One of the most rewarding parts of ministry is seeing the seeds we’ve planted begin to grow—and that’s exactly what happened during our recent Mother-Son Retreat here at Joy El.
Among the many campers who attended were two boys who have been coming to Joy El for years. They’ve been a regular part of both our retreats and summer camp programs, and over time, we’ve watched them grow—not just in age, but in their spiritual maturity and leadership.
This year, they did something remarkable.
Inspired by the main teaching sessions during the retreat, these two young men decided they wanted to do more than just listen and learn. They wanted to lead. Without prompting, they organized their own Bible study group during free time at the retreat, inviting other campers to join them in digging deeper into what they had heard in the sessions.
Curious—and honestly, a little touched—I decided to check it out for myself. What I found absolutely blew me away.
The boys had prepared reenactments of the stories shared during the main sessions, acting them out in a way that was both fun and faithful to the biblical message. They drew diagrams to help explain key spiritual principles, breaking them down in a way that made them easier for their peers to understand. Most impressively, they were quoting Bible verses from memory—verses they had learned through their years here at camp—and using them to support what they were teaching.
It wasn’t just kids playing “church.” It was genuine. It was heartfelt. And it was powerful.
There’s something so special about watching young people step into spiritual leadership, especially in a setting where they’ve been mentored and encouraged over the years. These two campers weren’t just consuming what was being taught—they were actively multiplying it, sharing it, and making it their own.
Moments like these are a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do at Joy El. We’re not just creating fun experiences or teaching lessons—we’re raising up the next generation of disciple-makers. And sometimes, they surprise us with just how ready they are to lead.
Upcoming Events
- Joy El Work Day – Apr 26, 2025
- Joy El Work Day – May 10, 2025
- Paradise To Come Summer Camp (1st Week) – June 10, 2025
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