The cover letter for the United Youth Corps projects starts: "Do you want to make a positive difference in the world? Do you want to live the Christian principle of serving your brethren in the Church and setting an example of service for other people in the world? Do you want to experience the enriching education and adventure of international travel? Would you like to do all these things at the same time? If so, the United Youth Corps might be for you."

In December five United Church of God young adults lived up to these words. Becky Horchak, Beth Isaac, Jennifer Pennington, Jeremy Hongerloot and Matthew Kireilis traveled to East Africa and served as staff at the United Youth Camp in Kenya.

Camp started on Sunday, Dec. 9. We had 75 Kenyan teen campers and 15 Kenyan volunteer staff together with the volunteers from America on the beautiful shores of Lake Naivasha for five days of intensive activities and education.

Each day started with Christian Living classes presented by Doug Horchak and Tim Waddle. Immediately after Christian Living the day's activities began. The campers participated in volleyball, soccer, ultimate Frisbee, bike riding, team building, hygiene class and journalism class.

All the meals were cooked at the campsite by some of the Kenyan Church members. After dinner each evening everyone enjoyed sitting by a campfire discussing questions related to the morning's Christian Living class.

The Youth Corp participants wrote journals about their experience and provided commentaries, which can be viewed on the United Youth Corps Web site (www.ucgyouthcorps.org/). Excerpts are included here:

Becky Horchak:

"'You're going to Africa?!' This was the typical response from many people when they heard about my upcoming trip to Kenya. 'And what are you going to be doing there?' undoubtedly would be the next question. When I explained that I would be teaching swimming at a youth camp, the conversation would either end in 'Wow, what an experience!' or 'You must be crazy!'

"While most of my friends/family would most likely agree with the second response, I feel it is a little bit of both that makes me keep going to Africa. It's a beautiful continent, with beautiful people—but it is truly an out-of-the-ordinary experience.

"However, while I am there it never feels life changing. It is what it is. The life changing comes when there are those few quiet moments to reflect on everything that has just taken place, and that's when all the emotion and understanding of how great the whole trip was comes together."

Jennifer Pennington:

"If you are thinking about applying for one of the Youth Corps projects, let me say, DO IT! Even if you have traveled the world, and have learned a lot, serving with the Youth Corps will teach you more. Not only about the world and how rich we in America are, but how desperately the whole world needs God and His Kingdom.

"Not only do you develop bonds with the ministers and other young adults you travel with, but you gain an understanding and appreciation for other people and cultures. When you see the news and all the bad that's happening in other parts of the world, you can now understand and pray even more fervently for Jesus' return."

Jeremy Hongerloot:

"Traveling to a developing country is a very eye-opening experience. It gives one insight into conditions outside of our own nation. It can change one's perspective on life. It certainly did for me when I traveled to the east African nation of Kenya. This trip with the Youth Corps taught me several important lessons."

Matthew Kireilis:

"My trip to Africa was one of the greatest experiences of my life at the age of 31. I feel very fortunate to have been given a chance to serve others in God's Church and to get to know the other Youth Corps members. I would highly recommend serving in the Youth Corps to anyone who would like to grow closer to God and build relationships with others. This is also a great way for God to work with you so that you can improve and grow."

The contribution to Camp Kenya that the Youth Corps participants made was greatly appreciated by the teens at camp and by their fellow staff. As you meet these volunteers at the Feast or at the Winter Family Weekend or in their local congregations, congratulate them on a job well done and ask them about the experiences they shared. We hope that others like them will also take advantage of this opportunity and volunteer to serve in a Youth Corps project like Camp Kenya! UN

Tim Waddle is associate senior pastor for East Africa, as well as pastor of Columbia and Cumberland, Maryland, and Lewistown, Pennsylvania.

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Where We Learn to Live With Each Other

United Youth Camp 2007 in Kenya was a wonderful event. For my part it was challenging yet a fun-filled experience. This is because it was my first time to attend the camp as well as to be a counselor. My naïveté was, however, overcome by verbal therapy and tips from the experienced. Thus, I was "ready to go."

The event was a blessing to me as it set my mind free from the day-to-day worries. The environment was soothing with a peaceful aura.

Furthermore I experienced serenity by being away from TV, stereo and traffic, which is common where I come from.

The theme was about relationships with both man and God, and the camp perfected it. I had 11 teenage male campers under my supervision. Their names were easy to master, but working with them gave me a deeper insight of who they are.

The activities were balanced. Soccer, volleyball and ultimate Frisbee were energetic. Some activities, like sewing and Christian Living classes, demanded concentration. Activities like hygiene and campus improvement exposed our level of commitment. Unity and cooperation made activities such as team building and kitchen less time consuming and more fun.

Finally, the staff members, both local and international, were kind, patient and accommodating. I thank them all and give glory to God for making it a success.

—Teddy Isaac Chiriswa, Nairobi, Kenya