Dear Faithful Supporters,
There have been many things that have happened at Wildwood since our March newsletter. We have recounted many of these in our Mailchimp newsletters that are a little more frequent. If you have not signed up for those updates, I would encourage you to do so here.
We have had a great camp season and last month held our Men’s Retreat. Evangelist Dave Brady and his family were a blessing, and his preaching was an encouragement to all of us. Many responded to the truths they heard with making decisions. We had several newcomers and churches represented, and I appreciated the opportunity to connect with others of “like precious faith.” God still has a remnant in our country, and it is a blessing to enjoy each other’s fellowship.
The next event coming up is the Winter Retreat, December 26-28 with Austin Brownlee preaching. This event is for both teens and college & career young people. It has been an encouragement to us as we’ve watched Austin grow up from a young junior age camper, to now be at the end of his Bible college training for ministry. This really defines what camp is all about, and we’re grateful to have played a small role in his spiritual journey. Although it is a challenge with the Christmas schedule, it is an important time for the young people to get this spiritual “shot in the arm” halfway through the year.
We were able to get the new electric service connected the week following camp which is a major blessing! Pastor Cumberland has been working to install new lights, re-wire the boy’s shower house, and re-organize the existing breakers in the main building. The boy’s cabins now have lights! We were able to purchase insulation for one of the boy’s cabins earlier this spring, and recently I ordered the wood paneling. Once completed, this will give extra sleeping space for the boys at the Winter Retreat.
A few weeks ago the seventh payment (of twenty) was made on the 39 acres we are under contract to purchase. We are ahead of schedule and this leaves $62,400 remaining to pay it off in full.
Following summer camp, there were several bids and contracts at my secular workplace that were necessary for me to complete in order for the company to have work through the winter. I have not been taking a day off a week for the camp since July, but have been back working in the evenings and on weekends. I am just now starting to see a reprieve at my secular job, and hope to be back taking a day off for camp soon. We are thankful for the support we have received since our last newsletter, and estimate we are at 15% of what we would need to go full-time. I am looking to present the camp ministry from January through March of 2025 and have reached out to a few churches. Pray for God to open the right doors in His perfect timing.
Our camp board meeting is coming up in November, and we would appreciate your prayers as we lay out goals and plans for 2025. We have already scheduled several of the camp speakers for next year and look forward to what God will do once again on this mountaintop!
An individual at the Men’s Retreat expressed an interest in having a work week for his church in April 2025. If this is something you would be interested in participating in, please let me know so that I can keep you up to date on our plans. There are several projects that we could certainly use help with!
Paul gave thanks in I Timothy 1:12 “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.” I too am thankful for God’s grace, and count it a great privilege to serve the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Thank you for your support!
Looking unto Jesus,
Joel Marshall
