April 2024
Released Time
Our Released Time classes have officially wrapped up for this school year. We ended the year with a pizza party in each class, a review of the year's lessons, and a gospel invitation. We are trusting the Lord to use the teaching of his word this year to change hearts and win children to a saving knowedge of him!
In our previous report, we mentioned that we were reaching out to a new school in Muskegon Heights. I am happy to report that God has opened the door for us to add Dr. MLK Elementary this fall! Two other schools in the Heights are in the works, so stay tuned....
Book Clubs
Our book clubs have also wrapped up for this year. We had a combined meeting of the clubs in which we enjoyed a meal together, reviewed the last book of the year, and then voted on our favorite book for the year. The overall pick was The Rise and Fall of Mount Majestic. by Jennifer Trafton. The book was a rich allegory that illustrated the different ways people respond when they are presented with truth. We challenged each of the students to evaluate how they are responding in their own lives to the truth of the gospel.
We are in the process of compiling our book list for the summer. Although we don't meet in person over the summer, the students do have the opportunity to read these books and receive camp coupons for their efforts. fulfills that need through Christ for eternity.
Summer Ministry
The first summer ministry event on the horizon is our Day Camp. We have almost 20 students signed up already, and have been asking the Lord to provide us with 75 students this year. Over 20 people have already volunteered to help in some fashion during the week, and we are SO EXCITED for what God will do. Please pray for our speaker, Brian Harmon, as he prepares, and that God would bring us students who need to hear and respond to the gospel message.
Our Adventure Camp follows in July, and we are almost half way to capacity already! CBM missionaries from Georgia, Luke & Justus Milam, will be coming up to help us run the camp and Luke will also be our speaker. Luke has a lot of experience running adventure camps, and will be a huge asset to us as we reach these young campers with the gospel.
Below, you will find a list of some needed items for our camps. If you are in our area and can help with any of these, please let us know!
You can find out more (or register your campers) by visiting the links below:
DAY CAMP ADVENTURE CAMP
Event Calendar
Here are some ministry (and personal) events coming up this summer. Prayers are appreciated!
May 17 : Justin's Wedding
June 17-21 : Day Camp
July 6th : Emily's Wedding
July 15-17 : Adventure Camp
July 22-26 : VBS at Lakeshore Baptist Church
August 12-16 VBS at 2nd Church, Grand Haven
August 18 - Outreach event, 2nd Church, Grand Haven
August 24 - Grand Haven Community Baptist Family Day outreach event
Prayer Requests
Would you take a few minutes right now to celebrate and intercede for us?
Praises
We have a new School in Muskegon Heights in the fall with the possibility of two additional ones.
Camp sign-ups are coming in strong.
God has provided almost all our summer staff volunteer needs.
Requests
Pray for productive Released Time promotions that result in signups in the fall!
Pray for the campers who will be attending our summer camp events, and some who will be hearing the gospel possibly for the first time. Pray that God would provide a great harvest!
Pray for our two children who are getting married this summer.
Closing Thoughts
As we look forward to our summer, it can be overwhelming - two out-of-state weddings, two big camp events, and helping with VBS and outreach events at a few of our supporting churches. Although it makes for a busy summer, we are humbled that God has allowed us to serve the youth of our community and to share with them the good news of the gospel. We are so grateful for your support and prayers - we honestly don't know how we could do it without you!
TODD & CARLA WITTERS
Links and other information
Emails
Phone
Todd: 616-780-7560
Carla: 616-780-0267
Office: 616-607-7006
Online Giving
www.continuetogive.com/toddwitters
www.continuetogive.com/cbmprojectmichigan
Addresses
Local Ministry
Lakeshore Student Ministries
PO Box 551
Grand Haven, MI 49417
National Office (support)
CBM
PO Box 278
160 Bear Lodge Drive
Townsend, TN 37882
The Witters
419 River Street
Spring Lake, MI 49456