We're moving...

Over the past couple months, Ken Perry has been working on redesigning our website. As of the first of the year, it's up and running. The blog has been moved to the new site. We don't want to lose touch with any of you, so here's our "forwarding address"

http://obf.net/penielbiblecamp/blog/

Check it out and let us know what you think.

See you at Peniel in 2013!

VanderSchel December 2012 Update

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.

Couples' Retreat 2012

Thirty-two couples enjoyed the time spent at Peniel's Couples' Retreat (as campers or serving on staff) on Friday and Saturday, October 5 & 6, 2012. The fall colors were gorgeous, the weather was very fall-ish, the meals were delicious, the activities were unique, and the preaching of the Word was challenging. What better place than Peniel Bible Camp for couples to enjoy time together!

 

View more pictures from this weekend retreat, see our Facebook Page.

Men's Retreat 2012

View more pictures from this weekend retreat, see our Facebook Page.

Women's Retreat 2012

"What an amazing and blessed 24 hours... the weather was PERFECT, the messages were ANNOINTED, the fellowship was WONDERFUL, the worship of many ladies lifting their voices to our Lord was ANGELIC, the food was DELICIOUS (and I did not have to make it), the surroundings were PICTURESQUE, the servanthood of the staff was much APPRECIATED, and the GLORY of the Lord was present ♥ Thank you Camp Peniel and all involved for making this a refreshing and soul lifting time." Cher Silvius

View more pictures from this weekend retreat, see our Facebook Page.

Photo Book

Click here to view this photo book larger

Turn your favorite photos into a photo book at Shutterfly.com.

VanderSchel Update: September 2012

(For a printable version, click here.)

The VanderSchels / Ohio Bible Mission / September 2012

What We've Been Up To Lately:

It’s hard to believe that we’ve just completed our first full year living here on-site at Camp Peniel. We feel very blessed to have the privilege of promoting this ministry across the state of Ohio and beyond.

The summer months were a whirlwind of activity as usual. The kids took various trips to friends’ and grandparents’ houses several times and had friends hang out here at the camp with them. We also enjoyed allowing the kids to be a part of a spring/summer sports league. In the past we’ve always moved to camp in the summers so they hadn’t ever been able to play a sport during the late spring months. Ashlyn and Brenna played softball and Carson played baseball. It was a lot of fun and a great opportunity to meet other families in our community. We anticipate further contact with their coaches in the coming months. The kids are now gearing up for their soccer seasons this fall.

Our All-Star

The girls attended Junior 2 camp this summer, and Carson was a first-time camper at Junior 1. They had a great time making new camp friends and staying in big cabins. Kim served as head counselor for Junior 1 and continued to facilitate the bookstore, snack shop, and craft cabin throughout the summer. Izaac was the “ump” for our baseball-themed weeks of camp and kept everyone moving with his fun, action-packed games and activities. Some favorites were “Whack-a-Manager”, “Base Base Base Base Base Baseball”, and “Sliding into Home”.

First time camper

Junior 2 Camp

Fall also means the start of a new school year. Kim will homeschool the kids again and continue to substitute in the local public schools. Ashlyn and Brenna are in Junior High this year as 7th graders, and Carson is beginning his 4th grade year. Izaac’s legislative responsibilities for the Buckeye Christian School Association will resume this fall as well.

Back to School

                                                                                                                   

We are still not at full support, yet look forward to seeing how the Lord will provide the additional $600 a month. We are so grateful that He continues to meet our needs through the faithful giving of churches and individuals each month.

Please pray with us for the sale of our home in Washington Court House. We certainly know without a doubt that Camp Peniel is where God has called us and placed us, but we need wisdom in dealing with our realtor and potential renters. We certainly covet your prayers.

House for Sale in Washington Court House (Fayette Co.)

 

What's Going On At Camp:

A highly anticipated Memorial Day celebration kicked off our summer camping season! We had a great time here at Peniel, with over 250 people in attendance. The morning began with a patriotic service in the chapel followed by a lunch of grilled hamburgers/hotdogs, fresh-cut fries, and a huge potluck of side dishes. After lunch there were games for the kids, a 5K run/walk, a model rocket launch, and a Chicago-style softball game. Many folks concluded the fun-filled day with a browse through the newly-renovated store and a strawberry shortcake ice cream cone from the snack shop.

In our four youth camps, the Artificial League and Natural League battled it out in the all-star baseball game each week in Peniel Park as they sought to earn the most runs. We had a great line-up of players, managers, owners, commissioners, announcers, trainers, and vendors this summer for our “Out of the Park” theme! The Holy Spirit definitely moved in the hearts of many campers and staff each week as the Word of God went forth.

Through our summer offering project and individual donations, we’ve been able to purchase a newer used ice cream machine for the snack shop. We’re thankful for how God has provided that in such a timely way. If you would still like the opportunity to give toward this purchase, please let us know.

Although our regular OBF summer camps are over, Peniel is still a busy place. We have other church groups renting the camp for their own family or youth camps, school groups coming in for a spiritual kick-off to the new school year, missionaries stopping by to rest in the midst of busy traveling schedules, soccer games and family reunions to host, and more work projects taking place. Please contact us if you are interested in renting a cabin for a night/weekend, or if you would like to help participate in a work project.

Registration is open now for our fall retreats—men, women, and couples. Sign up today!

Camp Needs:

There are some projects on camp that will be taking place this fall. If you would like to donate materials or funds to help with any of these, please contact pbcprogram@gmail.com  -- bathhouse roof, A-frames, recreation area behind Ashbrook Hall, snack shop bathroom, and the Peniel Lake dam.

Family 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:

Hey, this is Brenna! I had a really fun summer playing softball, going to camp, and hanging out with my friends and cousins. This was my first year to play softball and I really loved it. I got to play 3rd base and center field most of the time. This fall I’m excited to be in TAC, our teen youth group at church. We’ll be going to the Teen Harvest Rally in Indiana in just a couple of weeks. I’m also looking forward to soccer season!

Ashlyn and Brenna at the Morrow County Fair

Presentation Schedule:

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