Director’s Update
Last updated 9/13/2025
2025 Updates
Please continue to pray for our six interns who began their 9-month program on September 1st. They are doing very well in their studies and service here at camp. We’re getting to know them more, including their strengths and weaknesses that will will focus on during these 9 months. They should be getting into Exodus by the end of this week with their six chapters per day reading schedule, in addition to the seven other books they’ll be completing this season. As far as their service portion of the program, they have cleared debris from the Extreme Swing roadside, cleared around Robin’s Nest, and painted the west-facing wall of Eshom Hotel as well as a cabin across the street. This program is a mix of study, lecture, and service projects as we desire to hone their servant-leadership and biblical knowledge. Keep them in your prayer as we often begin them out with shorter-length projects (2-3 hours of clearing) and will slowly build them up to 4, 6, and 8 hour service projects over time. We also start them out with 1 hour study halls, and will build that up to 2, 3, and 4 hour times as they learn to read and focus their studies. We often discover that interns have not done much manual labor before, and we work to build up their stamina and skillset. They also learn how to cook for themselves and others, CPR/First Aid, and basics such as vehicle care and finance. We’re looking forward to seeing how the Lord will use them during their time with us.
Spiritual Growth:
While our Hartland youth camps are over for the season, we continue to host churches at our adult retreats as well as their own ministry rental retreats (youth, family, adult, and more). Please pray that we maintain a faithful witness no matter how we serve. Pray that God will tear down walls and remove distractions for those who come to camp and that they leave better for it, either accepting Christ for the first time, firming up their resolve to live out their current Christian faith, or turning back to Him (repent/recommit) if they have been losing their focus and following after the empty promises of the world.
Major Projects:
The New Dining Hall and Chapel project is well underway. Today, I was able to sign the PG&E contract for two power poles needed for the project. Yesterday, we received word from Fish and Wildlife that our application was finalized/accepted and we should have our final agreement within 60 days for the small portion nearest to our creek. We’re finalizing the septic design and permit as well as the fire/sprinkler water tanks and pump room we’ll be installing during the building process. As grading is complete, we should be all set to start pouring the concrete foundation in mid-October. This continues to fall in line with our estimated timeline of having the building complete ahead of our 2026 Summer Season.
We are still raising funds for the finishing out of the upstairs Chapel portion of the project. We have received about 34% of what is needed for the chapel and are fundraising to raise another $460,000+ to finalize the project.
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:
“Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin..” Hebrews 3:12-13 (NASB1995)
As we enter the fall, pray that we will be effective ministers of His Gospel and that we make the most of every opportunity this season in sharing Him. While the peak of our year has ended, we still have thousands more that we will be serving and sharing the Gospel with in 2025.
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