Do You Know What Your Name Means?

Dear Friends,

For over 40 years, summer camp has been a vital part of our mission to reach at-risk youth. Camp gives us the opportunity to take kids out of their everyday environments and place them in a setting where they can experience things many have never known. For some, everything is a first—going to the beach, hiking, canoeing, sleeping in a cabin, or simply eating a meal off a plate instead of out of a wrapper. But more important than any activity is the time we spend with each child, building relationships and helping them understand they can have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Over the years, thousands of kids have attended our camps. But this past summer felt different.

The names of some of the boys stood out to me—Jeremiah, Daniel, Isaiah, Joshua, Malachi, and Elijah. Out of the six, five had no idea their names were in the Bible. After meeting their parents, I’m not sure they knew either. Each of these boys has continued in our program, and each carries unique challenges and needs.

One of those young men began making poor decisions and eventually faced expulsion from school—at just sixth grade. After multiple suspensions, his future was hanging in the balance. His mother called me and asked if I would come to a meeting with school board members, administrators, and teachers to support her son. I attended, and for over four hours, we listened as the school presented their case, followed by the student and his mother.

It was difficult to hear. I know this young man—he’s made mistakes, but he is not a bad kid.

When the vote was taken, the result was 15 to 2 in favor of expulsion. As we walked to the parking lot, his mother looked at me through tears and said, “Pastor Scott, is there anything you can do? If my son is expelled in sixth grade, he will end up in prison.”

After praying with them, I felt led to go back inside and ask if there were any other options. I brought up the possibility of an alternative school, but I was told that option had already been denied. However, I recognized the name of the principal they had mentioned—I knew her. The next morning, I went to the school and asked to meet with her personally. After some time, she agreed to see me. By God’s grace, she agreed to accept him.

I drove him to school that first week, and he began adjusting well. During those rides, we had meaningful conversations about God.

One day I asked him, “Do you know what your name means?” He said no. I told him, “Your name means ‘My God is Yahweh’ or ‘Jehovah is my God.’”

Then I asked, “Is Jehovah your God? Have you trusted in God’s Son, Jesus?” He said, “Yes. I made that decision at camp. I hate the bad decisions I make, but with God’s help, I know I can change.”

That’s why camp matters.

Would you consider supporting our summer camp program so we can continue reaching kids like him—kids who may one day be known as Peter, James, John… or maybe even Moses? We don’t know the next name God will bring us, but we want every child referred to us to have the opportunity to attend camp. That can only happen with your support.

Thank you in advance for partnering with us as we continue to reach at-risk youth.

In His Service,

Scott Hirdes

Director, Leverage Ministries