CAMP 2018

I hope you enjoy seeing this pictures and hearing from some of the campers/helpers as much as me!

*Note people in the pictures are not necessarily the person whose testimony is shared*

For those who didn't know, we had a team of 7 from MVCC (Culpeper, VA) that came to help and from getting stuck in Panama on the way in, to a nasty 24-hour stomach virus, the team certainly had some hurdles to get over! They did an amazing job soldiering through those difficulties with positive attitudes and a true team spirit!
"In early spring 2018 our church shared that they needed a female chaperone to accompany our youth on a missions trip to Ecuador to assist with the YL Ecuador camp. From the very beginning I felt led by God to go. I know it was God leading me because none of it made rational sense to even consider going. I honestly did not know what to expect from my first real international missions trip or my first YL experience, but I tried desperately to rely on God to guide me. The start of our trip was a bit rough to say the least. It was at my lowest point of the trip that I received a letter from a dear friend that quoted Psalm 121: 1,2: “I lift my eyes up to the hills - where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth”. It was at that point that I realized I wasn’t relying on God and I wasn’t seeing what his purpose was for me on the trip. With that I embraced doing whatever little things needed to be done to make camp function. A lot of people came together to share the hope of Jesus Christ with youth in Ecuador. I’m so thankful God provided me the opportunity to be a part of it. While I may not have been able to verbally provide the gospel, I know the work myself and our team did was crucial to allow others to share a life changing message with the youth attending camp. The experience has brought me closer to God and strengthened my faith. I can only hope that many youth attending camp came to know Jesus Christ and felt his love through all of the individuals sharing the message. I made life long friendships and truly hope it was not my last experience with the YL Ecuador camp." -Work Crew/Helper

"I want to thank those who gave. I am very grateful. I had a great change because I repented of the bad things in my life, of all the times I tried to overdose in pills to end my life, and the times I cut myself. I thought- who will know if I die? There was always something in me that wouldn't allow me to be happy but when I was in camp, I recognized a lot of things. The 15 minutes alone with God were very nice and I felt peace and tranquility." -Mayra, Age 13


"In the 15 minutes, I could talk with Jesus and let out all the things that were happening in me. I felt relief when I talked with Him because I know that I can trust Him and that He is the only one in who I can share my heart. After that time I no longer felt alone, I felt like He was with me. I didn't want to leave camp and return to the reality outside of camp and confront the problems, but I will be brave because I know He is with me forever." -Katy, age 18

"Camp taught me to forgive and to ask for forgiveness. I met a special friend, Jesus, who will never abandon me." -Cristian, Age 15

"This camp helped me to clear my mind and leave my problems to one side and to think about what I am doing with my life. I had a lot of fun at camp and met people whose stories have impacted my life." -Byron, Age 17

"I'll be honest, I didn't want to come to camp. But one day before camp, my good friend said -c'mon! and to not look bad, I agreed to come. Camp was amazing! I met new people, brought clarity to some of my doubts. In the 15 minutes I found answers to my questions. At the cabin time I was afraid to share out loud because I know it is a serious step and I don't want to fail but I did because I make the decision with all my heart." -Bryan, Age 17

"God shows his love through every boy, girl, leader, and each person I have met. I am very grateful for this camp." -Melany, Age 15

"I thank God for everything he puts in my life and takes away. I am thankful that I could share with my son in this camp. I'm grateful for the help in taking away this weight I felt, little by little." -Veronica, Age 20

"Thank you for giving us such love! Thank you for helping to achieve this purpose and to bring to life dreams and desire to serve in this way! Many came asking --why to continue in life? And they found an answer. Thank you!" -Leader, Age 40

"I leave camp rejoicing because there was a great party in heaven and all the glory and honor goes to the King of Kings!" -Leader, Age 42


"I could feel in my heart that there are still people who have not lost faith in the youth of this generation. I want to thank you for your love and faith. First I came to camp as a camper and now as junior leader. I could identify with the stories of the kids in my cabin." -Andres, Age 18

Friends, I could go on and on but I think you get the point! We give God all the glory and honor!