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ournalIf you have ever felt that serving God is too hard and beyond your own abilities, you are not alone. I have felt this often. I can recall numerous conversations with others who see the immensity of the task, they just don’t know where to begin and feel overwhelmed by it all. This feeling of being overwhelmed often leads to doing nothing at all.Throughout my time in ministry, I have observed that there are three fundamental mindset shifts that must occur in the mind of a western believer to eectively serve the Lord in ministry. One of those shifts is mov-ing from trusting in our strength (which is very limited) to trusting and operating in God’s power.As I read the gospels, what stands out to me in the stories of Jesus sending out the twelve, the seventy-two, and ultimately all of us who follow Him, is the sharing of His authority. These are not just simple words of encouragement before being sent, but cosmic state-ments of power, especially in Matthew 28, where He claims, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Jesus bestows that authority, and it ows through us as we go into the world in His name. Take a moment and allow that amazing truth to sink in. As we serve the Lord this year I echo the words of Paul, “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith” (Ephesians 3:16-17a). When we experience His power working in us and through us we will be amazed at what He can do.There will be times when we feel weak in our calling and service, and we must never forget the truth that Jesus sent us with His absolute authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, in our going, or “as we go” into our neighborhoods, with local school children, and far-away lands to bring good news, blessing, and hope – we go with the grace and authority of Jesus.May the following articles showing God’s power at work give you encouragement to make the move from your strength to His.“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21). Working in His PowerVolume 41 Fall 20231. Working in His Power2. God’s Power Shining Through Young Leaders Power Over Darkness Memorial/Honorium3. Celebrating New Life Harvesters in the Largest US Mission eld4. Mark Your CalendarThe Privilege of GivingOur commitment to you:Joy El is a member of ECFA (theEvangelical Council for FinancialAccountability). The ECFA seal (seenhere) is an expressionof our commitment tointegrity in all aspectsof our ministry. Pleasevisit www.ecfa.org tond out more aboutECFA. All donations to Joy El are tax deductible.To learn about more ways to give, call Miriam Ankerbrand at 717-369-4539 or email miriam@joyel.orgAaron E. Ziebarth, CEO717-369-4539 • www.joyelcamps.org • info@joyel.orgAaron E. Ziebarth, CEO

“I asked my principal if someone could come in to teach the sta and she said I should be the one to do it,” high school senior Josh Myers said. Joy El’s 4.12 Leadership Training Program focuses on equipping teens in their faith and to lead for Christ even while they are young. The program’s theme verse and name are taken from 1 Timonthy 4:12, which says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” Josh, currently a fth-year student in the 4.12 program, did just this at his school earlier this fall. The 4.12 students attended their fall leadership training summit in early September, during which they participated in various sessions, activities, and small groups focused on developing their faith and leadership. Josh, along with several other older students, participated in a session about how to lead a small group. After receiving this teaching, Josh shared with his principal that the information he learned could be very benecial to the teachers at his high school, who also lead small groups. “The teachers were leading small groups, but I could tell many were God’s Power Shining Through Young LeadersPower Over Darknessby Rachel ShivelyDirector of the 4.12Leadership Training ProgramJosh Myers is seated front center with other 4.12 high school seniors who are demonstrating God’s power in their areas of inuence.John 3:1 says, “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.” We are living in a world in which people continuously reject the Truth of God. There is no getting around it: there are a lot of evil people in the world.In John 16:33 Jesus says, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” People need the power and hope of Jesus to overcome the evil in the world. That is why the work we do here is vital. by Micheal CovingtonDevelopment Coordinatorfeeling thrown into it and didn’t know what they were doing,” Josh shared. “I told my principal about the information taught at the training weekend and hoped it could be passed along to them.” The principal then invited Josh to teach the information directly to the faculty. Josh brought the materials and, through three separate sessions, led the teachers through the same content and resources that he received at his own training. Afterward, the teachers thanked him and some personally expressed to him later that the information was very helpful. Not much later, Josh personally experienced one of his own teachers utilizing the teaching during one of his classes.Pray that Josh will continue to make an impact at his school and that the teaching would have a fruitful impact on both students and faculty. There is truly a cause for celebration when God’s power is demonstrated through Josh’s generation! Day after day at Joy El, we are seeing God overcoming the power of darkness to build His Kingdom. And your partnership is a big part of that. If you would like to return the enclosed envelope, a gift of $154 will help cover the cost of one child in Bible Adventure for one year. There are other ways you can give:• IRA RMDs sent to Joy El are 100% deductible• Transfer of appreciated mutual funds or stocks• Charitable gift annuities • Including Joy El in your willYour partnership is making a dierence in a world full of darkness. If you have any questions please call me at 717-369-4539 or email Micheal@joyel.org (yes, the e comes before the a). God is at work, and I would love for you to be a part of it.MEMORIAL/HONORARIUM LISTIN MEMORY OF: Given by:Ardys Veldhuizen Germanton Baptist ChurchBetty Keenan John & Jill Allen Bob Brazee Joann Cuthbert Bruce & Judith Fiol Jerry & Barb McCarrell Pat Reed Raymond & Elizabeth Deiter Pat Reed Jean AbrahamsenBob Cuthbert Roy & Sue BerkheimerClaudia Flinchbaugh Charles Robie Donna Cheely Lewis CheelyDoris Barrett Harry Barrett Harry & Carolyn BarrettDorothy Martin Tim & Lindsay Bair Warren Martin Larry & Susie MartinHarmon Hawbaker Raymond & Louise Wenger Hazel Cutchall Larry & Mary Stover Anonymous Janet Kirkpatrick Geisel Funeral HomeJanice Oliver Rob & Susie Snowberger Mike & May Grace Holcomb GAHS Class of ‘71: Sandy Martin, Judy Craig, Kim Burger, Terry Barbuzanes, Susie Bonebrake Anne Rife Taylor & Sandy Oliver Bill & Christine King Steve & Shelby Oliver Ray & Rebecca Shultz Scott & Ramonna Dayley Gary & Rose Martin David & Karen Rotz Franklin County Youth Beef Club Travis & Carolyn George Alan & Kendra Meyers James & Irene Osborne Amy Younker John & Kelly Koons Raymond & Louise Wenger Jenna Myers Kirk ZegerJessica Justus Pedersen Tabb & Laura Justus Ruth Ann Spangler Alan & Tina Spade Scott & Stormy Miller Robert & Betty Grossnickle Raymond HinklePatricia Reed Joy Eilertsen Jean AbrahamsenTom Eilertsen Parker & Ruth Nilsen Pat Reed Jean Abrahamsen Christopher & Frances BennettWard Childerston Scott & Ramonna Dayley IN HONOR OF:Herbert & Penny Spicer Kian Spicer

Celebrating New LifeHarvesters in the Largest US Mission FieldOne weekend, I was shopping with my friends at Walmart and, for some reason, we were in the party supplies aisle. When we came to the packs of birthday party blowers, I made a comment about how fun I thought they were when I was a kid. Then one of my friends jokingly suggested having a born-again party for my campers the following week if any of them began a relationship with Jesus. We laughed for a few seconds before I stopped to think: I could have a born-again party! I had party hats at home from my birthday the previous month, and the party idea t perfectly with Thursday’s verse, which states that we are new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). So, I bought the party blowers and excitedly planned how to alter my Thursday Bible study to include a born-again celebration if the opportunity arose. On Sunday, right before sta meeting, another friend and I prayed that I would get the chance to use my party supplies. As the week progressed, I continued to pray for my campers that did not have a relationship with Christ. Then, on Thursday, the Lord did what He does best and provided me the opportunity to have a born-again party, not for one camper, but for two! We started Bible study by talking about what it means to be a new creation in Christ and then transitioned into a celebration for the Every week from September until May, 106 Bible Adventure and Christians in Action (CIA) programs oer the gospel and God’s hope to thousands of public school students in the tristate area.Barna Group research has shown that over 50 million students attend public school in America and the elds are ripe unto harvest! For over 50 years, Joy El has called, trained, equipped and supported over 1,000 volunteer leaders each year to work in this fertile eld. This year is no exception!Our theme this year is “Building God’s Kingdom.” During August, we gathered over 400 volunteer leaders for training and empowering to reach 3,800 students this year. With 104 of the 106 programs open to date, we already have over 2,200 students attending this year for their starting days. We also have been able to reopen two Washington County school-day programs. In addition, our CIA programs have two new leaders, Bella Kauman and Ryan Sanchez, and we are up to 20 school-day programs overall for our sixth through eighth grade students! two campers who had given themselves to Jesus! My girls loved the party and wanted to tell everyone who saw us why we were celebrating. The following week, which was the last week of camp for the summer, I decided to bring more party supplies, in case another born-again party was needed. My friend and I prayed again at the beginning of the week, and again the Lord provided. That week, we had another party, not for one camper, not for two campers, but for THREE campers who devoted themselves to Christ! Watching ve young girls decide to follow Jesus in a matter of two weeks is absolutely one of the coolest things I’ve been able to witness and be a part of, and I’m incredibly thankful and grateful to God for leading me down the party supplies aisle that weekend!As students hear God’s message of love and share with their friends, we are expecting a record number of students to respond and begin relationships with Jesus! Please pray as we see God opening doors that no one can close and bringing students into His kingdom!by Paige Smith2023 Summer Camp Counselorby Jan DiazDirector of the Bible Adventure/CIA ProgramSummer camp worship times celebrate God for who He is and what He has done for us.Many volunteer Kingdom builders engaged with biblical teaching and left inspired at the York Kick O Rally in August.Assistant Director Susie Barkdoll with one of our faithful and vital bus drivers for Bible Adventure.

*Email Glenda@joyel.org or call her at 717-369-4539 to RSVP for a banquet or 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 17225Updates 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%20retreatsMark Your CalendarsDate Event Time(s)Nov 2 Stewardship Banquet Lancaster* 6:30 PM Shady MapleNov 3-5 Momentum Jr/Sr High Retreat 7:00 PM Fri. to 2:00 PM Sun.Nov 9 Stewardship Banquet Joy El* 11:30 AMNov 10-12 Father-Son Retreat 7:00 PM Fri. to 2:00 PM Sun.Nov 14 Stewardship Banquet Joy El* 6:30 PMNov 16 Stewardship Banquet York* 6:30 PM St. David’sNov 17-19 Momentum Jr High Retreat 7:00 PM Fri to 2:00 PM SunDec 1-3 Bible Adventure Weekend 7:00 PM to 2:00 PM Sun Grades 2-6Dec 31 Dessert and Sauerkraut Dinner* 12:30 PMJan 5-7 4.12 Leadership Training Summit (students only) Jan 5 Barnabas Training (mentors only) 6:30 PM to 8 PM Feb 8-9 Home School Retreat 9 AM Thur to 3 PM Fri Grades 1-8Feb 23-25 Bible Adventure Weekend 7:00 PM Fri to 2:00 PM Sun Grades 2-6March 8-10 Mother-Son Retreat 7:00 PM Fri to 2:00 PM SunMarch 12 Barnabas Fusion (mentors and students)March 21 Barnabas Training (mentors only) 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM March 23 Work Day* 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM Lunch provided