Only a handful of Summer Ministry Team members have served NLOM for seven or more summers…and Eli Neitzel is one of them. “My mother passed away before my first summer as a camper, and I was at a difficult crossroads in my life,” Eli shared. “Thanks to the staff, I was able to not only get through that time, but I found a new passion for helping others. That is the reason I decided to work at NLOM and why I continue to come back—to help others experience the joy of camp and Christ, and to find a place where they can call home.”
There have been many special moments along the way, but he recalls one particular moment in 2018 while praying with a group of campers. “For one camper—a high school senior—I had been her counselor for a number of years. She let me know the impact I had on her life as a Christian, and she broke down crying, as did I. It was a very moving moment.”
Summer Ministry Team members serve as faithful role models. Throughout the week, counselors help campers cultivate great friendships, grow in their self-confidence, and deepen their faith. It is a responsibility Eli doesn’t take lightly. “Camp is a safe space where people can be themselves, and where they are going to experience God’s unconditional love and grace.”
Eli believes the gracious people involved in all areas of the ministry are what set NLOM apart.“ The grounds and buildings are all great and wonderful, but without the people here doing God’s work I don’t think there would be nearly as many significant experiences.”
This story is featured in our 2018 Gratitude Report. Click here to read the full report.
To learn more about joining the Summer Ministry Team, click here.
Commenti