What Makes a Good Retreat?
By Miriam Ankerbrand, Group Events Coordinator What makes retreat “Wonderful?” For some it’s the food. For others it’s activities and yet other it’s being outdoors. Some are just glad for…
From A School Employee
By Brenda Brazee, Assistant Director of Bible Adventure/CIA The guidance counselor at one elementary school where we have a Bible Adventure program thanked Janelle, the school nurse, who is our…
Hearing God’s Voice
By Miriam Ankerbrand, Group Events Coordinator Guest group leaders tell us all the time that they can “feel God’s presence” here when they have a Retreat at Joy El. One…
What do you prefer? Screens or people?
By Aaron E. Ziebarth, Executive Director We had just been outside for a good portion of the evening watching our son’s baseball game. There is something about sitting there, feeling…
Celebrating the Growth of 17 Graduating 4.12 Seniors
By Stephanie Ziebarth, Barnabas Mentor Coordinator The evening was absolutely packed with powerful testimonies and moving blessings. Seventeen high school seniors were graduating from the 4.12 Leadership Training Program, and…
The Blessing of Partnership
By Miriam Ankerbrand, Group Events Coordinator Each year I have the privilege of working with the Angel Tree camping program through Prison Fellowship to bring children of incarcerated men and…
The Principal Is Coming
By Aaron E. Ziebarth Executive Director Earlier this year I visited one of Joy El’s Bible Adventure programs. If you have ever attended one you know that energy fills the…
Be Ready
By Jan Diaz, Director of Bible Adventure/CIA The harmonies floated through the sanctuary as we sang in celebration, “Safe in the arms of Jesus” acapella and with full hearts. Mary…
A Privilege to Share God’s Love
By Lisa Doyle Assistant Director of Bible Adventure/CIA Angela*, a Bible Adventure student, forgot her Bible and verse sheet at home. Sylvia*, her mom met the school coordinator at…
Engaging with a Biblical Worldview
By Nate Marshall, Director of 4.12 Leadership Training Program
Earlier this month, we had the opportunity to go with a group of 34 4.12 Leadership Training students to the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter. Biblical Worldview formation…