Personal Encounters
I scanned the family groups as soon as we reached the Save-A-Lot parking area to pick up our Chambersburg Day Campers. I was a bus rider that first day, and there was Lucas, looking excited and a little nervous waiting for our arrival with his grandparents (my landlord and his wife). 
He had been telling us for a month how excited he was to come to summer camp at Joy El for the first time. He had signed up for the last week of Joy El summer Day Camp, and it was finally here!
The bus ride was filled with his questions and answers. and I reminded him I would see him at every lunch! By lunch the first day, he was already connecting with new friends and his counselor. He wasn’t nervous any more, and was having a great time.
At lunch on Thursday, his counselor saw us talking, and pulled me aside to share that Lucas began a relationship with Jesus that day! I was ecstatic! I couldn’t wait until we connected with his grandmother later to share the news. Lucas came out of the dining hall and affirmed that “Jesus is in my heart!” What a wonderful day! Lucas has amazing parents and grandparents who will keep him growing in his faith. This summer 139 children began new relationships with Jesus at Joy El during the camp season. We praise God for each encounter and decision.
As we step into this new school year, as Director of our Joy El Bible Adventure and CIA programs that minister to the public school students, I am so aware that many of our community children still have not heard the good news of Jesus and many others need opportunities to grow in their faith during the school year! I am so glad that we offer these free programs to our public school students to learn about God during the school day! I praise God that Joy El offers year round opportunities for children and families to experience life-change through personal encounters with Jesus! It is a joy to be a part of all God is doing!
Learn more about Bible Adventure and CIA (or to register).
Upcoming events:
Mother Daughter Retreat (October 8-10)
Momentum Jr High/Sr High Retreat (November 5-7)
Father Son Retreat (November 12-14)
Momentum Jr High Retreat (November 19-21)
Fall Bible Adventure Retreat (December 3-5)
Family Retreat (December 31, 2021-January 2, 2022)
