Stephen and Evelyn Stilwell serving in Peru
March is here, which means our camping season is finished for this summer. We are so grateful for all of you who were praying for us. Even though we are tired and have had some hard bumps this camp season, we gladly say there is no greater joy than to serve our Lord and Savior.
The structure of our large chapel was finished, but without bathroom fixtures, lights, windows and doors. The first two weeks of camp went well. We had several new families for family camp, which is always a blessing. Thank you for praying for Stephen’s time of teaching and preaching.
However, the next week the director of the children’s retreat called and said that he had too many campers for the small chapel. We both worked on putting together 20 new benches, so everyone could sit in the large chapel. The camp caretaker started installing the lights. But then there was no electricity from the light company. Fortunately, we have a generator for emergencies. But it costs more for fuel. There was rain as well that week (It never rains here in the desert-ha.). Not only did we start the week without electricity, but the pump for the swimming pool died on us. With an empty swimming pool and this year being the hottest in years, that added to our problems. By the following week we had the pump fixed, but then the pump for providing water for the camp buildings died on us. Both pumps had to be re-wound.
Many of Evelyn’s previous seminary students were at the lady’s camp. It was a joy for her to visit with them and hear of their service for the Lord and challenges in the ministry.
We finished the last week of camp with over 200 campers, plus all the counselors and other workers to keep everything working well and hungry campers fed brought the total attendance close to 300. We were thankful for the container of trays given to us from a camp in Nebraska a few years ago. God’s blessing comes at just the right time. The youth preachers did exceptionally well with their sermons. Many people were saved during these camps and many more decisions were made to put the Lord first in their lives and be faithful in their churches.
Thank you again for all your prayers.
Stephen and Evelyn Stilwell
Box 308011, Cleveland, OH 44130