This month the Barakel staff men are meeting each Thursday, first thing in the morning to pray. A couple of verses and a thought about them are shared, then we pray. It’s not a lot of time, twenty minutes or so. Then we’re off to the day’s work. When we stop to pray, I’m reminded […]
People
God made people. We thank God for people. Here at Barakel we exist for people. That is, we exist so we can make God known, showing Him in His glory, to people. We’ve been preparing this week for our first winter retreat weekend. What’s making this a special week is people. The return of people […]
A Wonderful Name
Last night we all joined together for a Camp Barakel staff Christmas party. It was a special evening with decorations, delicious food, games, carol singing, gift-giving, and best of all, the fellowship of friends. Friends who are partners in this special work. The partnership we share is special because it’s a work where we prepare […]
Is it finished?
There’s a lot on my list to accomplish personally before the new year here at Camp Barakel. I’ve also been working on a list for the Facilities Care Team of projects that need to be finished. Often I’m asked by another staff person about a current project, “Is it finished?” We often have big projects […]
Twelve Minutes
This week I had the privilege of sharing a challenge with the Barakel staff men as we met to review details for the coming winter retreat season. What I shared with the guys could be a helpful challenge to you too. I’ve been devoting myself to reading the Bible more this year than I have […]
Two Miracles In One Day
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 […]