By Anna Blazes, Camping Ministries Assistant
I have served at Joy El’s summer camp and Christian retreats for several years, and have just recently joined the year-round staff as the Camping Ministries Assistant. I’m so excited about Joy El’s mission of providing opportunities for people to experience life-change through personal encounters with God, and that is why I’m so glad to be a part of the ministry at Joy El. I have experienced God’s presence in my own life here at Joy El, and it’s a blessing to be able to invest back into the lives of campers.
One story is from a couple of summers ago when I served as a senior counselor during summer camp here at Joy El, when I had a little girl named Ruby in my cabin. It was Ruby’s first week at camp and she was very excited to be here. As the week went along, I learned that Ruby came from a Christian home but had never made the decision to begin a relationship with Jesus.
One evening after chapel, she pulled me aside and told me excitedly that she had decided to begin a relationship with Jesus during the service. As I celebrated with her, she bounced up and down enthusiastically and asked what the date was. She happily exclaimed “This is my new birthday! I’m like a newborn again!” Seeing Ruby’s pure joy and sincerity left me astounded at the faith of a child and made me want to imitate that same kind of faith and excitement in my own walk with Christ.
Ruby had found new life in Jesus, and it is for this purpose and end that we serve here at Joy El, so that children can experience the hope of Jesus Christ in their own lives. I’m so excited to help more children like Ruby be able to do that at Joy El this summer as we start “Setting Sail” for another summer camp adventure of pointing children to Jesus.
For information on Joy El’s “Setting Sail” Summer 2020 Camp Season, click the links below:
Start Here for Summer Camp Info
What You Need to Know About Summer Camp
Summer Camp Schedule and Costs
How to Apply for Financial Aid for Summer Camp
