Dear Friends and Supporters,
The beginning of the new year is shaping up to be a very busy place at New Life Bible Camp in terms of events and group weekend retreats. We have each weekend from January through the first weekend of May filled, with the exception of FEB 21-23 and Easter weekend. We were able to pick up two new groups for the first two weekends of January, Hampstead Baptist Church from eastern MD, and Central Chapel from Hedgesville WV. We’re off to a great start in 2025!
I think most of you are aware that I spent some time in the Cumberland Hospital in November due to a blood infection/UTI situation. I have been on the road to a full recovery but doctors have cautioned me to be patient as it takes awhile to get the infection completely out of my system and to get my strength back. I am feeling much better, able to get out and about. I was able to get over to Memorial Heights Baptist Church this month to get back in the swing of things with the praise and worship team, plus some New Year’s Eve fellowship. Even though I am feeling more and more like my old self, I still have times of weariness (my doctor says that is to be expected and is perfectly normal).
At the end of February, I, with the rest of the New Life staff, will be attending the 3CA Allegheny Sectional at Laurelville Retreat Center in Mount Pleasant PA, a three day event. I have had the blessing of being the Sectionals worship leader for many years, and it is bittersweet to think about it, as this will be my last Sectional as a Christian Camping professional. There is not a group of people anywhere that I love to sing with more compared to Christian camping folks. The songs are all set, along with the others who will participate in playing one last time with me. Should be a great time.
Some notes of interest, we are preparing for upcoming hosted events for the spring. The Small Group Retreat/Dodge Ball Tourney is set for March 14-16, the Men’s Retreat with Pastor Kemp Wynn on the subject of “Finishing Well!” is March 28-29, The Dad & Daughter Adventure takes place April 4-5, and the Family Retreat is scheduled for May 2-4.
I am currently looking at the possibility of moving into a trailer in Ridgeley WV, which is only 10 minutes away from Memorial Heights Baptist Church, where I will be serving as the Director of Men’s Ministry and Visitation following my retirement from New Life Bible Camp at the end of May. I am hoping that this trailer will be a great place for me to relocate to as it is in line with my budget, near to the church, but also still near to the camp. Even though I am retiring, I deeply desire to stay connected to the ministry of New Life Bible Camp.
That’s all for now. Thanks for your prayers and support. It is a great source of encouragement!!!
Ever Only Jesus
- Andy Maples