God has a plan. It sounds cliché to say sometimes, but as one young man learned at camp His Word is true. (Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”)
Khyser, found out about camp in 2022. Things were not going well for his family, and camp was a game-changer for him. He and his three siblings, his mother and grandmother were living in less-than-desirable living quarters, did not have clothes and were financially struggling. Both his mom and grandma were dealing with serious illness that had caused his mom to loser her sight. Home life was tough, so when the opportunity for camp arose, Khyser jumped at it. KAA was a welcome break for him, but it was more than the activities, food and fun that he enjoyed. “The last time I came, it changed my life,” Khyser explained. “I learned so much.”
When he returned to his home city of Detroit, circumstances only worsened. Khyser’s mother became more ill and passed away. His grandmother, fledging to keep it together, lost the house had been living in. Now they were homeless. Not too long after, his grandmother passed away. The situation was as dire as one could get. But Khyser held on to what he had learned that first year at camp. “Usually guys my age will turn to drugs,” he shared, “but I knew God was with me the entire time. I know He saved me. Everything happens for a reason, and this is His story.”
He and his siblings are now living with their dad. When the opportunity to return to KAA again arose, Khyser jumped at it, again! He wanted the chance to learn more and grow closer to God. This summer, Khyser soaked up everything he possibly could. His counselors taught him many important things—how to ask God for words, when words fail; how to rest your burdens on Him, how to forgive; how to spend time with God by staying in His word and listening to His voice.
Khyser’s week at KAA was filled to the brim of God’s Word and instruction, love and encouragement from his counselors and cabinmates, and healing moments. “One week at this camp will change your life,” he shared. “He showed me to keep coming to Him. Any pain you are feeling can be cured by praying to Him, praising Him ,and talking to Him.”
Praise God for showing up in Khyser’s life at the right moment!
