Mark and Shari Carpenter

Mark and Shari came on staff in 2001. Mark is the Director of Operations. Mark heads up all construction and maintenance, in addition to teaching the School Of Discipleship class on Servant Leadership. Shari enjoys managing the Buckboard store. She homeschooled all six of their children (now adults). God has graciously blessed them with 15 grandchildren. James is still at home, but engaged, and will be married next fall.

Carpenter Connection

2025 Edition 2

Greetings from the Carpenters!

Summer camp is almost a month past. Since then, we have had School of Discipleship graduation, with 26 graduating; two family camps, and a new group of 38 students come in for S.O.D. orientation. What a whirlwind it seems to be!

Summer Camp was blessed with over 1,200 ranchers attending; dozens of summer staff, permanent staff, and volunteers ministering the gospel of Christ to them each week. God’s faithfulness to this mission saw many salvations and rededications throughout the summer. Hebrews 10:19-25 was used for our summer theme. “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” What is it that we are being challenged in that continues to set our hearts toward Him, not away from Him? Are we pursuing relationships that provoke us to love and good works; not always what we want to pursue, but what we need to pursue.

Shari has been very busy keeping the Buckboard store stocked and operating. Cheri Fitzpatrick and Abby Block assisted in meeting the needs in the store, taking a huge load off of her.

The Operations Department was blessed with 6-10 volunteer boys each week. We had a great time walking through the gospel of John with them each morning for devotions. They lifted a huge load assisting with lawncare and maintenance work around the ranch. We also had two S.O.W.E.R. groups in this summer. They helped complete remodeling work on the old Hungerford residence. The Chundrlek family is currently making the 100 yd. move south into their “new” home. God brought so many details together to make great changes to this housing unit. The first cutting of hay saw a lower than normal number and lack of rain has dropped second cut numbers, also. We will soon start road work and construction of the new housing unit located on the acquired Conklin property. Our hope is to have something under roof before winter sets in.

S.O.D. Students graduated on August 16. Our advisees, Aaron and Jonathan, both took jobs this fall as they pursue what God has for their future. Jacob Roth got married before summer camp to a past student, Sienna. They have accepted a position on staff and we are so blessed to work alongside them. We have been encouraged to witness the growth and maturity in all of their lives this year.

We welcomed the new students this past weekend and we will be advisors to three young men this coming year. They are John Solomon from Edinboro, PA, Kolby Irby from Triplet,VA, and William Brown from Shippensburg, PA. We are excited to get to know them, work with them, and study God’s word together.

Mexico could look different this year. As you know, we were not successful at drilling a well this past spring, so prayerfully, a small group can go down in December. We could really use your prayer for the upcoming spring of 2026 trip because the ranch vehicle insurance company has refused to insure our bus. We have investigated other companies as well, with the same outcome. We currently do not know how we will transport our group.

Family News: James has proposed to his sweetheart, Calista Kester, and she said “Yes!” They are planning a fall 2026 wedding!

Thank you for your continued prayers and financial support. We could not serve here without all of you. We feel so blessed to have your partnership in the work here and we pray God will continue to bless each of you.

In His Service,
Mark and Shari

Prayer Requests:

• Spiritual growth of students and staff
• Adequate hay supply for winter
• Mexico trip 2026; especially the bus situation
• Conklin project
• Scheduling of all work projects
• Ministering to the fall retreaters and S.O.D.

Praise:

• Large and eager S.O.D. group
• All adult and youth volunteers
• Finances for fall projects
• Warm temperatures for second cutting of hay

All gifts are tax deductible and can be made out to MMRM, designated for us, and sent to the Ranch at 101 Rodeo Drive, Spring Creek, PA 16436 or online using the ‘donate’ button below.