By Aaron E. Ziebarth, Executive Director There is nothing like a good celebration! Every Friday night after the week of camp concludes our staff has a big celebration. One Friday night last summer all counselors, junior counselors, support staff and summer leadership staff gathered in the in the lobby of the worship center. After singing…
By Aaron E. Ziebarth, Executive Director For years I have seen the great value of summer camp–both for those who attend and for those who serve. Recently Juan, one of our summer staff members and a graduate of the 4.12 Leadership Training Program, stopped by Joy El for lunch. It was a great time to talk…
Each month I have the privilege of reading five spiritual growth updates (SGUs) from teenaged young men in Joy El’s 4.12 Leadership Training Program, plus I mentor two 4.12 students: Kaleb and Colin. Kaleb and Colin are not the only 4.12 students who have mentors; in fact, each student in the 4.12 program is required…
By Aaron E. Ziebarth, Executive Director Have you ever wondered if your service for the Lord is having an impact? Recently at a Released Time (RT) in southern Lancaster County, a listener shared how she had been praying about her effectiveness as a listener. She wondered if it was a proper use of her time…
By Aaron E. Ziebarth, Executive Director I never know how God is going to show up. This past weekend 100 teenaged students in Joy El’s 4.12 Leadership Program gathered for the winter Leadership Training Summit. Nate Marshall, the director of the program, planned the weekend around Ephesians 5:15-17: Be very careful, then, how you live–…
By Aaron E. Ziebarth, Executive Director At year’s end, we often pause and reflect on the year gone by. This year has been a year like no other at Joy El. But, God is good! Even though we can’t always see a way through the darkness, He shines a light to lead the way for…