God’s Provision Through You - Summer 2025

1 Kings 17: 8-16

During a severe drought, a widow was down to her last handful of flour and a small amount of oil. She planned to make one final meal for herself and her son—then wait for the inevitable. But when a prophet asked her to share what little she had, she said yes. And because of her faith and obedience, something miraculous happened: the flour and oil never ran out. Every single day, God provided just enough.

That story has been on my heart lately—because in a way, it reminds me of you.

Being a missionary often means relying on others to supply our “oil and flour”—our finances—to keep the ministry going. After 30 years of teaching math, I still don’t fully understand how God’s math works. There are months I look at our account and start to worry that things might be running too low to keep doing the work we’re called to do.

And then—you give.

We are always encouraged when a camper agrees to pray for a meal.

Just when I wonder how things will stretch; someone sends a gift. A check arrives. A donation is made online. And we’re reminded again: God provides through His people. You are part of the miracle.

Thank you for keeping the jars from running dry. Thank you for being the reason Native American children and teens can go to camp, hear the gospel, and know they’re deeply loved. Your support—your “oil and flour”—keeps this ministry alive. We are grateful more than words can say.

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A Rocky Start and a Fresh Reminder

This past June, we spent three full weeks—Monday through Friday—at camp. We wish we could say that all three camps were fantastic from start to finish, but the truth is, the first one got a little rocky.

As we do at every camp, we started with some basic rules:

• Be respectful — Treat others kindly, listen to leaders, and stay with your group.

• Be responsible — Wear your name tag, clean up after yourself, and take care of camp property.

• Be focused — No phones or electronics during activities.

By day three, it was clear the campers weren’t following the rules, and we were feeling discouraged—ready to call it quits. But after receiving some Godly counsel from fellow missionaries, we were reminded of a lesson we had just taught the day before. Here’s a summary:

Even when Jesus was grieving and wanted to be alone, He had compassion on the crowd and chose to care for them anyway. In the same way, we’re called to show love and kindness—even to people who test our patience—because that’s what Jesus did.

So, we gathered the campers, reviewed the rules, and asked if they were following them. They admitted they weren’t. We honestly admitted we were at the end of our rope. But we also told them that, like Jesus, we were choosing compassion. We gave camp a fresh start—and from that moment on, things began to turn around. The rest of the week went better, and the two camps that followed were amazing.

By the time July came, we were spent. Fortunately, there was time already scheduled to visit our families in Ohio. Both sets of our parents celebrated their 60th wedding anniversaries this year, and our sisters (Kristi and Rikki) planned a beautiful, combined celebration. It was such a joy to see everyone! We’re especially thankful that both sides of our family enjoy each other’s company and get along so well.

As the summer ends, our attention is now focused on planning for August and September camps; preparing to teach College Algebra at Nelson University; continuing to minister to the children in group foster homes; and assisting the Siloam youth group on the Gila River.

God is good. We continually thank Him for the opportunities He gives—and for you. Your encouragement, your prayers, and your financial support lift us up and help us serve faithfully. Thank you for being part of what God is doing!

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”— Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

From empty jars to miracles of generosity, from hard days at camp to full hearts—God provides. And He uses people like you to do it.

With grateful hearts,

Doug & Becky Darfus