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The Calvary Worship Center in Marion, Indiana, has used Angel Tree, “a lot of ground, a lot of energy, a pond with fish, and a desire to minister to kids” to change the lives of children in their area with incarcerated parents.
As described by Pastor Jim Olinske, this small church with about 100 members has used the day camp concept to build an annual outreach program to Angel Tree children that extends well beyond the Christmas season. They began, after a lot of prayer, during the summer of 1999 when they gleaned a list of Angel Tree children in their area for appropriate aged prospects.
“We contacted, explained, recontacted, and finally connected” with 17 campers that first year, explains Pastor Olinske. The camping experience took place on 26 acres owned by the church, which included a large stocked pond where the children could fish and boat. Church members provided the energy, serving as counselors. One college-age member recruited several friends from school to plan and supervise the recreation. Early in the program, several grandmothers from the church noted the often meager lunches the children brought with them, so they collected food and began preparing a daily hot lunch for the participants. The children, separated into two age groups, attended six hours a day, five days a week.
The church seeks to provide a safe, fun atmosphere where the children can develop a positive attitude about the church, adults, and authority, as well as have a chance to accept Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord. The program features games, competitions, and presenters, plus an hour each day devoted to chapel. Child Evangelism Fellowship was invited to do a “five day club” for each week of camp, resulting in a clear Gospel presentation.
The day camp participants also heard visiting speakers from the local police, fire department, ambulance crew, conservation department, and a police K-9 team. The fire department was the hit of the week, arriving on an exceptionally hot day. After dressing one of the campers in the heavy protective equipment worn by firefighters, the firemen demonstrated the power of their water cannon, firing water into a field that was quickly invaded by the yelling, laughing campers as they danced in the cooling spray.
Of the 17 campers from 1999, 10 accepted Christ. Calvary Worship Center then invited the 17 kids to attend their church kids program after camp. Not only did the 17 join, but they also brought 11 friends, several of whom have also accepted Christ. Over the following winter, 10 out of the 28 total were baptized in a joyful service attended by many family members.
When summer 2000 rolled around, the church had this core from the 1999 group to build on but also began contacting new Angel Tree children. Nearly 80 children in all attended the two weeks of day camping; 11 more expressed professions of faith. Many of those children are now being discipled at Calvary, and others are known to be attending regular programs at other nearby churches.
Notes Pastor Olinske, “Though a small church, we have been able—through Angel Tree—to reach into our community in ways not possible had Angel Tree not existed. We have participated in the Christmas outreach to these families for years. By being able to offer more than Christmas gifts, we see our day camp as a vehicle to permanently ‘hook up’ with these families.” |
