Not only is Day Camp a wonderful experience for kids, but also for parents as they watch their children grow spiritually.
This was true for Ashley Sears, the Director of the morning Day Camp session in June at Eberly Farms. She watched her 10-year-old daughter, Stahley, grow so much this June. Stahley had attended camp before, but this year it culminated in her desire to be baptized.
Stahley was part of a small group of 5th grade girls who knew each other from weekend services in the Ballpark. Ashley and Stahley’s conversations, after camp, were a testament that Stahley was actively participating in a deeper reading of the Word.
Stahley said, “We got into a deep conversation in our group that led to a whole bunch of questions about who God loves. Things like, does He even love Satan? During this discussion time, I knew I wanted to be a new person. I knew I wanted to ask Jesus into my life. I wanted to be able to have the chance to be baptized too.”
Stahley was more than willing to help others who were anxious, or nervous, about being at Day Camp. She enjoyed helping so much, that in the July session,she volunteered to be an assistant leader at Pathway VBS with a 4’s group.
Ashley said, “Stahley loves it and can’t wait to do it again next year!”
God has transformed Stahley’s life. She is more interested in reading the Word. She is also more generous with her time and volunteering her time for the glory of the Lord.
To raise money for the Big Summer Give, an offering from our kids and student ministries every summer, Stahley did extra chores around the house. She also sponsored a kid’s night out for her 2nd grade sister and her friends. She was also able to use some money to help buy Bibles for Haiti.
Stahley has already motivated her family to get involved in Backpack to School and helped hang over 100 door hangers in her neighborhood.
Ashley says, “Sometimes her willingness to give to the Lord even challenges what an adult would think to do.”
Because of so many generously investing their time, talent, and energy, Stahley, at 10 years old, is already learning what it means to become a follower of Jesus.
BY BJ WELLS | PHOTO BY CASSIE JOHNSTON