Thankful

A Word From Bro. Don

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you!” Philippians 1:3

It was August, 1996; I wrote my first monthly thank-you letter! The number of letters was fewer then, but some of you have received these letters since my beginning, indicating that you have been giving to this ministry for that long. But when I think of all of you, I thank my God!

I remember writing my first thank-you letter, sharing that, as a young camper leaving camp one summer I rode home on the bus our pastor, Preston Simmons, brought to take us to Miller’s Pond for swimming. He asked how my week went, and I answered, “My spiritual batteries were recharged!” After 30 years of serving as Executive Director and Camp Director, I can still say, “My spiritual batteries are still charging!” I am thankful to be able to hand over the reins to Doug McBride, who I know will serve well in this role.

Knowing of your love for our Lord and this ministry, I ask you to continue to support this work God raised up 79 years ago. So, with that, Doug will complete this letter, but I wanted to personally thank you for your faithful support over these years, and I look forward to all God has in store for Camp Pearl Ministries!

R. Don Barrett
Executive Director
Camp Pearl Ministries

In Appreciation of Bro. Don’s Faithfulness to This Ministry…

“For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His” (2 Chron. 16:9a).

When considering this passage of Scripture in light of Camp Pearl, I can’t help but recognize the many men, women and local churches whose hearts were completely God’s and essential to camp’s inception and long history. Thirty years ago, one man came along whose heart was and still is completely dedicated to the Lord Jesus. He picked up, by faith, the mantle of those before him. Their passion–and his–was a camp ministry centered on the unashamed proclaiming of the Gospel of Grace by faith in Jesus Christ alone. An uncompromising stand on the Word of God to make the difference in the generations that were coming up.

That man is Don Barrett. He invested his life in this ministry while also serving many of the local churches and friends who support Camp Pearl with their time, finances, and prayer. Along with Don’s love and faithfulness, the Lord’s abundant grace has surely made Camp Pearl the ministry it is today.

It would only be appropriate as he retires from Camp Pearl Ministries to lift Don and Angie up in prayer, with thanksgiving, as he transitions to a more supporting role of camp and focuses on resting physically, spending more time with his lovely wife, Angie, their precious children and grandchildren, and continuing to serve as pastor of Kinder Bible Church. The blessing has been mine to have Don, his family, and Camp Pearl Ministries as a part of my family’s life and ministry.

I am thankful to God for Don mentoring me to become part of the next chapter of Camp Pearl Ministries’ history and impact for the glory of God! You are a vital part of the impact we’re making too, for Together We Do More!
As faithful supporters of this ministry, we’re excited to share with you our Summer Camp Ministry 2026 Report.

Doug McBride
Camp Director
Camp Pearl Ministries