Meena's Story

My name is Meena 12 years old, and this summer I’m attending the CCI camp for the fourth time. Every week when I step onto the church grounds for the follow-up program, it feels like coming home. But it wasn’t always this way. My parents usually don’t allow me to go to Christian programs.

Four years ago, I was visiting my aunt’s house during the holidays. My cousins were going to a local CCI camp and asked me to come along. I didn’t know what to expect, but that one week changed my whole life. The days were filled with laughter, songs, drawings, painting, and games — but what touched me the most was hearing about Jesus for the very first time.

I still remember the moment I learned how powerful prayer is. When I prayed, I felt a sense of peace in my heart — as if someone was truly listening. That someone was Jesus. The Bible verse that now means so much to me is “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18)

When I returned home, my parents noticed a big change in me. I wasn’t angry anymore; I started praying for my family, friends, and even for my school. They asked, “Meena, what happened to you?” I smiled and said softly, “I learned it at the camp.”

Seeing the change in my life, my parents began to trust me — and now they even allow my younger sister to come to the same camp. Every year, we both learn more about Jesus and how much He loves us.

Jesus once said, “Let the little children come to me.” (Matthew 19:14) I believe He called me that summer through the CCI camp. That was the year I met Jesus — and He has been with me ever since.