Getting Ready for Camping Season!
At L’Arcada…
…the Spring is preparation time for Summer Ministry! God provided five different teams from the United States to help us…what an amazing blessing!!! Because the Spanish government finally approved our expansion plans (after 15 years of trying), we are beginning to add winterized cabins. Through many gifts and talented contractors, the first two cabins are under construction! Praise God!! We will be able to house more campers and start to add weekend retreats! 
Please continue to pray for God’s provision as we look to add even more cabins in the future.
It takes much work to get the property ready for the campers and next weekend is a 
big Open House. Our staff works together to prepare…scrubbing, sweeping, getting the tepees up, 
mopping, mowing, raking, and lots more!
Camper registrations continue to come in…please pray with us that we will see the camp packed out this summer giving us the opportunity to share the Gospel with hundreds of young people and families! 
The tepees are up, our maintenance director has been working hard to have everything running efficiently, and we still have to clean the 13 platform tents in the wooded areas surrounding the tepees, but we are almost there!
Dave and I celebrated two years of living in Spain this past week! We are so very grateful to the Lord for all He has done in our lives and the way He has provided for us! We are thankful for the ministry partners that He has given us…we are amazed and humbled at His faithfulness!
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1ST ANNUAL “LBI” IS A GREAT SUCCESS!!!
We are so grateful to God for His provision and blessing on LBI and to all those who came to serve!
Sightseeing in Barcelona with part of our staff
Team Building Activities
Bible study with Pastor Raul
Camper choosing his uniform at registration
Some of our staff at the Goodwill Games
Our players were a great testimony at the Goodwill Games
Girls Goodwill Game was intense and ended in a tie…and they shared gifts with the opposing team
Some of our Spanish Campers
Girls Counselors
Counselors for the guys
Serving
Mom…they can play basketball AND help in the kitchen!
One of our Spanish campers at the free throw line
Scorekeepers and fans
Texas at the free throw line!
Nightly meeting on the courts after the games
Coaches serving the campers for a special Friday night dinner
5 on 5 Boys Champs
5 on 5 Girls Champs
Director of LBI and his “right-hand men”
Thank you, Raul, and also Nate…you both were great referees!
Special friends and hard workers!!! Thank you to all of our staff for serving at L’Arcada Basketball International!!!
Our terrific coaching staff
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Activity at Camp Begins – Summer 2015!
Our staff at L’Arcada is working hard to serve the campers this summer!
We had three work teams that came from the States in May from Texas and South Carolina!
Beautifying the grounds as we prepared for the Open House.
The work teams accomplished much…painting, cleaning, and building new bunk beds for the platform tents!
Great fellowship in our home with part of the work team from S. Carolina.
A special visit from St. Pete…David & Pat Ritter joined us in Banyoles for an afternoon! Sweet fellowship!
The Davis and Culver Team from McKinley, Texas who helped us greatly this Spring!
We got to take one of the S. Carolina work teams for a day out to Tossa de Mar.
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Morocco Ministry in Pictures
On the first morning, they set us up like a press conference as we introduced ourselves.
Coaching staff:
Peter, Dave & Derek
X’s & O’s
Moroccan players so willing to learn
Teaching man-to-man defense
Players wanted their picture taken with Coach
Talented female players too
This clinic was about building relationships
Some really good raw talent
Dribbling drills
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Spring in Spain (scroll down for pictures)
We haven’t experienced a Northern Spring in over 25 years! Living in Florida didn’t afford us this luxury! We are looking forward to seeing the blossoms and the flowers begin to come alive. On March 3rd, we left Philadelphia in a snow storm and arrived back in Spain to 55 degree temperatures! After a day of unpacking, we had to re-pack for a weekend retreat with Team Spain (a time of updating our Spanish friends/churches, planning, and praying over the Camp and its needs).
Now, we are on a diet (our USA friends fed us too good), and Dave will begin visiting the Spanish basketball clubs to share the opportunity to attend L’Arcada to play with and against the Americans that will be serving at L’Arcada this summer. Below are some pictures from our time in the States and the schools in Alabama and Texas that will be joining us in June-July! Thank you to each one that hosted, met, and reconnected with us…it was GREAT to see all of you!
90th birthday party for Dave’s dad in Vero Beach, Florida
Meeting our new grand nephew for the first time
Friend from HS, Connie Hughes Button, husband & daughter to serve at camp
Special visit with Trevor Booker (80’s) and family in Williamstown, NJ
Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia with the grandkids
Heide Bernhardt Thomson, her girls will be serving at camp this summer
Dinner with Dayna Randanella Cormaney and family
Caps game with Paul Schmutzler, first student athlete Dave coached
In Virginia, Dave & Rhonda Jeck who Dave coached with in the early 90’s
A visit with former player from the 90’s, Tim Bredamus
In Alabama, a visit with Cora Taber who Dave taught with in the 70’s
Trinity girls team from Alabama coming to Basketball Camp at L’Arcada
Clearwater friends…couldn’t get everyone in the picture
Picking oranges at David & Pat Ritter’s farm in Bradenton
Breakfast with John & Lisa McCoy, coached him in the 70’s
Cindy’s mom, Jean Morgan, one of three hospital stays
Boys team we visited in Addison, TX that is coming to L’Arcada
Some friends from our West Virginia Church
The Starr family from Tyler, Texas
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Heading soon to the USA
“ So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes 
things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose…
For we are co-workers in God’s service…” I Corinthians 3:7-9
As we look at what God has done at Camp L’Arcada through the camping season, we are reminded that those supporting and praying for us back in the States and around the globe are partners in this work! But most important is to recognize that God gives the increase!!! This is His work, and we are humbled to be called to have a small part through the ministry of L’Arcada!
This fall we are contacting the Club Basketball Teams in Catalunya (we sent out 77 letters and brochures). The response so far has been encouraging and we are following up with phone calls and meetings with the coaches to invite them to come to camp next summer. Pray that God would continue to direct us in this effort and bring in the young Spanish athletes that He wants to attend LBI (L’Arcada Basketball International). Also, pray for the teams from the US that are raising their support and making plans to come to Spain in 2015!
Eurocentres Language School in Barcelona
Dave has worked hard learning the Spanish language these past months. Traveling to Barcelona everyday throughout the summer and in September was tough. Now he has a private tutor that comes to the house…no more bus!!! Cindy picks up a little Spanish here and there and works on her own through an online program.
The church we attend is in the nearby town of Girona, which is about 20 minutes away. It is a mega church in our area with about 130 members. They love the Lord and the worship is awesome!
September and October have been busy with hosting weekend retreats, planning and evaluation meetings, and breakdown of the camp. Cindy is in charge of caring for camp bedding (sleeping bags, linens, etc.) so she has spent many hours laundering and organizing. The tee pee covers had to be removed by a crane and now are safely tucked away for the winter. We are looking to upgrade the basketball courts and do much needed repairs, so we have been getting estimates for that special project. Follow up activities are being planned, a ski trip, there is always something going on at L’Arcada!
We will be heading back to the US on November 6th to recruit more staff for next summer, visit friends and family, report on the work at L’Arcada, and hopefully connect with YOU! Below is our schedule so far (a work in progress)…we have a few open dates where we could share the L’Arcada ministry along with the opportunities to serve on a short term trip with your church or small group! Hoping to see many of you while we are “home!”
Thirteen tee pee covers being removed for the winter.
Bintz Schedule (tentative)
Nov. 7-11 Vero Beach, FL (Dave’s Dad’s 90th Birthday)
Nov. 11-Dec 3 New Jersey
Nov. 16 AM Evangel Baptist Church, Queens, NY
Nov. 23 AM Emmanuel Community Church, Bayville, NJ
Nov. 30 AM Victory Bible Church, Hammonton, NJ
Dec. 3-8 Traveling South (through Virginia heading to Alabama)
Dec. 7 OPEN
Dec. 8-9 Trinity Presbyterian School, Montgomery, AL
Dec. 10-12 Traveling South through Alabama/Florida
Dec. 13-Jan. 20 Staying at D&D Missionary Homes, St. Pete, FL
Dec. 14 AM Lakeview Baptist Church, Clearwater, FL
Dec. 21 OPEN
Dec. 28 OPEN
Jan. 4 AM Gathering Point Church, Lutz, FL
Jan. 11 AM Northside Baptist Church, St. Pete, FL
Jan. 18 AM/PM Bridgepoint Church, St. Pete, FL
Jan. 19 Leave for Texas
Derek, Dave & Ubaldo, Meeting up with ministry partners in Morocco
Jan. 19-20 Trinity Christian School, Addison, TX
Jan. 21-27 Visiting Georgetown, Humble, & Tyler, TX
Jan. 25 Grace Community Church, Tyler, TX
Jan. 29-31 Leaving Florida heading North to West Virginia
Feb. 1 AM South Buckhannon Mission Church, WVA
Feb. 2-6 Traveling through Pennsylvania
Feb. 8 AM First Baptist Juniata County, Mifflintown, PA
Feb. 9-20 Back in New Jersey
Feb. 15 OPEN
Feb. 21-27 Colorado Springs, CO
Feb. 28-Mar. 2 Back to New Jersey
Mar. 1 OPEN
Mar. 3 Head back to Spain
If we are in your area and you would like us to stop in, please let us know. This schedule is somewhat flexible and can be adjusted as necessary! As God opens doors, we are more than glad to share the ministry of L’Arcada! Spain continues to be a spiritual desert, but God is working in lives. Campers, some for the first time, heard the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for continuing to pray for this work of God in this desperate land.
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A Fall Report – Traveling to the States
This summer, L’Arcada Camps reached out to nursery aged children during Family Camp all the way to adults, we had the 4-6 year olds in Explorers Camp, 7-9 and 10-12 year olds in Indian Camps, 10-16 year olds in English Camp, 13-18 year olds in Adventure Camp, our discipleship camps included teens ages 14-17, then we had the 20+ retreat for young adults. Campers were impacted by the Gospel this summer and fall for which we praise Him!!!
We saw young people accept Christ, there were important Lordship decisions, and many Spanish youth went home with a new knowledge of who God is! Some comments by campers were:
Our fall 20+ Retreat…praying after one of their sessions.
“L’Arcada exceeded my expectations!” “There is something special here.” “You made me believe in God.” “I understand what Jesus did for me.” “I love this time with my family, and the spiritual growth.”
Weekend Discipleship Retreat this fall…Finishing up a prayer walk.
This month we are contacting and visiting the Spanish Basketball Club teams to invite them to Basketball Camp 2015 (LBI – L’Arcada Basketball International). Please pray that God will direct our steps as we attempt to spark an interest among the coaches and players.
Cindy prepared a nice salad bar for the 20+ campers
On November 6th, we will fly back to the States…here is a “general” idea of where we will be:
Nov 7-11 Vero Beach, FL
Nov 11 through the first week in Dec – New Jersey then traveling south (could head a bit west)
Dec. 10 through mid January – St. Pete, Florida
End of Jan into Feb – Texas and then traveling North back to New Jersey
Also in Feb, a trip to Colorado before heading back to Spain
We want to visit as many of our friends and supporters as possible along with those that have committed to serve at L’Arcada next summer. We can share in small group meetings, chapels, church services, or one-on-one to update or introduce you to L’Arcada and the ministry in Spain! We hope to hit lots of States in our travels so let us know as soon as possible as we finalize plans!!!
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Fun at Camp
Our Granddaughter and Price boys – English Camp, 50’s theme
Sean, our Indian from Minnesota and co-workers, Orly & Carol from Spain
Campers during one of the Indian Camps
Serving breakfast to some of our International Staff
Cake decorating was not on my radar for service on the field, but God had other ideas! This is a treasurer chest (in case you can’t figure it out)
Family Camp had a pirate theme this year. We minister to many dear families that need discipleship and Christian fellowship!
Adventure Camp – Western Theme
More fun during Adventure Camp
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Settled, busy and thanking God!
We have been in Spain just a little over two months, but it sure seems longer than that!!! So much has happened in such a short time. We are settled in a new country, we’ve jumped right into the camping season and language study, and God continues to provide daily!
Moving day was quite the experience! All of our belongings had to be mechanically lifted to our fourth level balcony. It was accomplished in record time…however, Cindy couldn’t watch…made her too nervous! We love our little “flat” (apartment)…it is right across from all the grocery stores and on one corner is a fresh fruit stand. Catalonia is known for excellent fruit in the summertime!
Dave practicing his Spanish with the camp cook. Hand motions help!
Dave began intensive language study in Barcelona on June 2nd. He catches a bus right in front of our apartment each weekday morning at 7:15 and travels the two hour trip to class. He then arrives back home at about 3:30 pm. He is in a class with mostly 22 year old International students and it is VERY challenging. No English is spoken in class and this is difficult. Some days he feels as if he is gaining ground and other days he comes home all discouraged. Please pray that God opens our minds to this language!
English camp brought a large number of International volunteers to L’Arcada. This was a great encouragement to the staff here, and especially to us because one of our granddaughters got to come over with the team from Northside Baptist in St. Pete. Aliyah was with us for four weeks and got to be a camper in English Camp. God was so good to allow this and we thank many who helped make this happen! God worked in the hearts of the staff volunteers and then we also saw decisions from the 
campers during camp week. Since English Camp, we have had Discipleship Camps, Explorers Camp (4-6 year olds), and now we are into Indian Camp. This week, we have close to 180 involved out at the property! Cindy spends part of every day at the camp helping where needed…this week serving in the kitchen. She also has begun to work online to learn Spanish. She will soon begin to help David Frank, Camp Founder, as his assistant in the office.
We are actively working on securing staff from the United States for next year’s basketball camp. We are especially striving to get commitments from high school basketball players and coaches from the states that would enjoy a basketball missions trip! Then in the fall, we will be visiting the club basketball teams here in Spain to invite them to consider L’Arcada next summer. Please pray that God would lead us in this effort and supply the needed staff.
Our granddaughter (on the left) with her tepee mates.
Again, thank you to those who are sacrificing to keep us in Spain. We are still hovering at the 90% mark for our regular support. One time gifts are making up the difference and God is so faithful in blessing us through you! Our supporters are part of the L’Arcada staff…in a sense! We are grateful for your partnership!
The youth of Spain need a Savior! In Spain there is always a cathedral in the middle of town that towers above all the other buildings. Many of them are centuries old and very empty! The theme at camp this summer is “Awaken.” The invitation is to all of us: to consider where we might be “sleepwalking” through life, going through the motions the culture tells us to…we all need to wake up! Romans 12:2
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One week in Spain!!!
Hola Everyone!!!
Thought we’d send a quick shout out to you all! It has been a busy week, getting over jet lag and settling in. We had to go to the City Hall for our residency, then to the police station in Girona to do some paperwork, lots of detailed things that had to be accomplished before our container arrives. The container is delayed and is due into port on Thursday. Please pray that they don’t find it necessary to go through our belongings which could hold things up in Barcelona. We are hoping it will be delivered to Banyoles and our apartment on Tuesday at the latest! We had been staying in the Frank’s basement apartment, but are moving into our apartment tomorrow. Just a few basics…borrowed mattress on the floor, some blankets and pillows, food in the refrigerator…microwave works, we’ll be fine until the container arrives. HOWEVER, we will surely be happy when we finally have our own things in our “new” apartment!
It will not be as easy to unload, however, as it was to pack the container. Our apartment is on a busy street, so we have to go to City Hall again and get permission to park the container on the side of our building, then we have to hire a moving company to bring a crane to lift our large items up to the balcony on the third floor. Everything is smaller in Europe and many of our things will not fit in the stairways and definitely not in the elevator! It will be an experience!!! AND, we have that two hour time limit again!!!
God has provided us a car in a very miraculous way. A retired pastor and his wife from the southern part of Spain are moving to the Canary Islands and needed to sell their car. It is a Mercedes, 12 years old, but in great shape…gets unbelievable gas mileage and has been cared for well. He is giving us a great price and we feel that it is another great provision from the Lord! We will take the train to Madrid on Thursday, meeting him there and driving the car home. Madrid is about a 7-8 hour drive so we again would appreciate your prayers…we are thanking Him for our European GPS!
Then on Friday we have a big event at the Camp. A local school is coming out to the property for a full day of activities. We are so sad that the tee pees didn’t make it here in time to be set up for this, but God knows what is best and His timing is perfect. On Saturday, we are having a big open house out at the camp and we will be serving lunch, taking tours, and other activities. Busy times as we kick off the camping season!
We have been enjoying our prayer time with the staff each day as we pray for the campers who will come to L’Arcada this summer. Thank you for your interest in us and the ministry here in Spain. It is definitely a country that needs the Lord!
Banyoles (our new home) is a city of approximately 18,000 inhabitants located in the province of Girona in northeastern Spain. Although an established industrial center, many of the inhabitants commute to nearby Girona (12 km to the south). Banyoles is most famous for the Lake of Banyoles, a natural lake located in a tectonic depression. It was the venue for the rowing events in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Each year a triathlon Premium European Cup (or even a World Cup in 2012) is held in Banyoles, the hometown of the Spanish 2011 Champion Carolina Routier.
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