Stories of Hope

Justin's Story

A story of hope from Camp Mel Trotter

My name is Justin. I live in the inner city and I’m 15 years old. I’ve been going to Camp Mel Trotter since I was eight, and I can honestly say it’s made all the difference in my life.

The first time I went to camp it was rough. It was a new environment for me. I didn’t have many friends, and I was pretty quiet. But before long I began to change. I remember the day I was sitting on the steps during our devotions.

For the first time I really saw a sunset. For the first time I saw God’s hand in the beauty of the flowers growing nearby. I saw His presence everywhere. Now, these many years later I still see God—not only in nature but in the changed lives of kids who attend camp.

You are introducing inner city kids to Jesus

Every day I see lots of violence, drug use and sinful behavior in my community. But I don’t get involved in any of this. It’s just not for me. My mom raised me to be a different kind of person—one who has a relationship with God and who is respectful of others. I think she may have learned some of this when she went to Camp Mel Trotter as a child.

One thing for sure: my mom doesn’t have to worry about me. I love the Lord and I’m doing my best to serve Him. I’m now working at Camp Mel Trotter. I’m doing my best to give back for so much that has been given to me over the years. I would have missed out on a huge part of life if you had not made it possible for me to go to camp year after year. Thank you!

But there are still hundreds of kids who need to have a life-changing camp experience. You don’t want to see violence, gang warfare and abuse any more than I do. I can say from personal experience, when you support Mel Trotter Ministries and Camp Mel Trotter, you are helping to make our community a better, safer place. You are introducing kids to Jesus, who is changing their lives and setting them free.

For more information about Camp Mel Trotter or to sign up as a counselor please visit our Camp page.