Pentecost

A Camp for Wholeness and Hope

Where did you first learn about God?

Who pointed out the glimpses of God in everyday life? For many, it happened during the early years of life. It was in Sunday School classes at the local church where stories were shared of Jesus’ miracles and God’s love. It was at summer camp and youth conferences where God’s truth was revealed and life-changing friendships were forged. It was in the safe spaces of fellowship among other young adults where expressions of faith were refined.

Children of incarcerated parents face many challenges over the summer months that affect their ability to thrive and grow: temporary living conditions, exposure to drugs or violence, loneliness, and low self-esteem. This summer, Bon Air Presbyterian Church of Richmond, Virginia, will help four children avoid those hurdles by providing them with a safe and encouraging place at a local summer camp.

Serving children of incarcerated parents

Camp Chanco on the James, voted by Prison Fellowship as the “Best Summer Camp” for several years, embodies the Pentecost Offering by serving children who are at risk of being exposed to dangerous and destructive living situations. The camp helps these children engage in the world in healthy ways by teaching ways to resolve conflict and helping them with their self-esteem. Part of Bon Air Presbyterian’s Pentecost Offering will support 10-year-old Shawn, Kyewon, 7, and brothers Malachi, 8, and Benjamin, 10, so they can travel to Camp Chanco for a life-changing experience of outdoor adventure, Bible study, arts and crafts, conflict resolution and self-esteem classes. These children will be inspired to grow to share their own faith, ideas, and unique gifts with the Church and the world.

Mindy Peters, moderator of Bon Air Presbyterian’s Church and Society Committee, is grateful for the congregation’s generosity to the Pentecost Offering. She notes that with their retained portion, and in partnership with other community support programs, they can share the love of Christ with children who have incarcerated parents and their families.

Through the Pentecost Offering, we make an impact on children, youth, and young adults in churches and communities around the country. This church-wide offering supports children at risk, ministries with youth, and Young Adult Volunteers. Forty percent of the offering stays with local congregations. Please give generously, because when we all do a little, it adds up to a lot.

This post is based on a regional Minute for Mission which can be found on our website as a script.

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