Saying Yes
Day Camp at Eberly Farm will again be blessed by three generations of the same family: Stan Starkey, his daughter, Erin Hutton, and her three children; Wesley, Bethany, and Shepherd. Erin enjoyed the past two years helping side by side with her dad at Day Camp. “My dad is so fun and easygoing. He’s great to serve alongside and does an incredible job of loving the kids.”
Stan served many times on mission trips to Joplin, Greensburg, and Louisiana, but had never thought about serving at Day Camp. At first, when his daughter asked him to serve with her at Day Camp he was excited, but a little worried because he wasn’t familiar with serving in that way. But as soon as Day Camp began, he found it fun and enjoyable. “It makes you feel better about yourself which reflects on everything in your life. It has allowed me to be a small part in the big body of Christ. My family would say it’s great to see how I use my gifts for God now.”
Erin added, “Anytime you can plant seeds of faith in the next generation, it is a worthy investment. If we can spend a week giving them tools on how to focus that allegiance on Christ and pouring truth into their hearts and minds, I consider that well worth the time and energy.”
The Starkey family has all served in one way or another. Erin believes that her mom taught by example, that it was not a burden, but a pleasure to serve. Erin says, “If you’re receiving from the church, you should give back to the church. And that’s how I got involved with serving with my kids.”
Wesley says he is looking forward to being able to have fun with people they trust, the zip line, and worshipping Jesus. Bethany can’t wait for the fun games, the worship part, and swimming. Shepherd is excited to be able to take part in all of the fun with his older brother and sister this year. Grandpa says he is going to get his worship dancing shoes on and share the gospel with all of the kids.
“The more you serve, you just feel like doing more and more all the time.” Stan said, “God is providing the serving opportunities.” We just have to say yes to use ourGod-given gifts.
By BJ Wells