In 2022, our family was forever changed. My husband passed away after a 10-month battle with cancer. One thing on my heart at this time was the need for my youngest son to have godly men in his life, to have role models. I knew he already greatly respected the men involved in the CSB summer camps he had gone to with his Dad for several years. My other children were older, but Ben was at a crucial age where he needed a godly man’s input into his life and growth.
That summer, Ben chose to go back to CSB Summer Camp. He kept going until he turned 15, and then he stepped up to serve as a Junior Counselor for the entire summer. He loved it, and he looks forward to returning every year.
One man in particular, Dave, has had a lasting impact. From the moment Dave heard Ben’s dad had passed, he made it a point to reach out consistently. Over the past two and a half years, Dave has been a steady, encouraging voice in Ben’s life, pointing him toward godly manhood through both words and example.
“I believe every boy needs multiple godly men speaking into his life whether he has a dad or not.”
Boys grow up watching the men around them. They imitate what they admire and respect. And at CSB, they find those examples: men who live out servant leadership, integrity, strength, and faith.
Dave is just one of those men. But I know he’s not alone. CSB is filled with men like him, men who show up, speak life, and stand in the gap. And as a mom, I can’t begin to express how much that means to me.
Brigade has been more than a ministry to our family. It has been a true outpouring of Christ-like love. A discipleship community. A place where my son found his people and where I found yet another evidence of God’s heart for us.
