Message ournalNot One Ministry But ManyBy David Rudy, Chief Advancement Ofcer“For in fact the body is not one member but many. (1 Cor. 12:14)” diversity within the Body of Christ, likening it to the intricacy and perfection of the human body, designed by our Creator. He highlights the beauty of many distinct members, each serving in a unique and essential role. No function is more important than another. Instead, we see how each part depends on the others, “And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? (1 Cor. 12:16-17)“But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. (1 Cor. 12:18, 20)This truth is evident at Joy El. I am continually amazed at how the mission and ministry here extend far beyond the camp itself. It’s much larger than any one program—it is a movement of God’s work, a beautiful expression of unity through diversity, made possible by the people He has called to serve.impact children and families in their communities. I am particularly inspired by the evangelistic mission we see in both camps and Bible Adventure/CIA programs, which are reaching many unchurched families. Equally, the discipleship that takes place through these programs, as well as the 4.12 Leadership Training Program, is an essential and ongoing part of what God is doing.But recently, what has deeply blessed me is recognizing how the ministry extends far is working not only in and through these programs but continues to work in each of us and share with you this year the inspiring stories of how God is using people like you to expand His Kingdom.“The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor…But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suers, all suer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. (1 Cor. 12:21-27)Volume 44 Spring 20251. Not One Ministry But Many2. The Far-Reaching Impact of Serving at Summer Camp Beyond Bible Adventure Class Honorarium/Memorial3. The Lasting Impact of Faithful Service A Moment of Connection: The Far-Reaching Impact of Guest Ministries4. Mark Your CalendarsOur commitment to you:Joy El is a member of ECFA (theAccountability). The ECFA seal (seenhere) is an expressionof our commitment toof our ministry. PleaseECFA. All donations to Joy El are tax-deductible.Miriam Ankerbrand at 717-369-4539 717-369-4539 • www.joyelcamps.org • info@joyel.orgChris’s CornerAs the new CEO of Joy El, I have discovered a great team of people who sincerely love God and are committed to sharing that love with everyone who participates in any Joy El program. Enjoy hearing a little about how several have been serving in this edition of the Joy El Journal.-Chris Walsh, CEOThe Gospel is shared and lived out both on and o site
The Far-Reaching Impact of Serving at Summer Camp By Elijah Shively, Program DirectorHONORARIUM /MEMORIAL LISTIn Honor of: Given by:Dawn Johnson Mr. Allen Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Allen JohnsonDirector of Camping Ministries Oce (Marshall Family) John & Gracia MarshallGerald Frey Neal MusserGeorge Washington University Tahir LoremusGregg Garman Perry & Tina MentzerIn Memory of: Given by:Dorothy Martin Greg & Selena StrineFaye Ankerbrand Connie Harnish George & Jane Pittman Robert & Bobbi Kinker Tabb & Laura JustusGeri Emig Nancy Bixler Wellsville Bible Adventure TeamKim Shatzer Deb Gorbsky omas ShatzerGladys McCrae Wiliam & Rita BeckJean Jackson Joyce ShewJessica Justus Pedersen E. Faye Stouer Tabb & Laura JustusMary McClure Mr. Allen Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Allen Johnson Linda Bivens Lois BrechbielMelvin Burkholder Margaret BurkholderPat Garling Mary Wilfong Melodie Anderson-Smith, Jodi Stewart Schwarzer, & Nathan StewartBeyond Bible Adventure Classby Brenda Brazee, Assistant Director of Bible AdventureEach year, it is my privilege to hire, train, and I am constantly amazed by the way God uses the summer to bless and encourage children during their time at camp. Yet, what never ceases to surprise me is the powerful way God continues to work in the lives of our Recently, I was humbled as I reached out to and to invite them back for another summer of service. As I listened to their stories, I was deeply moved by the incredible ways God has continued to shape their lives. Here are two particularly inspiring stories:One former camp counselor, whom I contacted to inquire about his future ambitions and availability for the upcoming summer, shared something truly remarkable. He is now enrolling in a theology program in the Dominican Republic, while simultaneously serving to how God had taken a young man who once served as a counselor, and now he’s following a calling to overseas ministry in the Dominican Republic. His growth is a testimony to the far-reaching impact that The second story comes from a former 4.12 LTP student and camp counselor—someone we are thrilled to have back serving with us this summer. But his journey after camp is just as remarkable. This young man, soon-to-be graduating the Air Force Academy, has not only excelled academically but has also launched Bible study groups with fellow cadets and led some to begin a relationship with Jesus. His story is another powerful reminder of how just impact the children—it gospel in places far beyond the campgrounds.These stories are just two examples of the far-reaching impact of serving it’s a transformative experience that leaves an indelible mark on both the campers The lessons learned, the relationships built, and the members take, the impact of their service at camp continues to shape their lives—and the lives of those they touch—for years to come.Summer camp not only impacts hundreds of campers but the summer sta that disciple them.site at camp or in the public school Bible class settings, but I was recently humbled and inspired greatly by a story I heard from a Bible Adventure volunteerare taking Jesus to families and communities.been since third grade. Over the years she has built great relationships with the faithful volunteer team. Brittany’s family does not attend church regularly, so Bible Adventure is her church, this is her family in Christ.The Bible Adventure team learned that Brittany and her mother had been in a major car accident right before Christmas and Mom was severely injured, rendering her, unable to return to work for quite a whiledrives bus to provide for her family. Now she was unable to work and was greatly concerned about providing for her family.As the Bible Adventure team learned about this, they They also got together a meal plan to bring meals to the family during this time of need.Because Brittany‘s mom was laid up during this time, her mother actually came from out of state to stay with her for a while to help with her care. Now Brittany‘s mom and grandma get to see the hands and feet of Jesus through this Bible Adventure team. Join us in praying for the Bible grandmother would make life-changing decisions to begin a relationship with Jesus.Bible Adventure combines faith, fun, and friends to help kids grow in their love for Jesus!*Not actual student’s name, name changed for privacy.
The Lasting Impact of Faithful ServiceBy Susie Barkdoll, Assistant Director of Bible AdventureBetty never imagined the ways her deep love for the Lord and her faithful service in the Bible Adventure (BA) Program would touch generations to come. For more than forty years, Betty has served as a BA Listener, faithfully participating in the four Waynesboro programs over the years.For many of those years, Betty had the joy of serving alongside her husband, Ron. Ron was a constant source of encouragement, motivating students to memorize scripture and celebrating their achievements when they earned awards. Though Ron has now gone to be with the Lord, Betty continues to serve as a BA Listener, carrying on the work they both loved.Betty’s obedience to God’s calling has multiplied through future generations. One of her former students is now serving as an Equipping Coordinator, training dozens more BA volunteers and leading classes of students, no role is too small when it comes to serving God. students in Bible Adventure.when we answer God’s call, we play a part in something much greater than ourselves. Her commitment to serving with faithfulness and love is impacting lives today and will continue to inspire generations to come.Matthew 28:19a/20a “Therefore, Go and make disciples of all nations...teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you...”Listeners in Bible Adventure disciple the next generation, impacting a life that will impact others!Students are released from school for an hour of Biblical instruction with caring adults.A Moment of Connection: The Far-Reaching Impact of Guest Ministries By Regina Martin, CIA Coordinator and Assistant Program DirectorWhile serving as the Host for our Guest Groups at a recent weekend retreat, I had the privilege of meeting many guests, but one encounter stood out in a way I didn’t expect.I was wearing a sweatshirt from The Pilgrim, a play performed by ARISE Collective Theater. As I walked through the room, a woman from the retreat group excitedly approached me.“Oh my word!” she exclaimed. “I saw your sweatshirt and just had to come talk to you.performed at Lancaster Bible College (LBC).”She went on to share that one of those performances had coincided in her life. “I asked the Lord to speak to me that weekend,” she explained, her eyes lighting up. “And each night, exactly what I needed.”Her voice softened as she continued, “That experience changed everything for me.” It was clear the impact of that performance had stretched far beyond just a night of theater—it had reached deep into her heart, providing comfort and reassurance when she needed it most.However, when she saw me the next day, wearing that sweatshirt, it felt like a sign was exactly where she needed to beon how The Pilgrim had impacted both of our lives, each in our own way, but still sharing that deep, unspoken connection through the experience.Over the course of the weekend, we crossed paths several times. Each It wasn’t just a greeting—it was a reminder of the unspoken bond we had shared and the unexpected ways God connects people.In that simple moment of connection, I was reminded of the far-reaching impact Guest Ministries has as we serve and bless groups that visit Joy providing a space for people to gather; it’s about creating opportunities for life-changing encounters. We never truly know experience will resonate or how it will ripple out into their lives, impacting them, their communities, and the world around them.Guest Ministries serve many church, youth, college, and mission groups during weekends, giving them time to connect to their creator and refresh.
*Email or call darryl@joyel.org 717-369-4539 to RSVP for a work day.Call 717-369-4539 or visit our website at www.joyelcamps.org for info on additionalevents and for online registration for camps and retreats.NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGECHAMBERSBURG, PAPERMIT NO. 233PAIDJournalreturn address service requested3741 Joy El Dr. Greencastle, PA 17225Mark Your CalendarsDate Event Time(s)April 26 Work Day* 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM Lunch ProvidedMay 9 4.12 Pizza & Paint Party 5:00 PMMay 10 Work Day* 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM Lunch ProvidedMay 15 4.12 Graduation Celebration 6:45 PMJune 7-9 4.12 Leadership Training Summit 6:00 PM Fri to 2:30 PM SunJune 11- Aug Summer Camp- “Paradise to Come”July 1 Info Meeting for Returning 4.12 Students 6:15 PM to 7:15 PMJuly 10 Info Meeting for Potential 4.12 Students 6:15 PM to 7:15 PMJuly 15 Info Meeting for Potential 4.12 Students 6:15 PM to 7:15 PMJuly 31 Info Meeting for Potential 4.12 Students 6:15 PM to 7:15 PMJuly 31 Early Application deadline for Returning 4.12 StudentsAugust 11 4.12 Applications due in handUpdates and EventsNow you can get the most up-to-date information on Joy El events along with updates on what God is doing through our ministry. Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/JoyElCampsandRetreats/Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/explore/tags/joyelcamps/Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/c/joyelcampsand%20retreatsjoyelcamps.org