What is the impact of bad news?
By Aaron E. Ziebarth, Executive Director Recently while reading the book “Good to Great in God’s Eyes” by Chip Ingram, I saw the significant value of a week-long Christian summer…
Learning to Lead through the 4.12 Leadership Training Program
By Stephanie Ziebarth, Barnabas Program Coordinator Kyle Swope was fascinated by leadership at a young age. “I always wanted to learn about leadership,” he says. “It was a big draw…
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…