December 2015 Newsletter

FROM THE DIRECTOR

 I hope this newsletter finds you in the Christmas spirit.  Here at camp we are taking time to catch up on building maintenance and other projects.  We just had the carpets cleaned in two dorms and are now painting the inside of Lodge #2.   I am also in the process of hiring staff and scheduling retreats for the spring.  Josh and Caleb have taken advantage of the mild weather by sawing logs on the sawmill.  We have had a good fall retreat season and spring retreats are starting to fill up.   We have also redone the website (llbc.camp) to help get our message out.  We had volunteers from Mississippi come and reroof the old chapel and the shelter house, and they also put hardwood flooring in the office.  The Apalachee Baptist Church in Georgia donated a new heating and AC unit for the manager’s house.  The Lord has truly blessed us!

My family and I were having devotions this morning, and Lisa had a request, “Can we not deal with stressful subjects or decisions until after Christmas, so we can focus on what is important?” So what is important?  As I have been praying these past days, I have been praying for many things—family, country, staff, church, and elections—but mostly for God’s power, presence, and purpose upon us.  The devotion I was reading from “The Father’s Business” turned our focus on Isaiah where there is a verse that foretells of a Savior who will be born. “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.” Isaiah 9:6-7a.  In some commentaries and translations the word dominion is used instead of the word government.  Full dominion is on the shoulders of Jesus.  What beautiful shoulders they are. Shoulders that lend His strength to the weak and sick.  Shoulders that bear our burdens. Shoulders that picked up a cross and carried it on our behalf.  Shoulders that can pick up a fallen one.  Shoulders that we can hide behind as He defeats our enemies.  Shoulders to lay our head on when our heart aches. Shoulders that embrace us tenderly with love that never lets go.  Shoulders that shake with laughter as we delight Him.

Christmas is almost here.  It is our hope and prayer that you will lay your burdens and trials upon the shoulders of Jesus and you will truly experience the Joy of Christmas!

                                                                                                Merry Christmas,
                                                                                                Pat Callahan

GOD IS AT WORK IN THIS PLACE!

 Laurel Lake Baptist Camp                       Phone: 606-528-3522
578 Singing Hills Road                             Fax: 606-526-6791
Corbin, KY 40701                                      E-mail: pcallahan@integrity.com