Director’s Update
Last updated 12/6/2025
2025 Update
There is frost on the ground and the sound of heavy machinery humming most of this month. We are so thankful for the ministry that God makes happen here at Hartland. As of late November, 447 campers let us know that they accepted Christ in 2025, over 700 others shared that they have recommitted/realized they need to live out the faith they already claim. It’s exciting to be a part of all that God is doing in the lives of these campers. Will you continue to pray that God will work in the lives of all who come across our campus in 2026?
Spiritual Growth:
With the changing seasons often comes a changing of the guard at times. We are welcoming our new Accommodations Manager, Kyler, on January 1st. She is not new to Hartland but is new to our full-time family. We’re continuing to invest in and develop our staff, not only in camp-related training, but in spiritual growth. From weekly Bible studies to other ministry training, we’re working hard to keep Christ the focus in all that we do and in how we serve. Continue to pray for our staff, that God would use us in a mighty way in 2026.
Major Projects:
The New Dining Hall and Chapel project construction is still under way. This first phase focuses on the foundation, which includes dozens of underground piers (last count was up to 39). This portion of the build should be completed in early February when we can reassess and determine the scope of our second project phase. Please continue to keep Hartland in your prayers as we seek to raise additional funds to speed up the overall building completion. We are phasing as necessary with available funds and will continue to move forward one piece at a time until complete. This approach allows us to be good stewards of available resources while not jeopardizing our ability to continue ministry here at camp.
You can donate towards this project by texting the word “Give” to 559-258-1701, mailing in a check, donating online, or giving us a call at 559-337-2349 Monday through Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm.
Verses to Ponder:
“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace,
On the throne of David and over his kingdom,
To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness
From then on and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.”
We are thankful for all that Christ has done for us, especially as we celebrate His birth in December. To learn more about Christmas and review some verses you can read with the family on Christmas morning, visit www.hartlandcamp.com/Christmas.
The Gospel: You’ll note this section doesn’t change with the director letter updates, it’s that important!
If you do not know Christ as your personal Savior, I invite you to learn more by visiting our Gospel Page and getting plugged into a local church. While we love serving you here at Hartland, consistent discipleship happens at your local church (in your city/town) and it makes a huge difference in your walk when you are gathering regularly with other believers. For those continuing in their walks, we also have Bible Resources available to help spur on the study of God’s Word.
Prayer:
Please continue to pray for all those that minister here at Hartland, from the Hartland staff and volunteers to the visiting Pastors and leaders that boldly proclaim Christ’s Word to a world that desperately needs it.
In service to Christ and His Church,
Joshua Embry
Executive Director/Steward/Minister – Hartland Christian Camp