Dear family, friends, and partners in the Lord’s ministry,
As we close another camping season, Rita and I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what an incredible summer the Lord has given us here at Camp Barakel.
This summer, over the course of 9 camper weeks, roughly 1,570 campers came through the gates of Camp Barakel, and each one heard the Gospel multiple times throughout their week. Between chapel messages, tribe talks, one-on-one conversations with their counselors, and even late-night talks around a campfire, the truth of God’s Word was being shared again and again. I even had the privilege of daily devotions with our kitchen AVS that worked alongside me.
It is easy for us in foodservice to get caught up in everyday tasks. Ordering food, washing dishes, ovens that don’t want to cooperate, and the occasional “Where did all the milk go?” moments. But it has been a tremendous encouragement to remember that what we do in the kitchen is part of the ministry. Every meal and snack we prepare and every camper we serve gives the rest of camp the opportunity to focus on reaching these young people for Christ.
One of the biggest blessings this summer was seeing how well staffed we were in both kitchens each week. The Lord provided the people we needed and He was faithful to give us strength and wisdom throughout the season. There were certainly long days, unexpected challenges, and plenty of moments when we wondered how everything was going to get done. But somehow, the Lord always provided.
And, as is usually the case in foodservice, there were a few moments where we simply looked at each other and said, “Well…this should be interesting.” Thankfully, the Lord has a way of working things out even when our carefully crafted plans seem to disappear faster than the garlic bread served during the pasta meal.
Rita and I also want to give a very special shout-out to Ellie Brown and RMS Appointee James Williams, who volunteered to help run the West Kitchen. These two were a blessing to us this summer! Their willingness to step in, work hard, take ownership, and serve where they were needed made a tremendous difference. Ellie and James didn’t just show up. They jumped in and helped carry the load. They dealt with long days, deliveries, meals, unexpected situations, and all the other fun that comes with trying to feed hundreds of hungry campers and staff. We are incredibly thankful for their willingness to serve and for the way they invested in both foodservice and the ministry of Camp Barakel. We appreciate their church for lending them to us for the summer.
Looking back, we are thankful not simply for the number of meals served, cookies baked, and the weight of Goldfish Crackers consumed, but for the eternal purpose behind all of it. Roughly 1,570 campers heard the Gospel, and we had the privilege of playing a small part in making that ministry happen.
We also want to give you a little update on the kids. Celia spent two weeks serving as a technician and then had the opportunity to camp during the final high school week. She has started 11th grade and is excited for some new opportunities this year. She started a Bible study with friends at school, so please pray that they will be encouraged and strengthened in their faith. Also for salvation for a few kids who are listening and asking questions. Eli camped during his final junior high week and is enjoying his freshman year of high school. He has joined the cross-country team and is doing well. We are thankful for the young adults Celia and Eli are becoming and enjoy watching the Lord work in their lives.
And then there is Neko, who has worked very hard this summer at being a cat. He spends most of his days sleeping, eating, looking out the window, chasing Nerf balls, and doing his best to avoid being held by anyone who loves him a little too much. Celia and Eli are both completely in love with him. We are pretty sure his primary ministry right now is keeping everyone entertained and reminding us that apparently napping is a full-time job.
We are excited to see what the Lord will be doing during the Fall camping season at Barakel. We hope to see many of you either as campers or volunteers!
Thank you, Lord, for a great summer, for the people You provided, for the campers You brought through our gates, and for allowing us to serve Him through foodservice.
And thank you all! We could not do what we do without your support, and more importantly, your prayers. Thank you for faithfully praying for our family, for our foodservice team, and for the entire ministry of Camp Barakel. It is truly inexpressible how much your prayers mean to us. There are many things that happen behind the scenes that you may never see or hear about, but we know that we are being upheld by the prayers of God’s people. We are deeply grateful for each of you who takes the time to pray for us. Thank you for standing with us as we seek to serve the Lord and point campers and volunteers to the only One worth worship!
For His Glory,
Dave & Rita
