My Dear Fellow Laborers,
“And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of Thine hands: they shall perish; but Thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt Thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but Thou art the same, and Thy years shall not fail.” Hebrews 1:10-12
Reading those verses on October 30, 2021, I reflected on the clear contrast between the temporal earth and heavens, and God, who is eternal. I had just watched my dear father Allen Marshall leave this life in the early morning hours. My faint heart’s perspective was “things will never be the same.”
God spoke to me clearly that day: He is always the same, and He will endure for ever.
“But thou, O LORD, shalt endure for ever; and Thy remembrance unto all generations.” Psalm 102:12
I, along with countless family members and friends, loved my Dad. I personally relied on him more than I ever realized. He was a faithful man, unwavering in the midst of life’s storms. He was always there… until now.
“As for man, his days are as grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.” Psalm 103:15-16
My father’s work here on earth is over, but God’s work is not done. Dad would be the first to tell you Wildwood was not the work of one man—it was miraculously initiated and sustained 35 years through God’s mercy and grace.
“But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him, and His righteousness unto children’s children;” Psalm 103:17
Naturally, due to my family connections and background, many have assumed I will be taking things over now permanently as “Camp Director.” At our most recent board meeting I agreed to work the next year as an interim Camp Director, while we pray for God’s clear direction for our lives in the future. We would appreciate your prayers for us as we seek God’s perfect will.
Please pray for the ministry of Wildwood Christian Retreat during the days ahead. There is much to accomplish, and many young people God desires to call into His service.
Two days before Dad would die, one of Dad’s last visitors was Evangelist Caleb Reed. Brother Reed asked Dad what his vision of Wildwood was. Dad said his vision for Wildwood was that it would continue to be a place where young people would surrender their lives to God, and go on to serve Him. Sadly, few young people are surrendering to God today, but we believe God still has a place here in the wilderness.
Through God’s grace and supported by His people, Wildwood will continue to be an exciting place of challenge where young people are still surrendering to God.
For God’s Glory,
Joel Marshall
