December 2007 Prayer Letter

Dear Family and Friends,

Christmas at THE OAKS & Community Outreach

We pray blessings upon you and your families as you celebrate the birth of Christ this season.  We are celebrating Christmas with some special events here at THE OAKS this year.  On December 1 and 2 we are having our annual weekend called "Christmas at THE OAKS."  About 250 to 300 inner-city campers are coming, and they will be hearing the message about the true meaning of the Christmas story.  Mark 10:45 says, "The Son of man came...to give His life a ransom for many."  For many who are coming, this will be their first time ever hearing that Jesus was born for the purpose of giving His life as a ransom for our sin.  It is a privilege and honor to share this story with those who have never heard it before.

On December 9 we will be having our annual community outreach dinner for about 150-200 people.  Our goal is to share the reason for our ministry here at THE OAKS and to thank those in the community who have supported us this year.  We hope that you will join us in praying for these events during the Christmas season.  We pray that our guests and those of us who serve will begin to understand the depth of sacrifice made by Jesus "to give His life a ransom" for us.

Christian Camps Spared from Fire

During our annual family camp, we had an unusual dry-lightening event.  A fire started on the northern hill above the camp.  Terri and I watched as the storm front moved away, the wind changed and the fire was put out by many airplanes dropping water on the flames.  It was miraculous to witness the dramatic weather change and the expertise of our Southern California firefighters.  Our campers were having dinner, praying and watching as the helicopters were filling up water tanks on the main camp ball field.

Our dog Titus began barking late one night, and we decided to let him out of the dog run to make rounds on the property.  In the morning we woke up to multiple arson investigators and sheriffs' vehicles along Pine Canyon Road.  A deputy told us there were 11 arson fires set in the night in the Lake Hughes area.  One fire was set near the camp entrance on THE OAKS driveway, not from our home.  All 11 fires were quickly extinguished by local fire fighters, and not one was allowed to spread.  It was amazing to see God's hand of protection on our community.  We were again witness to a miraculous change in the wind and weather, along with the expertise of our firefighters and our fearless labrador.  We gave Titus some extra treats that day.  We also got the news that Calvary Chapel Camp, Cedar Crest Camp and Alpine Christian Camp were all spared in the fires of last week.  Flames had come within feet of some of their dorms.

We thank the Lord for sparing us from attempts to burn down our home and those of others in the community.  But our deeper gratitude comes this Christmas because the Son of Man came as a baby in a manger, giving His life for us.  We have been spared from flames much worse than those of arson.

Saved by His grace,

Jeff and Terri