Camp is just the beginning.

The modern church with its emphasis on high-octane youth groups struggles when it comes to developing authentic, compassionate relationships with the less fortunate. How do you make serving the needy fun? In an entertainment-oriented culture, the poor and broken can be forgotten or, at times, intentionally ignored.

For 13 years, the Union Gospel Mission has been out to change that reality. We help churches get involved in the lives of children who live in the poverty-stricken areas of Spokane and Coeur d'Alene by inviting these kids to a week of free summer camp. And when camp is over, the relationship has only just begun. The churches contact the children and encourage them to participate in the church's ministry: Come to an after-school group or bring their parents for a mid-week barbecue.

Many of the churches have been welcomed into neighborhood schools to provide tutoring, mentoring and after-school games and recreation. Frequently, this involvement with the children leads to involvement with the family. The more connections, the more opportunities for relationship, the more opportunities to extend the love of Christ.

This is what the living church is to be about - a living witness among the lost. Please take a moment and consider joining us in this endeavor by providing $99 to send a child to camp this summer. Your gift allows children to attend camp for free which, in turn, creates the opportunity for the church to be involved in his or her life.

~ Dennis Roach, UGM Youth Outreach Director