This summer at The Oaks, we have a new counselor who is very familiar with our summer program. Byron’s story with World Impact began almost five years ago when he was invited to attend a Kaleo meeting at the World Impact Teen Center. He admits that he only initially came to the meeting to spend time with a girl he was interested in, but he shares that he “came in searching for love but came out with a greater love.” What began as a way to spend time with a crush became a life transforming encounter with Jesus Christ.
Ever since that first visit, Byron’s love for the Lord has been evident as he has been taught, mentored, and challenged through the World Impact Kaleo ministry, including participating in their leadership and discipleship program. He quickly began living out the Great Commission by sharing the Gospel in his family and school, even starting a Bible Club on his high school campus.
Byron spent three summers and a couple winter camps at The Oaks as a camper. He was touched by the love he received at The Oaks: “Society, the school system, and even family at points have given up on us [urban kids], but not here,” he reflected. He found the messages very impactful, noting, “The speakers spoke my language.” He knew they understood him, his urban culture, and his problems. They spoke Christ into his life, teaching him how to live out his faith. When he left each camp to return home, he cried because he missed it so much. In fact, to this day, he has each camp t-shirt as a special memento of the impactful times spent at camp.
For almost an entire year prior to being a counselor at The Oaks this summer, Byron has planned and prepared, even taking numerous college classes to equip himself for his role. He came prepared with the hope of having a big impact on campers. However, he claims, “I'm being impacted more than I am impacting others.” God has been working both in him and through him.
As a counselor, he's had many important conversations with his campers. In sharing the good news of the Gospel message with urban kids, Byron says, “It's important to speak in their language, get to know their stories, and reach into their context.” For example, with his 4th-6th grade boy campers who love comics, he uses super hero analogies to help them understand Gospel truths. He tries to “relate His story to their story.” He advises, “If you don't share the same cultural background, immerse yourself in their culture; become a student of their culture, a learner.”
It has been a joy to watch Byron grow from a camper to a counselor. Our prayer is that those campers who love comics will grab hold of the Gospel based on Byron’s love and testimony, and then maybe one day be counselors themselves!