By Jeanette Biesecker, Director of Ministry Advancement
When she first traversed the grounds of newly established Camp Joy El, a Christian Camp in Pennsylvania, Lois Ann Glessner (then Hunsberger) had no inkling that her future would be so deeply entwined with that of the camp. She recalls, “I was just a kid and I had gone to the campground just to see it because my dad was on the board and they had just broken ground for the first building,” she recalled. Glessner is now celebrating her thirtieth anniversary with the ministry.
“In a day where it is common to move on to what seems bigger and better, Lois Ann faithfully demonstrates that one becomes bigger and better through faithful service. She is now serving children of the original children she taught, truly igniting generations who seek Him,” says Executive Director, Aaron E. Ziebarth.
Glessner’s story as part of the Joy El ministry staff began in 1988. She was recruited by then-director Gregg Garman. She shares that her call to ministry was clear to family and friends around her, but it took her longer to see it. But once she understood where God wanted her, she didn’t hesitate to take on a missionary role. “I knew if God had called me that He would provide,” she shared. Of her service, she said, “I’ve served in nearly every role there is and with every age group of students.” Indeed, her list of roles is long and includes senior counselor, junior staff coordinator, program director for elementary camps, released time coordinator, and her role today, training and curriculum coordinator of Bible Adventure.
In the years spent serving students, Glessner ponders the changes she’s seen over the years in ministry. “I’ve seen us change from using the King James Bible to the New International and from using older Christian children’s songs to using modern worship songs.” Of the impact on her own life, she said, “I’ve really grown in scripture memory, Bible knowledge and in using my spiritual gifts.” In spite of the natural changes in the ministry that she’s seen over time, Glessner emphatically states, “Only one thing hasn’t changed. The Gospel message remains the same.”
More about Lois Ann:
She was recently written about in the Shippensburg News Chronicle
She wrote a blog: How important is it for children to speak truth?
Take this opportunity to: Register my child for Bible Adventure!
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Joy El Camps and Retreats is a Christian Camp in PA, we offer Christian camps and retreats year-round in PA and we are a retreat center in Pennsylvania since 1974. Our focus on making disciples is seen in Bible Adventure and the 4.12 Leadership Training Program
