Dear Faithful Partners,

 

We send you greetings in the wonderful name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

This will be a quick update as our time online is limited.

Last Monday as you we began a two week Camp Meeting in an old Methodist camp ground in Hyndman, PA. (southern PA, south of Bedford, PA) Along with preaching for 14 nights, last week we also ran the teen camp. While we only had two real campers (a third girl was a younger sister to a camper and stayed for the week) we had a great week. It is even harderto run a camp of two than it is 22. Dodge ball, kickball, softball, volleyball all seem to be very difficult. Fortunately we had two girls who liked jigsaw puzzles and board games. We did do some swimming, flashlight tag at night, along with a couple of campfires. We praise the Lord that all three were able to give a good testimony of their own personal salvation. Last night we closed out the camp and sent the girls home. It sure did get quiet.

 

Today we are doing laundry and trying to catch up on email. We have no service at the campground so must take advantage of every opportunity when we get out. The campground is down in a valley with no cell service at all. No, he can't hear you now there.

 

At night I've been going through the Book of Romans. By the comments of some of these old Methodists and others I don't think they've spent too much time here. The book opens with Paul declaring himself to be an Apostle and so I have taken the time to show Paul's unique Apostleship and message much to the puzzled looks of a few of the pastors in the audience. When I show them in Scripture that Paul declares himself to be the Apostle of the Gentiles they look stunned, but readily admit, "It's in the Book." Last night I really hammered the difference between Law and Grace and the message of Paul being different than anyone else' I even quoted Jesus when He told the rich young ruler to keep the Law and sell all he had and give it to the poor and he would have eternal life in the Kingdom. A preacher on the front row just stares up at me with a completely bewildered look on his face. But I must admit it is exciting to see people, when they hear truth for the first time get excited and desire to hear more.

 

My brother David's cancer is also in his Adrenal Glans as well. They began Chemo but they are working to get his strength up so he can go home. Right now he is too weak to get out of bed. Please continue to remember he and Jo Ann, as well as their two kids (Shannon and Sean) and my mother in prayer.

 

Thank you for your continued prayers for the family as well as the ministry.

 

In Christ,

Joel and Susan