Testimonials from Christian Youth in Action camp
Being at the CYIA training camp with the teens was both physically and mentally challenging for the 7 adults from our chapter. At the same time, we experienced so much joy watching the teens grow in their faith and grow in unity as a giving/loving body in Christ.
In response to the question, “What did you see/hear from our teens at CYIA that touched you?” These were the answers from counselors, an administrator and adult advanced CEF trainees:
I was impressed by the dedication of the teens to practice club parts – in the sun, in the classroom, they clearly took their commissions to spread the gospel seriously!
– Carolyn C.
Davis Bias spoke of how hard camp was – in a good way. He expected CYIA to be challenging, but he has another week of camp this summer “for fun.” His mom remarked that the boy who left on Sunday came back “all grown up” on Saturday.
– Korey K.
Someone asked me a surprising question, “Are you coming back next year?” In my flesh I wanted to say, NO, but God brought those “earnestly striving to do well teen faces” to my mind as they were reciting Amy Carmichael lessons; I changed my mind.
– Dede W.
I heard 18-year-old Zory talking on the phone to a parent on the way home saying, “I know going to CYIA camp will change my brothers’ lives!” When she got off the phone, she told me she was going to start saving money now, so all 3 of them can go to camp next year.
– Martha C.
Chaperoning those boys was a blessing to me. And hearing those boys saying they can’t wait to get back next year was encouraging to me, especially A.J. and Chris, Zory’s brothers.
– D. Emile
I loved seeing unity with the teens, but the Peninsula chapter girls deciding on their own to do a ‘secret angel’ between them on their first day there really touched me! They drew names, decided on a $5 cap, and then shopped for their person at the camp’s gift shop.
– Ann Marie R.
Now you have just a glimpse of what we were privileged to experience at CYIA with our teens.
God gives hope – a relationship with the King that is unending – and a purpose – to tell others so they can know Him, too. Our teens need both hope AND a purpose!
At Christian Youth in Action camp, they learn how to share the gospel with confidence: to children first, and then to peers. They learn their purpose in the Kingdom and the joy that comes with serving the King!
