TEXAS

Camp Allen
Joni & Friends

Over 75 families ministered to
100+ Short Term Missionaires
Clowns Clowns Clowns

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us… For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that His life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. 2 Corinthians 4:7-12

There is not much to be added to Paul’s words. And since it’s said, “a picture paints a thousand words” I could be counted as being verbose if I did write much more about the smiling photo above of Joni Erickson Tada with camper Lori Cross. But I do want to share a little with you about my special friend.

The June Family Retreat was Lori’s first year at Camp, and from day one, she was having a great time with friends new and old. She knew CARE EE from the Special Delivery program, where she and her class from Prince of Peace came to visit the patients at Our Children’s House (long-term care facility of Baylor Hospital). She smiled often and Camp added to her bank account of grins.

"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3

Family Retreat gives parents and their children an opportunity to be just that. No labels apply, no expectations, nothing but a sincere effort on the part of the many volunteers to make it a time of rest, joy, and fun, fun, fun! It is a little like heaven; people seeing and acting with a Kingdom perspective. One day we will all have perfect hearts, perfect bodies, and perfect minds. On October 22, less than six months after camp Lori stepped through the Gates into the arms of her awaiting King, and smiling, He gave Lori her perfection.

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. Psalm 116:15