By Jan Diaz, Director of Bible Adventure/CIA
One of my favorite things about Joy El is the opportunity I have to connect with others as we grow in Christ. I also love how Joy El is a multi-dimensional ministry. We offer a Christian camp in PA, Bible Adventure/CIA public school ministry, and the 4.12 Leadership Training Program for high school students. This summer God connected me with the opportunity to mentor Cheryl Martin our female head counselor this summer. Cheryl had grown up in the Joy El programs and it was so evident in her life.
I was immediately struck by Cheryl’s deep faith and commitment. Her beautiful, mature soul, and our love and experiences of the overseas mission field (she had spent time in Thailand, I in Saipan in the Pacific) connected us almost immediately! It was a match literally made in heaven!
Cheryl has a deep desire to serve the Lord – at Joy El and overseas
Each week we met and discussed how God was moving in our lives and growing us in the programs we oversaw. Cheryl herself mentored 12 female summer staff and she was passionate about seeing each of them grow in their faith and confidence.
We worked on memorizing Psalm 40 together and Cheryl was also challenging her summer counselors through devotionals in the Psalms. We both love music and how God opens hearts through worship and song! Ps. 40:3-4 “He put a new song in my mouth. A song of praise to our God! Many will see and fear and put their trust in God!” We talked much about the future and how God would continue to lead her this fall.
I already miss her very much as we said goodbye in August and she headed to Minnesota. We are staying in touch by text and calls. What an incredible blessing and testimony to God as he raises up leaders for this generation and blesses us “earlier generation” with their spiritual strength and faith! God is amazing and we are blessed!
