This month we are spending time at Camp Joy, a restoration centre that is located in Cape Town, South Africa. At Camp Joy their goal is not to "rehabilitate" drug addicts and people that have come from a life of gangsterism, but instead "restore" them to the lives which God has created them to live.
(Michael & Joey with the men of Camp Joy)
I have never in my life encountered such a beautiful picture of what God's grace truly looks like.
These men and women have been addicted to heroine, crystal meth, alcohol, and rock cocaine. They have been in gangs, they have lied to and robbed and killed people. They have grown up and lived in some of the darkest places, and although sin has no comparison, because ultimately sin is sin no matter what it's form, they have seen more darkness in their lives, committed innumerable crimes against not only others but also against themselves, they are living in God's grace. They are walking out of the darkness and stepping into the light that can only be brought forth when you put your trust in Jesus Christ.
(Joey and I with a couple of men from Camp Joy)
Camp Joy is a place not where people are sent, but where people choose to go. A place that provides a safe haven and a clean environment for people that want to escape from the dark lives that they have lived. A place where God's love is poured out, and lives are restored.
(a little bit of fun, Chelsea teaching the whole camp Michael Jackson's Thriller dance)
I am so honoured and blessed to be part of such an incredible ministry. Please pray for the men and women that are stepping out of their addictions and into what God has for them.
