Thailand
(MNN) — The work of an important camp ministry in Thailand is in jeopardy, but
a generous donor has stepped forward to fill the pressing need and keep the
camp in operation through the end of this year.
Located
in Nan Province in northern Thailand, AMG International's Camp Joy serves many
people year-round, including children, youth, seniors, farmers, and English
camps. Campers enjoy good food, rousing
outdoor activities, and biblical instruction.
One
student remembers visiting Camp Joy for the first time when she was in Grade
4.
"I
felt accepted, loved and important," the student recalled. "We were taught at camp that the Lord Jesus
Christ died on the cross on behalf of sinners and that those who receive Him
will not perish but have everlasting life. It was interesting, but it never
really meant anything serious to me."
The
student's involvement with AMG's ministries continued through high school, and
finally the crucial decision was made. A
houseparent shared the Gospel with the student, who finally understood how much
it meant, and became a Christian. Now,
this student has finished teacher's college and has become a teacher in the Primary
Department of AMG's "By Grace School."
"It is now my desire to see my
students attend Camp Joy so that they, too, will
experience what I experienced," the teacher said.
Missionary Joel Ibañez leads the ministry of Camp Joy,
unfazed by the opposition of the
Buddhist neighbors that surround the camp. Some of the more radical neighbors have made threats such as "We will
bury you," but this does not stop Ibañez, who has been serving the Lord in
Thailand for almost 30 years.
The facilities at Camp Joy are beautiful but well-used. A donor has pledged a matching gift of
$15,000 to raise the $30,000 needed for operations. This will double every gift you give to keep Camp Joy running.
