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This past summer, I had the privilege of working with Lantern and Compass Project.  Although only getting the opportunity to do 2 camps, my life was definitely changed for the better.  The first, Camp Wannahockalugie, was an absolutely awesome experience.  Working with Terry and our team to help teach the kids about Christ while having fun doing it was so cool to be a part of.  Getting to do skits and lead lesson-themed recreation activities amounted in so much laughter and excitement the campers were thrilled, as anyone with ears could tell.

And as much fun and impacting as this camp was, the second camp I helped with, the ability tree camp, was life changing.  Going into this one, I really had no experience with people with special needs.  I would loosely throw around the r-word as if it wasn’t a big deal, and truly didn’t understand what interacting with these people was like.  I was timid at first among the campers, sort of treating them as one would treat a kid, oversimplifying everything and talking to them differently. However, as the week went on, I started to personally connect with some of the campers, through music, sports, and Christ especially.  As I was building new relationships, I was beginning to realize that there is no us and there is no them.  We are all human regardless of our differences.  This epiphany changed my life for good.  I haven’t said the r-word since and now have a newfound desire to hang out with people with special needs, especially because of them being so commonly made fun of and left out.  A camp like that is one I will never forget, and was definitely God’s purpose for me this summer.  Working with Lantern and Compass was one of the best parts of my summer, and I’m looking forward to doing so next year!

By Keller Knode – Summer Student Team Member

We can’t underestimate the power of sharing the gospel with our children. Our transformational  relationship with Jesus Christ has changed us forever, and we as believers need to allow our children to experience that same transformational relationship with Jesus, and that’s what Lantern and Compass does. Pastor Terry Williams is a dynamic leader when it comes to Children’s Ministry. Pastor Terry’s heart is to intentionally reach the heart of our children as she shares the love of Jesus Christ. I’ve had the privilege of working beside Pastor Terry and her team for the past two years as they conducted our VBS and how she and her team engage our children is phenomenal. To see children come to Christ is so amazing. If your church is looking for someone to come and do a VBS, this is the team you want. Love you guys, I’m looking forward to another incredible VBS this coming year!

By Pastor Rick Snyder – Faith Assembly of God, Brunswick MD

This past summer, I had the privilege to go to Arizona, the Apache Reservation, with Lantern and Compass Project for a mission trip.  It was an amazing, life changing experience.  Our team got to experience an Apache service and helped with children’s service. We had to be flexible and help out whenever, wherever needed. Throughout the week we were always on the go.  We cleaned the Carrizo Apache Assembly of God Church, helped paint, as well as building a fence and a play set for the children.  In the afternoons, we would go to Dishchii’bikoh Community School and served by having a kids sports camp after school.  We taught all about Jesus being our savior through sports, dance, prayer and role play.  We ended our trip with seeing God’s natural beauty at the Grand Canyon.  Throughout our trip we were blessed to be able to pray with many individuals and groups.  Through this experience, I think I helped them grow spiritually but grew so much myself (physically, mentally and emotionally).  This experience was phenomenal and when I was asked what was my favorite I said, “all of it!” There were times when I was left speechless!  The experience and people were a blessing above all! I can not wait to serve more in the future!

By Kari Dillman – Mission Team Member, Victory Church, Tipp City Ohio