Although David and I are separated by the Big Puddle, we send a joint letter to you.

Here are some "requests" which have moved to "praises" list :

1. God's Spirit touched many hearts in The Dutch camp last week; about ½ indicated so in the meetings. The majority of the most moving accounts of His working are very personal, and the individuals could be easily identified by those who know them. So, suffice it to say that, midst the sad, even the devastating circumstances in several of their lives, God gave hope and victory and direction and help. Surely you prayed, He listened, and was pleased to minister in the heart of obedient mankind. A lot of seeds were planted, a lot of water was poured, and a lot of growth occurred at Stationstraat 2, Putten, The Netherlands. (I Corinthians 3:6, 7). And, for a known fact, that work continues, even post-conference.
2. "It's the Lord," (John 21:7) best explains what God did regarding our changed/ canceled plane tickets. First, last Wednesday a friend and I prayed at about 10:30 p.m. asking for God's help in the call I was about to make. (Maybe you prayed at the same time?) One-half hour later, the airline agent was telling me that it would cost $1,141 extra for David just to return from Holland on a different date; there were no other options. That's one thousand, one hundred forty-one dollars!!!! I could not purchase that. Crying out to God after the call, He spoke just beautiful things through I Chronicles 29; how I wish I could share it with you!! "Let Me do this My way; it will be good," He whispered. Too tired (and flaky) to pursue it further then, it seemed wiser to get sleep. Undoubtedly covered with prayers, I called the airline again the next morning. God's handpicked agent answered, and, after hearing the problem, said, "Let me check…" In less than 5 (that's f-i-v-e) minutes she came back on the phone: "We've got it: your husband's first choice return date, and instead of $1,141, it will be…$180. Silence. Tears of amazed gratitude. A word to her: "You were given us by God; thank you." An opportunity to witness. Another "Thank you and good bye." And then, in wonder, there was the question of how to verbalize a thanks that reaches so far down deep into the heart that one can not find words to tell Him. How does one even begin to express all of that, to say thank you to the God of gods, Who dwells in Heaven, yet Who met with us in a 3-way phone conference to change an airline ticket? How? The answers to ALL things are in His Book, and this was no exception. Daniel 2:20-23. The occasion was after God revealed the king's dream and its interpretation to Daniel, thus saving all of the royal diviners' and advisors' lives, and pleasing the king. Daniel's immediate response was this prayer; by the telephone I read it aloud to this God of Heaven: "Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever! For wisdom and might are His! He changes the times and the seasons, He removes kings and sets up kings, He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding!…I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers, Who has given me wisdom and might and has made known to me now what we desired of You; for You have made known to us the solution to the king's problem." There was no other explanation: it was, indeed, The Lord.
3. There was a truly God-honoring funeral of a dear and faithful brother in Christ who, with his good wife, gave of his skill and strength to the work of God in Holland for decades. We wonder what his busy hands have been assigned to do in his new Home. David went to give encouragement, yet, at the same time, received encouragement from a considerable number who, over a 35 plus year-span, have sat and listened to thousands of hours of teaching of the precious Word of God at the Camp. May the sheaves of Psalm 126:6 keep coming.
4. He also got good sleep for last 2 nights (8 hrs, 7 hrs). Maybe you prayed about that.

1. David, in Holland until July 22, will eat and sleep well, be rested, know God's mind for each session, compress some of the preparation time, and have some fun!
2. In the remaining weeks, all hearts will be soft to hear what GOD wants to say to them. The 20+ age group began yesterday, Monday.
3. The staff will have necessary strength of body, soul, and spirit.
4. Mark (director, translator, and much more) and David will both have great wisdom from God to answer the multitude of questions that many have saved up all year to ask.
5. Victories won in the past will remain victories!
6. Some who have turned from God will yet return to Him, especially young adults.
7. Both nerve surgeries for Janice will be successful, if God wills it. I am and will be sorely missing friends, ministry, and my David for the duration of the entire trip this year, but am content. Plus, it is proving to be a time provision for new office projects and office work, so that is a good thing.

(Thanks much for caring inquiries; I'll do my best to explain.

1. Problem: strength loss and nerve deterioration in both hands. Without surgeries, dying nerves would cause paralysis from the fingers up the arms, leaving claw-like hands.
2. Diagnosis: the nerves leading down the arms to the hands were compressed/ kinked/twisted at the elbows.
3. Treatment: surgery to fix "kinks," shave bones, and reposition nerves. Some strength is already returning in the left arm. Six weeks of therapy, a surgeon's appointment, and right arm surgery "cometh." God has again been most protective, even in such unknowns as these. He's always giving new, fresh mercies.)

Thank you for praying for this work and for us. We thank God for friends and colleagues in the faith. Nobody makes them like He does. Thanks to each of you for your part.

Yours,
David and Janice Clemens

Dear Ones,

Because your prayers, gifts, and care have been involved in this ministry, we firmly believe that it is our privilege and responsibility to report to you, and that you'll really want to hear the workings of GOD. We also realize that, especially now, everyone is busy and pressed, so this letter is in segments. Enjoy the blessings in sections, if you will. And remember, if you think this letter is long, it started out as 9 pages!!!

SUMMER'S END
When we walked into our house on Aug. 26, we'd been home a total of 1 day in the last 67. It was sweet! But, as well, it was great to be away. The things that took place this summer leave no doubt in our minds that there were prayers of deep sincerity, of faith, and of genuine interest in the plan of God being fulfilled.

It was a time that was not without obstacles with which to deal; it happens overseas every summer. In 2004 there was the occult; 2005 there were sex issues of all varieties; this year was fraught with health issues. It involved the young and normally hardy director in Holland (passing out, hospital care needed); his wife and children (all sick with flu-like symptoms); the young director's wife in Italy (2nd experience with cancer, involving major surgery while we were there); David's unexpected dental needs in Italy and a 24-hour-something in Holland. I had two non-elective eye surgeries before departure in June, was sick and on antibiotic for three weeks in two countries, and had a serious mouth infection. Even after our arrival home, we had 13 medical appointments in 25 days. In ALL of these situations, we saw that, again, it was all about God. HE enabled. HIS timing was perfect. HE made sure that nothing had to be canceled. Isn't it just something????

SUMMER MINISTRY
Through the preaching of God's Word, "the pot was stirred" in the souls of individuals, and the Holy Spirit impressed these teachings on the minds of the youth and adults. HE poured out His Spirit and moved hearts to seek personal counsel regarding specific situations in their lives. There were so many instances that we lost track of them. Finally, counseling sessions had to be limited to one hour each due to time constraints. Unbelievable! Sometimes as the stories and sad situations would be unfolding, the interpreters' and our eyes met, and that meant, "Help, dear Father; please give us Your answer." And He DID. What wisdom lies in the mind and Word of God (and often in the nick of time). We claimed Ex. 4:12: "…go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say." (Your prayers were a part of this.) Then, when the sessions would be over and the persons gone, the interpreters and we would just sit there in total wonder at the way God had communicated HIS answer THROUGH PORTIONS OF HIS WORD which had been FAR from our thinking beforehand. It was exciting. It was living on the edge, just trusting God to truly give the words and practical applications that HE wanted. GOD AND ONLY GOD gets the credit, as HE AND ONLY HE GAVE THE ANSWERS. II Peter 1:1-4 never ceases to amaze: ALL we need for life and Godliness is in God's Word.

PRAYER REQUESTS Please pray...

1. that God's children will be characterized by the words, "Let's see what the Bible says," instead of "I think/I believe/I feel/so-and-so says in his book." May The Word of God be our Final Authority.
2. that the work of God begun in hearts during the last months will continue.
3. that God will give us the Biblical answers to difficult questions we are asked.
4. for wisdom and guidance in scheduling, even when it's for three years ahead.
5. that the Cuban government will grant a visa for David to go there this January, God willing. There's much change right now in the Cuba work. New Christian leaders are unknown to us and vice versa. Therefore, to our knowledge, the process seems to be at a standstill.
6. regarding the trip to Cuba. Conditions are tenuous; it is not always safe, and it is very physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually demanding. Yet, souls are calling for the teaching of God's Truth. If He wills it, the dates are January 22 - February 7, 2007.
7. for available flights for Cuba trip.
8. for precise direction from the Holy Spirit and Holy Word regarding teaching preparations for Cuba and all 2007 meetings. Quiet, clear time is needed.
9. In the words of a new friend in Italy, request "that God would continue to give wisdom and strength to announce His wise counsel."
10. for David,s several medical needs, for rest of mind, and good sleep. Medications play a big role here.
11. For some folks who've walked away from God, or, at least, taken a side road. It makes the heart heavy. We've seen that three times this summer; it's happened to people we know and love, individuals who have made some tremendous strides in their spiritual walk over the last years. But, God has always given people the right to choose. And He still does.

PLEASE GIVE THANKS

1. for all ALL the blessings listed in this letter. "It's the Lord" Who has done it.
2. that our God granted the USA license for David to travel to Cuba.
3. that David's hearing issue is MUCH better and for the expert help God sent us.

DREAMS COME TRUE
Sometimes God uses certain individuals to be His special helpers. They help make dreams come true. Such a one saw to it that David, a cowboy at heart, in spite of his bad leg, bad back and bad other things, FINALLY got to ride a horse again. (We have a picture to prove it.) He's been leery of it, but still kept the dream alive for probably 40 years. He rode, and he did not fall. Thanks to the ones who made it possible… That was a memory to last a lifetime.

SINCE YOU'VE ASKED, HERE IS THE STORY OF THE "EYES BLESSING" - It was all about God, and we can only bow with grateful hearts for this tremendous experience. We did not even know there was a problem, but if I had not gone to the particular eye surgeon when I did, and if I had not had the two surgeries before departing for overseas, there could have been a very different ending. I learned that if the acute stage had occurred overseas away from help, I would have ended up permanently and totally blind in 2-5 days. BUT GOD (I love those words) had it all under control, and we praise Him for allowing me to go overseas in time to speak; for helping with packing and message preparations for David and me; for a flight change (the last available flight) and a reduced fare; for providing incredibly beautiful, God-orchestrated opportunities to share the Good News with medical personnel, flight seatmates, etc; and for your prayers. (Thank you.) God's intricacies have been incredible to chronicle. How good it would be if only we would always see things from Heaven's viewpoint!

AS PROMISED BY HIM, GOD'S WORD HAS NOT RETURNED VOID, BUT HAS ACCOMPLISHED THE PURPOSE WHERETO IT WAS SENT." Hear it from the listeners' own hearts. Picture yourself around the late night campfire testimony time in The Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Poland, or our USA, 2006.

1. From Poland: "I hope you remember me. I'd like to … say that the lectures you had were too good to keep them for myself so I shared almost all of them first with my Sunday school class and then during our weekly prayer meetings with other members of my church. Moreover, since I tried to use all possible occasions to share them with everybody willing to listen, I was also invited to share them with the group of women at their women's meeting in another church. What the highlight of all this was, however, was that the Lord quickened me to share a fragment of your lectures on Jesus asking Peter, "Do you love me?" - guess where - on our cruise across the Sea of Galilee in Israel during my trip to Israel this April. After this some people came up to me and thanked for sharing that as they felt it was the message addressed to them and they had never heard such words before. I'm writing this to glorify God Who gives good seed of His Word that can bear fruit much beyond our expectations."
2. From Italy: "At the end of this day, I have completely understood and made mine the fact that OBEDIENCE is the center of all."
3. From Italy: "When you talked about Isaiah 41:10 and I listened, the tears came like waves on my heart and my face. Now, thanks to your studies, I am able to see the love of God for me."
4. From Italy: "We will return to our homes encouraged and aware of the many adjustments that need to be made in our lives. God's living and powerful Word did the job again. We love you." (And we love you, too!)
5. From The Netherlands: "Three years ago we bought the teacher's manual Steps to Maturity. Now we are planning to teach our students from it, but their English is not good enough. Do you know whether there are translations made in Dutch?" (Yes, sections of these books which David wrote are, indeed, in Dutch, and the process of translation continues to this day.)
6. From The Netherlands: (a girl in one of the camp rooms) "The girls in my room and I have started an online prayer group. We all look forward to what God'll do."
7. From Cuban seminary student: (Some may remember the need of this pastor for a horse.) "We've been working during almost a year here in … The church is growing slowly, but growing. We work at a little village. I have already, not a horse, but a mule for the work here."
8. From USA: Dave, I just wanted to drop you a note to thank you for the influence you had in my thinking both at Camp Sankanac during a retreat and when you spoke at Washington Bible College in chapel at least 30 years ago. I've used a quote from you many times when speaking at camps or at ladies' retreats. The quote was, "You're not what you think you are, but what you think, you are!" … Thanks again for proclaiming God's Word. God's Word does not return void! Praise His Name!
9. From Europe: "You shared in my struggles, and I really desire you share in my joy now as well…After our talk I still felt spiritually dry and miles away from Home. Nevertheless, I made the decision to cling to the few words you gave me: "Trust Me…God. Mk. 5:36). One of the first things I did was put the little piece of paper with those words on it on my computer screen and tell God that I would do this. And I added, 'I believe, help my unbelief.' … I went (for a trip) and had the privilege of sharing the Gospel with the people there. During that time God gradually softened my heart and confirmed the words "Trust Me." I was led by God to pray, encourage and love others. It has been a wonderful time and has renewed my faith."
10. From USA: We just recently learned about something that happened approximately 10 years ago at a Bible conference where David was speaking. In attendance were three pastors and their wives. All three were planning to leave the ministry because of discouragement. When the topic was announced, they knew God was in it: "Have You Ever Been Discouraged?" The Word of God was Seed sown on the good soil of their hearts; two continue in ministry for our Savior on earth, and the third finished strong, all the way to Heaven.

"HOUSEKEEPING CHORE" OF OFFICIAL BUSINESS STRICTLY FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
"The law allows a deduction to be taken for the year during which the gift is made.... This means that if you send a check to a charitable organization through the U.S. Postal Service, the postmark must be on December 31, 2006, or earlier for the gift to be deductible in 2006." It applies to this ministry, as well. Thank you.

We close our letter with unending thanksgiving for you, our friends and comrades in the work of the King. Thank you. And, with no "think-so's or hope-so's, we pay homage to the King of all the Christmases Past, to the King of Christmas Present now seated at the right hand of God the Father and lives to make intercession for us, and to the King of Christmas Future, before Whom EVERY knee shall bow down and worship as King of Kings and Lord of Lords throughout all of eternity. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!

In Jesus' Name and love,
David and Janice Clemens