I had the privilege again this week of teaching at our Wednesday staff fellowship. My assigned passage was in John 9 and my subject, the man born blind. One observation from the passage was especially encouraging. After the man went to the pool of Siloam where Jesus had sent him and washed away the mud, […]
“It is I”
On most Wednesdays here at Camp Barakel our staff gathers for an hour of fellowship before the noon hour. Our time typically includes announcements, singing, prayer and time together in the Bible before lunch. This fall we’ve been looking at the major miracles of Jesus seen in the Gospel of John. This Wednesday was my […]
Strength Not Your Own
Reading in 2 Timothy 2:1 recently I noticed an important phrase. Here’s the verse. “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus,” Do you see it? Paul wrote to Timothy to instruct him and encourage him in the work God had for him. The phrase that stood out […]
Fifteen Minutes
Last weekend was our final fall retreat of the year. It was a Men’s Retreat. It was also a big weekend. It was a weekend that would kick off a huge project taking place this week and next. We’ve long wanted to remove the old drop ceiling in the East Side Chapel. It’s been looking […]
My Arms Are Tired
Sometimes I can’t remember what I’ve done in a day here at Barakel. Partly bad memory. Partly doing a lot of different things in one day. Last Friday was a day like that. Fridays during retreat season tend to be long. When I arrived at home late in the day last Friday and sat down […]
God’s Work In Us
After a full summer at Camp Barakel we’re enjoying a week of vacation; camping with family at one of our favorite state parks in northern Michigan. In just a couple of days there has already been lots of walking trails, swimming, volleyball, hammock resting, fun with children and grandchildren and good food. One thing we’re […]
Simply write.
Write simply. As few words as you need, but no fewer. But simply write. –Via Seth Godin
Winter Retreat Highlights
We are a third of the way through our winter retreats already. God has blessed us with cold weather and snow, so all our outdoor activities have been available for our guests to enjoy. There’s also been great preaching. You’ll find some of our winter chapel messages by clicking here.