Jacob's Journal          November2006

       In this Edition...

From the Director,  Calling All Quilters,  Adopt-a-Cabin,  Christian Service Projects, 

Greetings again in the name of our Lord,

Our God is certainly a great God.  As the seasons are changing, I see the beauty of His creation in the colorful fall leaves.  How can anyone deny the existence of God or think that the Earth’s cycles are left to happenstance? 

Chapter one of Romans tells us that God is revealed to everyone through His creation.  Therefore, no one can use the excuse that they have never heard or known of God.  In our society however, youth are taught to ignore the obvious and accept the ridiculous.  The creation of the world is supposedly something that just went “poof” into existence by itself.

With so many falsehoods out there, a big burden is placed on us to teach the truth to the next generation.  I am reminded of God’s instructions through Moses to the Children of Israel before they entered the Promised Land.  Translated into today’s terms, he said that they should exhibit God and God’s Word in their everyday conversations, their everyday actions, in what they wore, and in what was displayed in their houses and upon their walls.  I am sure that if they had TV’s, radios, and such that they would have been included in the list as well. 

Even though nature itself is enough to make our children know of God, the odds are significantly improved if we do as God instructed the Israelites.  We should take as many opportunities as possible to reinforce the truth.  Activities such as church worship, Sunday School, church youth group, Christian summer camp, and daily family devotions are all examples of excellent opportunities.  Just as important as those structured Christian activities are the everyday happenings.  I truly hope that the older generations in America will step up to the plate and do everything in their power to pass God’s truths to the younger and future generations.

     Love in Christ,

                   Daniel Osborne

Calling All Quilters

Many of you have had the opportunity to be in our Dining Hall that was completed just before the 2005 summer camp season.  It was a much needed addition to our facilities.  There is a slight problem that keeps this facility from being as enjoyable as it could be.  That problem is excessive echoing or bad acoustics.  One solution that was determined was to put up wall coverings, such as quilts, to absorb the sound. 

   So ladies groups, individuals, or anyone that is willing, we are asking for you to help fix us up.  We would like to have quilts that are king size with an inspirational thought on them.  However, quilts that are smaller or those without inspirational thoughts are appreciated as well.  Actually, even if you cannot quilt, but you can get one to donate to us, that is also appreciated.  We will identify those quilted by the contributor with a recognition plate that says, “Quilted By Contributor’s Name”.  Those that are purchased or quilted by someone other than the contributor will be identified with a recognition plate that says, “Donated by Contributor’s Name”.

If you have any questions about this need, please feel free to send us an e-mail or give us a call.

Thanks to all those who support the ministry of Camp Jacob in whatever form or fashion it comes.  It makes a difference when you give of the best that you have, because there is no greater purpose than furthering God’s kingdom.  God wants and certainly deserves our best.  Let’s be proud of the things devoted to the service of God.

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Jacob’s Journal is the official newsletter of Camp Jacob.  It is published four times each year in February, May, September, and November and has a current distribution of 2,800.  If you wish to have your address changed, added, or removed from our mailing list, please call us at (276) 926 – 8960 or send us an e-mail to daniel@campjacob.com.

If your church, singing group, or business would like to help us cover our publishing costs by purchasing an advertising space in our newsletter, please contact us by phone at (276) 926 – 8960 or e-mail at daniel@campjacob.com.  A guaranteed space the size of this ad in the print edition of our Journal is $150.  Bids less than $150 will be accepted if the available space is not guaranteed.

Adopt-a-Cabin

     You may already know from previous articles or presentations, that several of our cabins need repairs or upgrades in order for us to pursue our vision for Camp Jacob. We are asking for churches or church groups who would like to help with this need to consider “adopting a cabin. By adopting a cabin, you would be responsible for getting the cabin up to specifications, if needed, and annually making needed repairs for as long as you would be willing to adopt the cabin. You could hire someone to do the work or provide your own labor to reduce costs. We will recognize your contribution by putting a sign in front of the cabin that says “Cabin Adopted by Your Name Since Year Adopted”. Some cabins need only minor repairs, while others could require expenditures of $5,000 or more. So, if you are willing to devote the time, adopting a cabin could require minimal out of pocket expenses. On the other hand, if you are willing and able, you could help us turn one of the unusable cabins into a nice accommodation for our visitors to whom we can minister. Be sure to let us know if you are interested or have any questions . 

Christian Service Projects

     As Christians, God wants us to not only to believe in Christ, but he wants us to take up our cross and follow Him.  Christianity is too often considered a state of being rather than a state of doing.  Don’t misunderstand; salvation is not obtained by works.  However, after we are saved, we are commanded to get busy as servants of God helping to further His kingdom. 

Christ taught his disciples the importance of being a servant when he washed the disciples’ feet.  He demonstrated that we are never too good to be servants; therefore, we ought to serve rather wait on being served.  Just as Christ taught His disciples, we need to teach our youth how to be servants of God.  How did Christ teach this lesson?  He demonstrated servanthood and taught by example.  We need to do the same.

There are many opportunities for Christian service, and I encourage church groups to regularly undertake Christian service projects.  I have listed below just a few opportunities that we have at Camp Jacob for those willing to take initiative..

Ø      For each mailing of the Jacob’s Journal, we have to apply mailing labels and sort them by zip code.  I can see this being an ongoing project for some youth group to take on.

Ø      Just before next summer’s camp season starts, we need to wash the tables and chairs in the Pavilion and Dining Hall.  This would also be suitable for youth groups.

Ø      Another good project for youth groups would be to redo the Frisbee Golf course before next summer.

Ø      The Pavilion tarp that goes on the south side of the building needs to be hung by the end of April.

Ø      Floors in the Dining Hall, Girls Bath House, and the Pavilion need to be sealed by the end of April.

Ø      Leaves need to be cleaned out of the gutters of all buildings that are close to trees sometime before Spring.

Ø      “Stuff” that is in the barn needs to be cleaned out and organized preferably this winter.

Ø      The Lodge and Dining Hall will need to be cleaned and set up in early May.

A List of Facility Repairs Needed :