Dear Beloved Friends,
I trust this message finds you well and embraced by the grace of our Lord. As I reflect on the whirlwind of activities in the month of October at Camp Good News, I am filled with gratitude for the many developments and the support of cherished friends like you.
In the first part of October, we celebrated a counselor Discipleship reunion, extending the impact of our online Discipleship Leadership Program (DLP). The reunion concluded with a special video presentation of the Story of Noah at Camp Good News, a delightful event attended by around 50 guests. See some of the pictures taken here.
In the early days of October, I had the privilege of attending the Focus Conference hosted by Angel Tree. Connecting with fellow camp Directors from across the United States was a truly enriching experience. The various seminars deepened my empathy for children whose parent guardians have been incarcerated, emphasizing the profound need for the Gospel in their lives.
This month also marked the beginning of the Tuesday afternoon Good News Clubs at Shell Elementary in Hawthorne, where we had the joy of welcoming 17 children in the first week to the club. Pastor Sammy and Jay S. have been wonderful team players, making our time with the children both enjoyable and effective.
Later in the month, we participated in Missions Week at the Baptist College of Florida, reconnecting with students and engaging in uplifting conversations about the ministry at Camp Good News.
Other highlights include the addition of 2000 catfish to Lake Annie provided by the Florida Wildlife Commission, the near completion of the 12-week course called Progressive Methods of Child Evangelism, and the exciting step of breaking ground for the 50 by 72 ft pole barn construction project over the basketball court. It was also great to visit Hope Christian Academy and meet up with the children and teachers to share with them what God is doing at Camp Good News!
As we look ahead, we ask for your prayers for the following:
- Preparations and provisions for a 3-day Thanksgiving camp on November 20-22. (A brochure is attached for children)
- Resolution of ongoing issues with the operation of the camp oven.
- Continued ministry in the community in Hawthorne and the surrounding area, including the newly established Good News Club at Shell Elementary.
May the Lord’s blessings continue to abound, and we leave you with the comforting words of Philippians 4:6-7:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Blessings to all,
Phil and Stephanie, Michael, Christina, Joy and Joanna
By job title, Alice is the office administrator at Oakridge. But her behind-the-scenes efforts go far beyond that! She is actively involved in the leadership team for the Tuesday evening women's bible study, she is on the mission committee, and she has recently both stepped into the leadership of church bridal and baby shower celebrations, and started teaching in our Ozone kids program. Oh, and if you see any special seasonal or holiday decorations around the church, it's a safe bet that Alice was involved!