Changed Lives Can’t Help But Proclaim
By Amy Diehl Executive Assistant I recently had the privilege of attending the baptism of my niece. Baptisms are always emotional for me. Watching someone proclaim their faith fills my…
A Little Prayer in a Tattered Bag
By Miriam Ankerbrand Development Coordinator/Bookkeeper As a staff member who is often working behind the scenes, there are times when you wonder if what you are doing is really making…
Encouraging Children in Scripture Memory
By Courtney Martin, Program Director One key emphasis of Joy El is the importance of Scripture memory. Having gone through Joy El’s Bible Adventure Program, growing up attending camp events…
What is the Purpose of Bible Adventure
By Lois Ann Glessner, Training and Curriculum Coordinator Our 2020-2021 theme for Bible Adventure is “On Purpose”, based on Exodus 9:16. What is the purpose of Bible Adventure? Our…
Jeanette Biesecker Concludes 16 Effective Years of Ministry at Joy El
Written by Stephanie Ziebarth Jeanette Biesecker (far right in the photo) laughs when you ask her to share what she’s learned in just over 16 years of ministry at Joy…
Summer of Hope
By Anna Blazes, Camping Ministries Assistant Many Christian camps in Pennsylvania and around the county were not able to open for summer camp this year. We were blessed here at…
Authentic Community Transforms Us
by Nate Marshall, Director of the 4.12 Leadership Training Program I connected with several recent 4.12 Leadership Training Program graduates one summer evening. All these young adults had been in…
The Gift of Camp
By Jeanette Biesecker, Director of Ministry Advancement Every year during summer camp as a member of the year-round staff, I get to ride the day camp bus on Mondays some…
Glimpses of God at Work
By Aaron E. Ziebarth, Executive Director We are thankful that we have been able to have four weeks of summer camp in south Central Pennsylvania. God has been at work.…
Transformed – A Journey Through 4.12
By Stephanie Ziebarth, Barnabas Program Coordinator Ashlyn Miller (on the left in the photo) thought she was signing up to become a junior counselor for Joy El’s camps and retreats…