Rev. Douma was born in New York and placed in an orphanage at the age of two. At six years of age he was adopted by Christian parents of the Reformed Faith in New Jersey. He attended Christian schools in elementary and high school. After leaving high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and became a chaplain’s assistant. Harry received his B.A. from Shelton College in New Jersey and a Master of Divinity from Faith Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania. During seminary he became a chaplain at the Johnston Training and Research Center in Bordentown, NJ, where he ministered to children and young adults. Rev. Douma has been a pastor in several churches in New Jersey and Missouri including the First Baptist Church of Pilot Knob where he served for seven years and now has Penuel Fellowship which meets at Camp Penuel.

In 1973 the Lord led Rev. Douma to found Camp Penuel on Lake Killarney in Ironton, Missouri, which has expanded to Camp Penuel East in Eldred, PA, and to Esparza, Costa Rica. The camps have ministered to over 60,000 children and at least half of these have made decisions for Christ. There has never been a charge to any child.

Rev. Douma is married to Carole Piening Douma since 1958 and they have three children: Daniel of Colorado Springs, Colorado; D. Joy Emert of Ironton, Missouri; and Crystal Mace of Farmington, Missouri. They also have five grandchildren: Heather Emert, Miriam, Timothy and Maleah Douma and Carl Mace.

For his work with children, Rev. Douma has received congratulations and awards from the White House, FBI, several governors and mayors. The Lord has worked miracles through this servant who is willing to totally follow Him.