The Vision for Kamp PHUN

By Betty Gernert Founder of Kamp PHUN

Sometimes God surprises us with opportunities, and when surprise opportunity presents itself we must respond.

For several years I have been active in a prison ministry for teenagers.  

It is tough going into prison and seeing inmates who in many ways are just children. Many of the teens who had relatives who either were or are in prison now.   .  Bringing Christ to young people while they are behind bars is a powerful experience but I always wondered might we have had an earlier encounter which would have kept them from ever coming to prison?

Then three years ago, I heard about a children’s camp in the Diocese of Arkansas for children who have one or more parents in prison.  Because of my work with incarcerated.  This camp program was what I had hoped for .  It seemed like an answer to my prayers.  I wanted to do something, but it is just me – semi-retired with very little income.   And as usual I forgot that my knees are the lever to apostolic action.  I forgot to pray.  But God knew what he wanted and how to make it happen!

While on a vestry retreat a few weeks later, I was given a chance to share my excitement with A. L. Addington.   After several talks A. L. gave me God’s completed request.  He said, “You organize the camp and I will raise the money”.  When I got home, as usual – I got cold feet and tried to argue with God.  “I can’t do this, Lord” As I even tried to figure how to get out of the camp idea, on Thursday of that week, A. L. had sent a check for seed money to start the Kamp PHUN.  Our first camp was held the week of July 20, 2008 with the generous support of many people including a $14,000 grant from the United Thank Offering and two additional grants from the national church.. The Lord has brought and is still bringing people to me to work as staff and volunteers.  I am surrounded by people who share my excitement of helping children learn about the love of Jesus for them.

We can and must expect the unexpected by being attuned to what God might be doing in our lives and the lives of those around us.  We are apostles (“sent”) because we are members of God’s Church.  Kamp PHUN is the result of a surprising opportunity being met with Christian action which flows from the nature of being Christian people.  I try to be less anxious now as I look to the future but I know that what we are able to accomplish depends on the continuing generosity of the people of the Episcopal Church particularly within the Diocese of Georgia and am thankful for your help.

Betty Gernert