Get to know us!

Posted On October 25, 2021

As we continue to prepare and gather partners in our adventure we wanted to introduce ourselves and share what led us to Camp Nathanael!

Hi, I’m Tess! I grew up at Camp Nathanael as`my parents were full time missionaries at Camp starting when I was almost 7 years old. I gave my life to Christ there and grew as a Christian. When I was in high school and college I worked there in the summer as summer staff. 

I know God does amazing and powerful things through the ministries at Camp Nathanael because I have experienced it first hand. I have sat through many speakers sharing the Gospel to children in ways that brought it to their level and helped them truly understand their sin and need for salvation. I have been there when speakers have encouraged and challenged these teenagers to commit their lives to God and grow in their faith. I have been a cabin counselor to many girls and have been able to answer questions and lead girls to Christ late at night on the cabin porch when everyone else is asleep. I spent my childhood in Eastern Kentucky seeing the great need they have for both physical and spiritual needs and am burdened for the people in the area. Camp Nathanael does a fantastic job ministering to the people in the area and I am excited to move back and be a part of this mission.

Hi, I’m Lee! I grew up in Paris, Kentucky. I gave my life to Christ at a young age. It was during my high school and college years that mentors pushed me to deepen my faith and encouraged me to define what I truly believed. By the time I entered college I knew I wanted to go into ministry. I got involved in Baptist Campus Ministries where I made some friends and eventually met Tess! After getting married we moved to Nicholasville and ended up at Lord’s Legacy Life Ministries serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Looking back, my spiritual growth can be credited to those who came along side and pushed my beliefs.

As we make the move into full time Camp ministry the goal is that personal mentorship will continue. I will pour mentorship/discipleship into campers, students, summer staff (both high school and college age). And I will continue on my own journey in seeking, learning from, and growing with new mentors and leaders. Camp Nathanael works hard to create time and space to help these intentional relationships form to promote growth to become more like Jesus. I can’t wait to make the move!

As we consider our children we are excited for the opportunities that this will bring. They will grow up as “mission kids” participating and eventually help facilitate camp for others. We firmly believe that our whole family is going on mission at Camp Nathanael.

So, where are we in Support Raising?

Currently we are finishing up the prep work (reading a course book and completing online modules) for our Support Raising class. Support raising is something that we have not done before, so we are greatly appreciative for the Biblical foundation and practical steps involved in our learning. We already have our first few partners helping us get the ball rolling!

What is happening at Camp right now?

Camp Nathanael is hosting some of it’s weekend retreats (Fall Festivals). This helps kids who have not been to camp in a while or not at all to experience camp in a smaller dose. There are also preparations going on for more events this Autumn and Winter. Please pray for the kids attending these events that they either meet Jesus for the first time or grow deeper in relationship with Him!

Thank you for partnering with us in ministry!