Playing Baseball for Zambian Orphans

Ellen Melson has been coming to Camp LIFE for 3 summers in a row now!  Her pure heart to see the lives of the Zambian orphans transformed is so passionate and contagious — so much so that her brother John and sister Ann are joining her this summer to see first-hand what Ellen’s passion is all about.  Ellen, John, and Ann wanted to get creative in how they raised the funds for their trip this year, so read a quote from Ellen below about the vision that God gave them to bring awareness of the Zambian orphans to kids right here in Highland Park!

“The Lord blesses us with different gifts, from talents to passions, so we may glorify His Kingdom.  On January 31, 2009, I witnessed what it looks like when those passions and talents collide. Clayton Kershaw, a twenty-one year old pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, had an idea to host a baseball camp in Dallas, Texas. After years of hearing my stories from Camp Life and the Zambian orphans I have fallen in love with, Clayton recognized how he could use his God-given talents to raise money for these kids. “Playing for a Cause”- the Clayton Kershaw Baseball Camp, was hosted by the Highland Park baseball team at Scotland Yard. Boys, grades 1-8, came to support the cause and learn a little more about the great American sport of baseball. Clayton ran around giving pitching lessons and coaching the boys in scrimmages. Awareness was raised about the orphans we are getting to serve in Zambia, and all proceeds of the camp went directly to Family Legacy. It was a day I will remember for the rest of my life!”

We are continually amazed at how people find ways to use their talents to ease the suffering of orphaned children.  It isn’t the type of skill or the level of talent, but the heart of someone who wants to use whatever it is they have to bring hope to the children of Zambia.