Praise God for His provision for Camp Zula! Back in September, we set a goal to raise $50,000 to launch the first season of Camp Zula, and within 5 months God provided about 90% of that goal! The last thing we need for Camp Zula is the right property to lease.
According to our plans, we thought we would be launching Camp Zula this month, but God has not yet provided the right property for the campground, and the permit process could take several months from the time we submit the application once we are on the property. Depending on when God provides the property, we may not be able to launch Camp Zula until the end of this year or beginning of next year.
We are tempted to be discouraged by this delay, but we are reminded to “trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) This has been a theme verse for us this year as God has been drawing us into deeper dependence on Him. God has a plan for Camp Zula and we trust that His timing is better than ours.
So what will we do this year while we wait for the property and permit process? We don’t want to let this season pass without hosting Israelis in some capacity, so we are looking into some options to possibly rent a house near Williams, AZ, to host Israelis in until Camp Zula is ready.
We are also spending a lot of time this year studying Hebrew. Most Israelis are fairly fluent in English and it is easy to communicate with them in English; however, it is far more effective to communicate the Gospel in their heart language. It is our goal to eventually be fluent enough in Hebrew to have in-depth spiritual conversations with our Israeli guests, and we are actively working towards that goal this year.
Lastly, we will continue fundraising for Camp Zula and for our personal support, as well as studying and training in the glamping business so that we can be better equipped to run our campground ministry.
Please pray with us that God would provide the right property for Camp Zula and the remaining funds needed. Thank you for your continued prayers and support in reaching Israel with the Gospel!
Love,
BJ, Carissa, Ari and Aviya