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| Jacqueline
Brown and her older sister Alethea Franklin can trace
much of who they are today back to their experiences
as children at Camp Bennett. Alethea’s knowledge
of Biblical truths, love for camping, and desire
to foster compassion, as well as Jacqueline’s
swimming abilities, passion for travel, and interest
in learning about people different from herself are
all seeds of hope and joy planted at Camp Bennett
years ago. And today these seeds have taken root
in Alethea and Jacqueline’s lives to bear fruit
of strength, generosity, and mercy for others. |
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“We came from a low-income
home, but Central Union Mission made us feel that
we were somehow more than that. They helped you see
that you could be more that you were. Camp gave me
that exposure; it gave me some direction,” recalls
Alethea.
Alethea and Jacqueline, along with their third sister
Arlene Woodyard, attended Camp Bennett together over
35 years ago. But the years have not diminished their
fond memories of hiking through the woods, sharing
scary stories around the campfire, and making friends
with new people from all over the Washington area
during their weeks at Camp. Throughout the year,
the sisters attended a weekly children’s club
at the Mission—learning Bible verses and stories
through songs and games. At Christmastime, they eagerly
looked forward to receiving Christmas Bags as well. |
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“With regards to my faith,
the Bible verses that I learned through Central Union
Mission have stuck with me throughout my life,”
says Jacqueline. “At times of crisis, it’s
been helpful to reflect on the Word. It strengthens
me and gets me through those difficulties.”
During Christmas 2005, Alethea and Jacqueline demonstrated
their gratitude and vision for passing on blessings
by returning to Central Union Mission to participate
as Christmas Bag donors. |
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“I don’t think I would be the person
I am today—a giving person—if it weren’t
for Central Union Mission,” says Alethea. “[When
I was preparing my Christmas Bag,] I found myself
buying more and more gifts. The sheer number of gifts
should have made that little girl happy!”
“Having been there, I know how much it can
mean to those single moms with no way to provide
camps or gifts for their children,”
commented Jacqueline.
Alethea and Jacqueline represent the highest hopes
Central Union Mission has for the children who participate
in Camp Bennett and our Children’s Ministry.
Not only did they gain fun memories and knowledge
of the Christian faith, but they were profoundly
shaped into the women they are today. They developed
an understanding of themselves, their world, and
the importance of living out their faith no matter
where they find themselves in life. |
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