From June 29 through July 3, the Korean Church of Syracuse hosted its seventeenth annual Lodi Summer Camp at Syracuse Myanmar Baptist Church under the theme, "Here Is Your God" (Isaiah 40:9). The week-long ministry once again served as a powerful testimony to God's grace as refugee, immigrant, and local children experienced His love through the faithful service of volunteers from across the United States and beyond.

This year's camp marked a historic milestone, welcoming 350 children, the largest attendance in the ministry's seventeen-year history. Participants represented 30 nations, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, the Central African Republic, Congo, Eritrea, Haiti, Kenya, Malawi, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, Venezuela, Vietnam, and the United States.

Throughout the week, children encountered the message of the gospel through Bible, Art, and Game classes. Using the Wordless Book, they learned about God's holiness, humanity's sin, Christ's sacrificial death on the cross, His resurrection, and the call to grow as faithful followers of Jesus. Each day focused on one of the five colors of the Wordless Book, allowing biblical truths to come alive through engaging lessons, creative activities, and interactive learning experiences prepared by dedicated teachers.

The camp was supported by approximately 150 volunteers and staff who traveled from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, South Korea, and many other locations. Though diverse in age, background, and culture, they were united by a shared commitment to proclaim the gospel. Before the camp began, the team gathered for three days of worship, training, fellowship, and preparation before serving together throughout the five-day ministry.

Since its founding in 2007, the refugee ministry has served more than 2,500 refugee and immigrant children from 49 countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, Europe, North America, and South America. What began as a ministry inspired by the 4/14 Window -- a global missions strategy emphasizing evangelism among children ages four to fourteen -- has continued to grow while remaining faithful to its original vision: leading children to saving faith in Jesus Christ and helping them grow as His disciples. Although refugee children remain the ministry's primary focus, local children are also warmly welcomed each year.

Throughout the camp, ministry leaders sought to see each child not only as an individual but also as someone connected to a family, a people, and a nation. They prayed that the gospel planted in each child's heart would one day bear fruit within their families, communities, and countries, extending God's kingdom through future generations.

The ministry continues to reflect the Church's calling to fulfill both the Great Commission by making disciples of all nations and the Great Commandment by loving one's neighbor. Camp leaders emphasized that these two biblical commands are inseparable, recognizing that one of the greatest expressions of Christian love is sharing the good news of Jesus Christ so that others may receive the gift of eternal life.

The Korean Church of Syracuse gives all glory to God for His faithfulness throughout this year's camp and expresses heartfelt gratitude to the many volunteers, churches, and supporters whose prayers and service made the ministry possible. The church also requests continued prayer that the refugee children and their families will grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and become faithful witnesses of His love wherever God leads them.