Cherokee Summer Camp
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Compelled by the Lord’s word to “take possession of all the Indian villages” and carrying God’s heart for the more than 570 Native American tribes across the United States, we visited Cherokee.
On February 13, Pastor Ryoo Sang-rok and Evangelist Yoo Min-yeol visited Cherokee for the first time, where we met Matt, the Youth Center manager. We held several meetings to prepare for the camp. However, in early May, we received an email from Matt stating that it would be difficult to host the camp due to an air conditioning issue in the center gym.
After receiving the email, we proposed meeting in person to talk further. We visited Cherokee again, toured the facility, and continued our discussions. There, we explained that this camp was not a profit-driven event but a service to support and care for students, and that we were willing to run the camp free of charge for the students. After coordinating various perspectives, we were finally able to confirm the camp just two weeks before it began.
While preparing for the camp, Matt opened his heart to us and even provided hotel accommodation for the female students. When we arrived at the center, he entrusted us with the master key, allowing us full access to the facilities.
The Mind Camp, held from June 23 to 25, was carried out with the collaboration of over 30 ministry workers and volunteers from churches in Atlanta, Charlotte, Birmingham, Memphis, Jacksonville, and Oklahoma. About 100 students participated in the three-day camp, actively engaging in nine academy classes and various afternoon recreational activities that we had prepared.
On the second day of the camp, we prepared Korean food for the Youth Center staff. Through their first experience with Korean cuisine, their hearts were naturally opened, and we were able to share meaningful fellowship together.
On the third day, we held a talent show featuring performances such as the Atlanta junior dance team and choir, allowing students to freely showcase their talents. Pastor Ryoo Sang-rok also delivered the message.
Tosh, a teacher at the Youth Center, expressed gratitude saying, “In over 10 years of working at this center, this is the first time an outside organization has come and organized such a thoughtful program for the students.”
Matt, the Youth Center manager, also shared his appreciation throughout the camp, repeatedly saying, “Thank you for coming to Cherokee.” He added, “Seeing how much the students enjoyed the camp was truly a blessing. We are sorry that we could not fully support you this year due to budget limitations, but next year we will plan together earlier and provide much more support,” and expressed his desire to prepare next summer’s camp together.
The Cherokee people experienced forced relocation in the 1830s, during which about 15,000 were moved to Oklahoma under government policy, and approximately 4,000 lost their lives during the journey. Around 1,000 resisted until the end and remained in North Carolina, forming today’s Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, preserving their language, traditions, and education. This spirit could also be felt during the camp. The teachers were not merely instructing the students but caring for them with their hearts, ensuring that every student could fully participate in the program.
Through this camp, we were able to meet the hearts of the Cherokee students and community up close, and to witness the new ways God is opening in this land and among Native American tribes. Moving forward, we pray that, as promised by the Lord, the gospel will be shared with them and that God’s love will continue to flow to many more Native American tribes.
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