MapleLeaf Newsletter Fall 2023

Dear Friends and Supporters

It is mid-August here at New Life as all of are taking some time to rest up from a very busy but most successful summer camp program. Our theme was Mission Logos and we tried to teach our campers about the importance of learning how to study the Bible on their own. We enjoyed wonderful times of teaching the campers in small groups and also large meetings. The worship times and singing was incredible. Not sure if I have ever been around such vibrant singing as we had this summer, campers and staff. It was electric and a ton of fun. There are a lot of people to thank. I will start with our guest speakers (Cam Bohrer, Timothy Donaldson, Cole Haas, and Aaron Hostetler) and Junior Counselor volunteers (Mayson Ernest, Tanner marion, Andrew Sheldon, Cory Vogtman, Teves Newlin, Chanc Ringer, Will Dixon, Talon Ingram, Levi Squiers, George Crowder, and Nate Allen). I am so grateful for the staff I was blest to work with this summer as part of the Camp Kainos residential ministry (Quinn Vogtman, Heidi Coleman, Alyssa Lake, Jojo Crowder, Colby Mallery, Stewie Stewart, and James Spinar). The day camp staff was led by Madison Cage and Alex Leonard and the Adventure Camp staff was Morgan Allen, Brandon Ingram, and Lizzy Leib. Last but not least, a big thanks to the kitchen crew (Kelsie Holliday, Chloe donaldson, Heidi Houser, & Willow Wratchford). A lot of good things happened this summer through the Bible teaching times, the best is that 18 campers came to Christ this summer!

I got chosen to participate in jury duty in Bedford County but it worked out as the trial began the Monday after we wrapped up the Mission Logos program. It only ended up being a day for me as I was not picked to participate in the actual trial. It allowed me to get back to camp help out with the Foot of Ten Youth Week, which is an annual event that we all enjoy.

Starting with the Labor Day Weekend, September will be a busy time for us at New Life. We have retreats and events scheduled for each weekend and I will be taking a few days off to take part in a couple activities at home. First, I will be participating in the Tommy Emanuel Guitar Camp in Nashville TN SEP 21-26 and on the weekend of SEP 29-30, I hope to attend my 50th High School Reunion, the Ben Lippen School Class of 1973 rides again!!!

One of the things that I enjoyed this summer that was not expected was getting to help with the worship team at Calvary Bible Church for the morning services. I rarely get to play with them due to my duties with the retreat groups, but I was able to make it to every Sunday morning service this summer and help with the guitar. It was a lot of fun for me and I am so grateful for the opportunity. Pray for this church as they are looking to fill the pulpit. They have been without a pastor for around a year and a half.

Another thing that I got to do that was also unexpected was join the Men’s Bible Study at Faith Presbyterian Church in Lavale, MD. It is bi-monthly on Tuesday nights and was a great source of encouragement this summer (as it just happened to take place on my evening off from camp).

Starting August 20th, I will be returning, Lord willing, to help the praise team at Memorial Heights Baptist Church for the Sunday Evening services. I started helping this church with the guitar and worship leading during the Covid-19 epidemic and it has turned into a wonderful relationship. I really appreciate Pastor DJ allowing me be part of this group.

Retreat weekends at New Life are filled up for the fall of 2023, so we will be ending the year strong. We have some hosted events that may be of interest.

SEP 22-24 Father Son Adventure and Mother Daughter Horse event

SEP 28-30 Crafters Weekend

OCT 13-15 Teen Retreat

NOV 8 Luncheon at the Lodge with Tom Smith

NOV 18 Turkey Bowl (annual flag football tournament fund raiser)

I guess that is enough for now, Thanks for praying and supporting my ministry as a camp missionary to New Life Bible Camp the past 34 years!

Ever Only Jesus

- Andy Maples