By Message Staff
TIOGA – An international missions effort close to home is taking place this week, with the hopes of planting seeds of the gospel that will make a return trip overseas.
Nearly 50 fourth through ninth graders from South Korea arrived in central Louisiana July 15 for the start of Camp USA. A partnership of REACH Missions and the Korea Baptist Church Development Board, the camp involves 25 churches in three Baptist associations. The children are participating in a Vacation Bible School at Alpine First Baptist Church and spending the afternoons participating in activities such as swimming, skating, English classes and fishing at area churches.
After a week in central Louisiana, the campers will depart for southeast Louisiana and spend the remainder of their time in the Ponchatoula area. While there, the children will participate with American children in a music day camp at First Baptist Church of Ponchatoula. The combined 90-voice choir will present Kidz Under Construction at 6:30 pm on July 31 at First Baptist Ponchatoula.
Camp coordinator Susan Duke said the cultural experience and opportunity to take English classes are a draw that could lead to something much bigger – a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
“I have had kids who attended camp here and returned to Korea, resulting in leading their parents to a relationship with Christ,” Duke said. “They hear the Word and take it home. That’s such a blessing.”
