Dear Pastors and Co-Laborers,
Ezra 7:6 “According to the good hand of his God upon him” speaks of God’s blessing upon Ezra as he led the rebuilding of the temple. Like Ezra, we can say God’s blessings continue to fall here at Wildwood.
We received another donation of 25 mattresses transported and delivered from South Carolina by our faithful friend, Paul Smallridge and his colleague Brother Prain, this past November. We believe your young people will welcome these additional “creature comforts” away from home!
God richly blessed our Winter Retreat this past December, even without the snow the young people always hope for! One of the notable blessings occurred during the opening service preached by Evangelist Glenn Stevenson. Years back, my parents had picked up a young neighborhood boy named Zack for Vacation Bible School, and ever since my father had faithfully prayed for him and his family. Zack had moved away, joined the Army, but was in visiting his family for Christmas. On December 27 he decided to stop by to give his condolences to my mother on my father’s passing. My mother seized this opportunity to invite him to supper and the opening service at the retreat. Zack responded in the invitation and our Pastor, Terry Cumberland, led him to Christ! My father continues to store up eternal rewards! Please pray for Zack’s spiritual growth. In addition there were many other decisions made by those in attendance. We had a full crowd, the staff was terrific, and the preaching was powerful!
We have been praying for some time regarding needed updates to the camp’s electrical and water “infrastructure.” During camp, the demand exceeds what our current utility services can provide. We need God’s wisdom as both of these items involve several decisions and large investments. Currently, the anticipated costs is approximately $5,000 for the water upgrade, and $10,000 for the electrical upgrade. There will also be increased monthly fees for the water.
Our first men’s spring workday is scheduled for March 26. We would like to paint the main building, insulate the cabins, repair the shower house steps, install permanent venting in the men’s shower house roof, and provide more gravel for the driveway and parking area. Obviously, there is more than can be completed in one workday so we will be scheduling others also! Our pastor and another man from our church have offered to work on painting during the weekdays when it is warmer if others would like to join them. Please let us know if you are planning to be there so we can be better organized.
Since our last newsletter in November, we received donations in memory of my father Allen Marshall, and I know his heart would be to use those gifts to help with these projects. May God richly bless each one that has already given!
Please pray regarding the upcoming camp schedule that God would continue to use this place to touch the lives of His people. The hope of our nation, our churches, and our homes, is when individuals turn their lives over to Him. We believe this camp ministry provides an atmosphere facilitating revival. We invite you and your church to encounter God’s hand of blessing in the upcoming events!
In Faith,
Joel Marshall
Ezra 7:28 “And I was strengthened as the hand of the LORD my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me.”
