Before camp started this summer, I realized that one of our Angel Tree campers, *Matthew, was already registered and paid in-full for his week of Christian camps. Knowing he could come for free through the Angel Tree program (a part of Prison Fellowship), I asked that his status be changed to Angel Tree and his parent’s money be refunded to them.
When Matthew’s mother received the refund check she was confused, so she called me. “Why did I get a refund for Matthew’s week of camp?” she inquired. I quickly explained since he had been an Angel Tree camper before, he could continue to come to camp for free until he graduates from high school. “Oh, I thought that ended when they were done with elementary school!” she exclaimed. “What a blessing that he gets to come again and again!”
As we talked, she shared with me the impact that Christian summer camps in pa has had in Matthew’s life. “Camp changed him in a good way!” she said. “He’s always been a good boy, but that first year of camp impacted him for the rest of his life. He became a Christian that week of camp! I could tell immediately when I picked him up that he was different. He had a real desire to read his Bible and memorize verses. Since then, he’s come every year and each year I see growth in him when I pick him up at the end of the week. I’m so glad he continues to get to come through Angel Tree each year!”
I expressed how exciting this was to hear and that we always enjoy hearing how God is working in the lives of the children who come to camp. Then she asked me, “Can he come for two weeks of camp if I pay for a week?” Of course, we weren’t going to turn him away from hearing the Gospel!
“Are you sure?” she asked when I told her that he could come for more than one week. I assured her that he could. “He will be SO excited! Go ahead and sign him up for two weeks then, one through Angel Tree and one from me!”
Now I was excited too! But then she just blew me away! “Do you have a fund there for kids that can’t afford camp?” I told her we did. “I’d like to give to that fund so other children can come too.”
I was speechless! This mom fully knew the value of camp and not only wanted it for Matthew but for other children who need to hear about Jesus. I thanked her and thanked her for her generosity. Her selflessness was humbling to me as I thought about her circumstances and what a sacrifice this would be for her. I asked her if I could pray with her and she excitedly agreed.
Matthew 25:40 says, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ For the past few years, Joy El and Angel Tree had been ministering to Matthew through camp. He has been one of “the least of these.” His life has been impacted so strongly that his family is embracing his life-change and drawing closer to God as well.
You can help “the least of these” children too. Your gift to the Campership fund helps children like Matthew to hear the truth about Jesus. Donate here
God is at work during each week of Christian camps in PA and Christian Retreat Centers in pa
Don’t miss out on Summer camp!
- Many sessions are full
- Make new Friends!
- Awesome Chapel Sessions!
- Learn skills like archery, swimming and canoeing.
- Ride the Zip-line.
*Name has been changed
