This summer, as thousands of kids and students attended Lifeway camps across the country, camp staff challenged them to think more broadly about their role in God’s mission to make disciples of all nations, and campers responded by giving generously to Southern Baptist missions endeavors.
Because of the faithful giving of kids, students and leaders this summer, Ben Mandrell, president and CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources, presented checks totaling $678,283.32 to International Mission Board president Paul Chitwood and North American Mission Board President Kevin Ezell on Tuesday (Sept. 17), during the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee trustee meeting. This was the highest amount given to missions through Lifeway camps since 2017.
“The missions education that takes place at Lifeway camps each summer allows campers to learn about a church planter who serves through NAMB and a people group we are praying for and trying to reach with the gospel through the work of IMB missionaries,” Mandrell said. “At Lifeway camps, students are discipled to become Great Commission people.”
‘Ongoing partnership’
Through its Southern Baptist missions partners — the IMB and NAMB — Lifeway has the ability to extend its reach across state borders and beyond oceans. This summer, as Lifeway hosted more than114,000 campers representing over 4,200 churches, they continued their partnership with the IMB and NAMB, providing missions education and promoting missional giving among kids and students at Lifeway camps. Over the past 40 years of partnership, Lifeway campers have given more than $17 million to missions.
“It’s an honor to be able to present checks each year to the IMB and NAMB on behalf of the thousands of campers from across the country who came together to support Southern Baptist missions,” Mandrell said. “Our team at Lifeway is grateful for this ongoing partnership with the IMB and NAMB.”
In 2024, campers, camp staff and adult chaperones at FUGE Camps, CentriKid, Student Life Camp and Student Life Kids Camp across the country gave $207,241.16 to NAMB and $471,042.15 to the IMB.
“Even more important than these one-time gifts is the way these offerings elevate missions as a priority before students,” Ezell said. “It is a reminder to them about the everyday importance of reaching the lost, and we pray many of these students will someday answer the call to enter the mission field themselves.”
“I’m grateful for the Lifeway camps maximize this unique opportunity to let children and youth know how they can be part of the Great Pursuit of the lost,” Chitwood said. “Keeping students’ eyes on the Revelation 7:9 vision is a responsibility Lifeway takes seriously, and we thank the Lord that we see students embracing the opportunity to make an eternal impact on their world.”
To read full story, click here.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Marissa Postell Sullivan and Lauren Bearry and originally published by Lifeway.
