Beginning on July 17, 2023, the young students of the World Mission Society Church of God in Fresno, CA participated in a summer camp. With school out for the summer, the children gathered at the church daily, starting at 10:00 AM and ending at 2:30 PM, while participating in various activities.
Students from ages 5-16 were able to watch videos, do bible studies, and various life skills while enjoying time with one another. Through this event, many members were able to receive realizations and laugh with one another.
One of the teachers, Tien, emphasized the wisdom that the youth have at this time: “Through this experience, I was able to realize how wise the children of Heavenly Father and Mother are. I believe the youth will finish the gospel race and grow to the kingdom of heaven.”
The theme of the event was “Grow Up To Heaven.” The hope was that all participants could grow in faith and understand the Bible. The students also made an “I’m Thankful” board and wrote many things they are thankful for. Some of these things included each other, the church, and their parents.
The various skills included folding clothes, cooking, sewing, hygiene, and even how to use chopsticks. Chee, who carried out the Bible study and helped the children learn how to use chopsticks, realized the importance of his own spiritual life through the challenge of using the chopsticks. He stated, “My brothers and sisters helped me realize about our spiritual life. Sometimes we have the spirit of wanting to give up. But Father and Mother remind us about the kingdom of heaven.”
Another teacher, Lorena, was moved by the young minds of the students and was thankful to be able to participate in the camp. She added, “Our children here in Zion are very special. Their minds are so eager to learn. What I wanted was to be part of their growing little minds. It was amazing to see how they absorbed the words of truth, and it was so rewarding.”
Kids, You Are the Future of the Gospel!
By the end of the week, the students had many things to share and a week’s worth of memories to reflect on while also learning a lot from the Bible. The members were able to share an encouraging chant with the children: “Kids, you are the future of the Gospel.”
To end the summer camp in joyful assembly, the student group from the Church of God in Fresno took an educational field trip together to San Francisco. As many children and parents mentioned, it was a day full of smiles, laughter, and happiness. They took this opportunity to bond and grow closer together, just as their motto during this summer camp was “Let’s grow up to heaven” together! They were able to understand what a glimpse of heaven is like through this united event: a place where we can always be with our heavenly family, enjoying life and being happy every single day.
On July 23, 2023, they were able to visit the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, where they were able to see and learn about various animals. In addition, they were able to share a delicious meal together and overlook the beautiful scenery at the Veteran’s Outlook. Afterward, they were able to have an educational visit to the Exploratorium: The Museum of Science, Art, and Human Perception.
Our Creator God created this whole universe with careful planning and consideration. Through this Exploratorium, students were able to understand a little bit of God’s vast creation. Through interactive videos, exhibits, and activities, the students were able to be educated about arts, astronomy, biology, chemistry, data, earth science, engineering, environmental science, history, mathematics, perception, physics, social science, and so much more! One student exclaimed, “It was so much; I was so happy to be with my brothers and sisters!”
The Church of God in Fresno shares the goal of building up and educating our student group so that they, too, can grow up with the hope for heaven, learn to love one another as brothers and sisters, and understand God’s mighty power hidden in his creation work. They truly are the future of the gospel!
