Read more to learn about the Santens’ journey in camp sponsorship and how you can join the movement, change lives and impact eternity.
Camp Sponsorship: Join the Movement. Change Lives. Impact Eternity!
“Every time we take a step of faith, God comes through. Sometimes the step is going. Sometimes the step is asking people to give. Sometimes the step is sacrificial giving ourselves. Every time it is about the Lord’s provision.”
How did you first get involved in Young Life Africa/Middle East? What has this journey been like for you and your family?
We were first introduced to YL Africa in 2008. We met some of the staff in Tanzania while on a vacation. The following year I (Matt) went back to Kenya and led a short-term mission trip. In the years that followed two of my children went on short term trips and Stacy and I went on a committee retreat to Tanzania.
An interview with Matt Santen, regional team leader for Kenya on the Young Life Africa/Middle East committee and pastor of River Ridge Church in Charleston, West Virginia. Since experiencing Young Life in Africa for the first time in 2008, Matt has fallen in love with the ministry. He has led four mission teams to Kenya and created a staff sponsorship through his church.
Why did you decide to sponsor a camp for Young Life Africa? Why did you choose Kenya?
We sponsored a camp in Africa because we believe in the mission of Young Life and we believe that God is on the move in a major way in Africa through Young Life. Camping is a huge part of kids coming to know Christ and we want to be part of what God is doing. Sponsoring a camp was a natural outflow of the existing desires of our hearts. We chose Kenya because that is typically where we lead short-term mission trips from our church and so it is an extension of where we are already investing as a family and a church.
How has sponsoring a camp blessed you and your family?
Sponsoring a camp is a blessing in that we get to see the fruit of our giving as kids give their lives to Jesus Christ. We were also able to see how God used a variety of people to fund the camp.
How has serving at camp in Kenya influenced your relationship with Jesus? Your family? Your church?
Serving at a camp in Kenya has opened up our eyes to what it means to love people. We serve, but we learn so much about what it means to value relationships and what it means to be content with what the Lord provides and where peace comes from.
Would you encourage others to sponsor a camp or visit Young Life in Africa/Middle East? Why or why not?
Although not everyone can go to a camp, sponsoring a camp is a great way to be part of what God is doing. Seeing the pictures from the camp we sponsored was a wonderful blessing. Actually going to the camp and seeing it happen was bonus blessing.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Every time we take step of faith, God comes through. Sometimes the step is going. Sometimes the step is asking people to give. Sometimes the step is sacrificial giving ourselves. Every time it is about the Lord’s provision.
The camp sponsorship campaign is happening from XXX-XXX. We are expecting over 90,000 kids and leaders to be going to YL camp this summer in Africa/Middle East. Because of a generous match, for a limited time, you can sponsor an entire outreach camp for $7,500. You can choose to sponsor a camp on our website, or create a sponsorship team with a group of people.
Questions about camp sponsorship? Email alyssa@ylafrica.com.
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