From my heart after Arts Camp!

It’s been a couple of weeks since we wrapped up Arts Camp, and yet I can still feel the joyful energy of those precious children—singing, dancing, laughing, and calling out loud the name of Jesus! Their voices still echo in my heart, and I can’t help but smile as I remember their excitement and pure faith. What a wonderful time we had! How deeply blessed we were to have the privilege of serving God by serving His little ones during those four unforgettable days in the first week of June knowing that what we did for them we did it for Him (Mt 25:40).

Our theme this year was "Lifted Up," inspired by Psalm 18:16:

“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters.”

As I reflect on all that God did, two things stand out in my heart. First, how high we lifted the name of Jesus—as we worshipped and praised Him each morning, joined by more than 65

children and 56 adult volunteers He brought together. What a powerful sight it was: people from over 16 nations and at least 4 different languages, all united with one purpose—to declare that He is Lord. For me, it was a glimpse of heaven, where people from every tribe, tongue, and nation will one day bow before the throne, worshipping Him in one voice forever. Isn’t that picture beautiful?

Secondly, how He lifted us up, how encouraged we were as we witnessed children asking for prayer because they wanted to give or recommit their lives to Jesus. They embraced every lesson we taught, and by the end of camp, they could retell the Bible stories with such clarity. It filled our hearts with overwhelming joy to see a new generation learning to treasure God’s word in their hearts.

But I must also confess—beyond the salvation, beyond the teaching—those smiles, those hugs, the laughter and love we shared together... they were also God’s reward.

I love that Arts Camp always falls around my birthday. (I just turned 36 few days ago) Though it leaves me physically exhausted, it somehow fills me with fresh passion—renewing my desire to dance, teach, disciple, love, serve, and share the Gospel not only in my local church but however and wherever I can. It's like another reminder of why we’re here: to make our lives count for the Kingdom, to make Jesus known.

We ended camp with our final recital and art exhibition. The creativity on display was beautiful. The dances, the drama, the music, each piece reflected the joy and freedom of the Lord and the professionalism and excellence of each of our teachers and the hard work of all our team. But what marked me most were the testimonies—stories I heard of how God worked in hearts in both big and small ways. I can’t share them all now but one thing I can say: All of them are written in my heart, from the 7 year old Indian girl who because of her religion came on the first day with her own lunch, but by the second day was joyfully eating our meals, having understood that Jesus have provided all things for our good and wants us to enjoy His goodness together, to the teacher who hugged me in the parking lot, overwhelmed with the revelation that in Christ, we are truly a family—one body, many parts, united in love. This year, Arts Camp surpassed every one of my expectations and all glory to God—I give Him praise for it all.

Humbly in service.

Kristy Mendoza

Arts Camp Director (and Dance Teacher 😅)