This is not business as usual. But instead, an opportunity to deeply reflect. Processing and assessing our current cultural life from a biblical perspective, this is an absolute “must” for the serious trainee of Christ.
Our vision at Joy El is to make disciples of Jesus Christ, and to raise up the next generation of Godly leaders. Our 4.12 Leadership Training Program exists to nurture the spiritual lives of 8-12th graders through biblical disciplines of Bible reading, Bible memorization, prayer, evangelism, for life-long spiritual health and growth. This is preparation for life in the future, especially the unprecedented times we are experiencing today.
Below is an excerpt from recent correspondence received from Cierra Kelly, a former 4.12 Leadership Training Program student, recalling the disciplines and structure learned, and the life impact received while at Joy El.
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Things are basically shut down out here in California.
I wanted to ask if you would mind sharing an old summer camp schedule with me, if possible? I wanted to use it as an inspiration to model my day while I’m stuck at home.
Also, a random idea I had was that it might be useful to share some old schedules on Facebook, if those are saved anywhere. Parents are looking for ways to weather this and may appreciate it as inspiration for how to structure their kids’ days.
Plus, it gets them familiar with what goes on during a week at camp. Which might help once things calm down and camp events are able to start again. They might feel even more encouraged to send their kiddos. Plus, maybe they will share it with friends who aren’t in households Joy El would typically reach.
I also thought it might be fun just to see what stories and memories end up in the comments if past campers start seeing and sharing the posts. It might inspire them to reflect over their time at Joy El, which could be an opportunity for them like I feel like it has been for me today.
I really did learn so many lessons while I was a part of Joy El that have served as tools in my personal development. This global slowdown is, personally at least, seeming like an opportunity to deeply reflect, rest, learn and heal by recalling and reapplying some of those lessons and tools.
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This is why we do what we do in all of Joy El’s programs, from Bible Adventure, CIA, Camp and 4.12.
