One Invitation Changed Everything
Jacob’s Story
Jacob first heard about Bible Adventure because a high school student in Joy El’s 4.12 Leadership Training
Program wouldn’t give up on him.
Week after week, this young leader encouraged Jacob and his mom to give Bible Adventure a try. Eventually, she agreed—and one simple invitation changed
everything.
Jacob loved learning about Jesus and soon became excited to invite his own friends. When his family moved to a different community, he thought his Bible Adventure days were over. Instead, God opened
another door. Joy El volunteers partnered with a local church to start a new Bible Adventure near his school, allowing Jacob to continue growing in his faith.
Before long, nearly twenty children were attending, and many began a relationship with Jesus because one child invited his friends.
Jacob’s journey continued. He attended a weekend retreat and later spent a week at Camp Joy El, where Christian friendships, caring counselors, and God’s Word helped his faith grow.
Like many of the children we serve, Jacob’s family doesn’t have a church home. But through Bible
Adventure, camp, and faithful volunteers who have walked alongside them for years, they found
something they desperately needed—a community of believers who encourage, pray for, and care for them. Today, Jacob’s mom remains closely connected with many of those volunteers. They have become more than mentors; they have become family.
One invitation became a lifelong relationship. That’s the power of the Gospel lived out through Joy El Ministries.
Every Child Matters
Kaitlyn’s Story
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Mark 2:17
At just eleven years old, Kaitlyn has experienced more pain than many people will face in a lifetime.
Both of her parents are now incarcerated. Before that, her childhood was marked by neglect, abuse, and unimaginable exploitation. In exchange for drugs, her own mother trafficked her—the very person who should have protected her instead became the source of her deepest wounds.
Today, Kaitlyn is being raised by her elderly grandparents. Each week, Kaitlyn faithfully attends Bible Adventure, where caring volunteers consistently remind her that she is loved, valued, and created in the image of God. This summer she also experienced the joy and safety of Camp Joy El, where she laughed, made friends, and encountered adults who genuinely cared for her.
Thomas’s Story
Many supporters first met Thomas when he was a camper and 4.12 Student. Through these experiences, he found Christ, developed a heart for others, and gained confidence to lead. Today, Thomas gets the opportunities to invest in others – continuing the cycle of discipleship.