Dear Faithful Supporters,
“Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign,...and he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD...” As I’ve been reading through II Chronicles, God reminds us over and over again the impact youth have had on nations. These young Jewish leaders led the nation of Israel into many revivals, or sadly into idolatry. We know from reading the history of modern revivals, they are often led by young people. In our churches, young people have the capacity to move our churches forward with their zealous surrender to God.
Wildwood saw God work again in the hearts of young people this summer with decisions for salvation, surrender, and increasing their experiential knowledge of “who God is.” We have great expectations that God will use your young people to impact your churches for Him.
It was a blessing to have Evangelist Caleb Reed and his family join us early this year to help with counselor training in addition to preaching to the 26 juniors and 75 teens attending camp. There was a good response to the teaching and preaching of God’s Word. We had a wonderful group of counselors and staff with a spirit of unity in their service. God provided answers to prayer with additional help needed to accomplish the work of the ministry. Reflecting back, it is amazing how many different people contributed, and we give God all the glory for the great things He accomplished this year!
Camp was of course full of challenges! God provided His care in many different ways. During the hike Junior Week we got caught in a severe wind storm. Thankfully we walked out of the woods cold, wet, and tired, but unharmed by the falling trees! Our bus broke down during Junior Week, and one of our bus drivers was not able to drive Teen Week for soulwinning. God provided another bus for us to use, and another substitute bus driver. Toward the end of Teen Week, many of us started developing cold-like symptoms. Sure enough, many (including our family) contracted and are still recovering from Covid. God was so good in providing all that was needed through the weeks of camp. We are also feeling much better!
Prior to camp we were able to put the Wildwood totem pole sign back up for camp, install new steps to the boys' shower house, and make repairs to the pool and superslide among many other things. During Teen Week we rented a mini-excavator and dug the most difficult 200 feet of water line trench. The city workers also installed the tap and meter barrel. We have dug the section across the field to the main building and started the line installation. We have the water line pipe now, most of the fittings, and just need time, energy, and machinery to complete the work to make all the connections! Our church purchased the conduit needed to run future electric to the guys' shower house, so it is also being laid in the same trench. It is a blessing to see how God is providing! We still have staining and painting to complete, and we are hoping to start the electrical upgrade as funds are available. Also, please pray for God’s wisdom regarding the need to repair or replace our bus.
We’re excited to have Evangelist Caleb Reed back for the Men’s Retreat September 16-17. You can register here or through mailing in your registration forms. I believe it will be a much needed time to strengthen and encourage the leaders of our homes and churches. Every pastor knows we need more godly men!
Our Winter Retreat registration is available here, and we are looking forward to having Evangelist Glenn Stevenson back for this event scheduled December 29-31. Space is limited so I would encourage you to register early!
For His Glory,
Joel Marshall