newsletter

OHIO BIBLE MISSION / July 2011

What we've been up to lately:

After 13 years of teaching at Fayette Christian School in Washington Court House, it was bittersweet to pack up our classrooms in June. Our house is currently on the market, and we're praying for a quick sale. We've moved our regular summer load to camp as we have for the past 10 summers and are now right in the middle of a very busy camping season.

Ashlyn, Brenna, and Carson have jumped right into camp life and are enjoying the busy schedule. As the girls have grown older, they've enjoyed picking up some new responsibilities in the bookstore and dining hall. Carson is a great help to Izaac, whether he's holding one end of the tape measure or helping clean up after activities. Kim is teaching the elementary-age campers during morning chapels for family camp and is busy organizing craft sessions in the afternoons. Izaac will assume the role of "Sheriff" this summer for Tumbleweed Stampede. He's been busily planning activities and theme decorations in preparation for the junior and teen campers' arrival.

Our A-frame basement renovation is well underway. All the rooms have been dry- walled; the girls' bedrooms have been primed and painted; and the ceilings are finished. Once summer camps are over, we'll have time to be able to get back to work on that space. We're so thankful for the family and friends who have diligently helped with that project. Once the basement is finished, we'll move the next load from Washington Court House -- the girls' bedrooms and the office/schoolroom.

Although we're trying to be patient, we're very excited to see how the Lord is going to use us this fall as we settle into permanent residency here at camp. The kids can't wait to be at camp in the snow, but Kim reminds them to enjoy the hot summer days as long as they can!

View from the schoolroom into the girls' bedrooms

bottom of the stairs - pantry and doorway into schoolroom

At the end of the summer, we'll make the "big move" and bring all the rest of our things from WCH. Any large pieces of furniture that won't fit into the A-frame and other things we won't immediately need will go into a storage unit for the time being. We're looking forward to making this cabin our home with our own furniture and décor.

Due to the whirlwind end of our school year, our camp presentation schedule slowed down a bit this past spring. We'll be visiting a couple of churches throughout the summer and then resuming a more aggressive presentation schedule in the fall. God has blessed us with a little over 60% of our support level, and we're truly thankful! To schedule a presentation or contact us regarding our full-time camp ministry, please feel free to do so at pdirector@obf.net. We'd love to hear from you! We're so grateful for the continued giving and prayers! They are such an encouragement to us!

What's going on at the camp:

The Lord has blessed us with beautiful weather these first couple weeks of camp. Our first week was a busy one with Pastor's Conference, Training Camp, and a Mother/Daughter Retreat. We're currently enjoying a relaxing week of Family Camp while gearing up for youth camps which are just around the corner.

The camp is being transformed into the for our summer program. We're sportin' our best western duds for the arrival of passels of cowpokes and wranglers this summer. Our prayer is that many hearts and lives will be touched and changed through the daily teaching of God's Word.

A second carpetball table is ready for action outside the rec hall, just in time for youth camps. We're so thankful to Mike Adams (Fayette Bible) for building it and to Kenny Arnold (Fayette Bible) for transporting it to camp this past week.

Installation of new carpetball table

Camp Needs:

- Funding is needed for the printing of staff t-shirts this summer. If you are able to help meet this need, a special offering or donation would be greatly appreciated.

- Staff is still needed for several of our youth camp weeks. Please contact us if you would be willing to help serve.

Our Prayer Requests:

- continued financial and prayer support of local churches

- sale of our home in Washington Court House

- completion of the A-frame basement

- purchase of a second vehicle

- effective ministry to campers and staff

Kids' Column:

I'm having lots of fun at camp! My favorite thing is helping in the kitchen with Mrs. Peeler. This week, I got to wait on tables at the adult banquet for family camp. I even got a tip! The best part was that we got to eat grilled steak afterwards. I can't wait for my new bedroom to be finished. It's aqua and lime green! Brenna and I have never had our own rooms before, so it will be really fun! I also have been helping my mom in the craft cabin. She lets me help her do sample crafts for her display wall. In just 2 weeks, I get to be a camper again! Love, Ashlyn