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JB MDL families travel to Egypt

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Bryan Swink
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst families stepped back in time to explore the life of Joseph during a summer family event called "Egypt: Joseph's Journey from Prison to Palace" Aug. 16 through Aug. 20.

The event, sponsored by the JB MDL Chapel, invited children and adults to participate in activities relating to the Biblical stories about Joseph.

Children moved throughout the biblical marketplace working on arts and craft projects, playing teamwork-building games, enjoying Egyptian foods and listening to a volunteer playing Joseph tell stories of time spent in prison and at the palace home.

"It's awesome to see so many kids excited and growing spiritually," said Chaplain (Maj.) Michael Curtis, JB MDL senior Protestant chaplain. "From the story time to the marketplace stations, kids are able to get a little experience of what Joseph's life was like and then understand what it means to trust in God."

The children weren't the only ones getting something out of this week. Volunteers from the joint base Protestant and Catholic communities participated in creating a fun and imaginative atmosphere for the children.

"It's extremely rewarding being a part of our children's spiritual development," said Staff Sgt. Aaron White, 819th Global Support Squadron force protection supervisor. "It's important to have our children view and learn from our spiritual commitment."

Families also contributed to the hands-on mission project "Operation Kid-to-Kid" by creating soft blankets to send to orphans and vulnerable children in Africa. According to the official website, "Operation Kid-to-Kid" is a partnership of Group Publishing, Inc. and nondenominational Christian organizations dedicated to creating hands-on service projects for children in North America. Over the years, "Operation Kid-to-Kid" has become one of the largest forces mobilizing children in serving other children around the world. Millions of people have been impacted throughout the world with gifts of comfort critters, school supplies, Bibles, hygiene kits, Christmas gifts, Bible coloring books and socks and shoes.

Egypt is one of the many yearly events the JB MDL Chapel hosts to promote a strong spiritual bond within military families. For information on upcoming chapel events, call 754-HOPE.