Transformed by More Than a Craft Camp in South Korea

Over the past month, our staff visited some of the orphaned and vulnerable girls who attended our craft camp earlier this year. Even though the camp concluded months ago, the girls remain encouraged.

When we visited them, they were so excited to see us, they even had us video call some of their mentors. These camps mean so much to the kids.

Thank you for continuing to pray for and give generously to kids in South Korea. Your support makes such a big difference in the lives of these precious children.

—South Korea Team

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For a group of young girls in South Korea,

our annual craft camp is a reminder that they are seen, known, and loved. Earlier this year, 25 orphaned and vulnerable girls from five different children’s homes attended. Over the course of three action-packed days, they created crafts, engaged in confidence-building activities, and were encouraged in their faith in Jesus.

This year, 33 volunteers from 18 churches took time off from work in the middle of the week to be present. The girls were each paired with a mentor who built a supportive relationship with them during the camp.

One of the girls was paired with a young adult woman who is part of the Oak Tree project, our ministry to orphaned and vulnerable college students. She grew up in the same children’s home as the little girl and attended the craft camp ten years prior when she was a child.

Even still, it was difficult for the little girl to feel comfortable. When she first arrived, she didn’t smile and was unengaged.

But as the days passed, things began to change.

In the words of a ministry leader—

“On the first day, most of the girls are a bit nervous and insecure, but by the third day, they are all beaming as they are welcomed in.”

This transformation happens little-by-little, as our team proves to them day after day that they are seen, known, and loved.

One of our team’s favorite traditions is starting each day with a bright welcome from our staff and volunteers. As the girls come through the door, they are greeted by name and with kind words by a long line of smiling, cheering volunteers. Since many of the girls are starved for affection at the children’s homes, being affirmed and applauded by a loving group of people helps them feel celebrated.

At the end of the camp, the girls have an opportunity to stand up and share what they made. This year, they created a gumball machine, a tote bag where the girls stored letters to encourage one another, key chains, gingerbread houses, and yearbooks.

To our team’s surprise,

the little girl who at first didn’t smile stood up and shared about the bag she created. And then, she shared again when she complimented one of the volunteers.

A ministry leader remarks—

“By the third day, she couldn’t hide her smiles anymore. It is such a joy seeing these girls come out of their shells.”

When people who knew her from the children’s home saw her smiling, they were shocked by her transformation. She rarely smiled, and now, it seemed she couldn’t stop!  

This little girl’s joy is not just the result of fun activities and beautiful crafts; it’s what happens when orphaned and vulnerable children are truly seen, known, and loved.

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Will you help orphaned and vulnerable children in South Korea experience the hope of the Gospel?

When you give to Lifesong, you show orphaned and vulnerable children they are seen, known, and loved through Gospel-centered holistic care. Thanks to TMG Foundation, 100% of your gift goes directly to helping orphaned and vulnerable children.