By Aaron E. Ziebarth, Executive Director
We have so much to be thankful for!
I started writing and here are the first 20 blessings that came to mind (not in order of importance).
- I’m thankful that my older daughter graduated from college and obtained a full-time job.
- I am thankful for salvation that I have through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- I am thankful for a wonderful wife who is a great ministry partner.
- I am thankful for three great children.
- I am thankful that we are seeing the construction on the new building at camp progress quickly.
- And I’m thankful that all but $75,000 has been funded for the new building.
- I am thankful for the generous donors who have given sacrificially to Joy El.
- I am thankful for our God who is the provider of all things (Philippians 4:19).
- I am thankful for a God-focused summer staff who sacrificed much to meet the needs of children and helped 125 children begin a relationship with Jesus.
- I am thankful that our God grants wisdom generously (James 1:5). It has been so valuable during these unprecedented times.
- I am thankful for a mature summer leadership team, who were invaluable in operating summer camp.
- I’m thankful that God answered our prayers so that Franklin County was announced yellow on May 22 to be effective for May 29. This allowed us to open camp.
- I’m thankful for a committed and experienced year-round staff team, who has been very flexible during these uncertain times.
- I am thankful that we have been able to operate Joy El safely with no known cases of COVID-19.
- I am thankful for the Joy El board, which has led with courage, faith and boldness.
- I am thankful that our God is faithful and is doing what He promised (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
- I am thankful that God brought 1,203 children to summer camp.
- I am thankful that we are able to share the Gospel with children in the Bible Adventure and camp programs.
- I am thankful for the opportunities to equip and disciple students and mentors through the 4.12 Leadership Training Program.
- I am thankful that our God is the sovereign ruler of the universe (Jeremiah 32:17), whose mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22 – 23).
“Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what He has done” (Psalm 105:1).
What are you thankful for? Please leave a comment below.
