Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Barrera.
Hi Josh, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Deer Run Camps & Retreats is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit organization in Thompsons Station, TN. Growing up, I knew about this local ministry as my middle small group leader was the grounds manager at the time. However, I never attended until 2010. When I went to camp for the first time it was evident the Lord was at work in this place and it was something I knew I needed to be a part of.
Two weeks after my camp experience, I was offered a part-time position. Over the many years of my involvement with Deer Run, I felt a direct calling into full-time camp ministry and my desire was that it would be at Deer Run. Working through the ranks as a volunteer, part-time staff, intern and now as a Camp Director, it has been a joy and an honor to see thousands of campers come to know the Jesus who created them in His image. I have seen marriages reconcile during our Married Couples Weekends and I have watched parents be intentional in loving their kids at our family events. These are the stories that make what we do worth it.
Our Mission is to provide excellent camps and retreats that inspire a transformational relationship with Jesus Christ and strengthens relationships with family and friends. Our heartbeat is to do everything in excellence unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24) while coming alongside the family unit. This missional way of thinking is not something we take lightly and get excited when we think about how we can further equip families to raise the next generation. We see in Judges 2 that the generation behind Joshua did not know of the things the Lord had done. We want to be intentional in making sure we are making disciples.
Over the past year, we faced significant hardship due to COVID-19 however, He is faithful and we have quite literally seen the goodness of God as we have had to pivot the way we minister. We are extremely grateful for all of the support of our camper families and those in the community who rallied around us.
For more information about Deer Run, I am happy to share more about our ministry. I can be reached at [email protected].
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has most definitely not been smooth. During my tenure at Deer Run, I have left to pursue other career opportunities. Ultimately, I have always been turned back to Deer Run, so I am here to stay.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I serve as a Camp Director for Deer Run, meaning I get the extreme joy of intentionally pouring into our college-aged camp staff and making sure each family and camper has the most excellent camp experience. Because I have been with the ministry for so long, I have seen some of my former campers now serve on our Camp Staff. There’s a lot of things to be proud of but I would say our team is what makes me most proud. How they serve and love others is what sets us apart.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I listen to a lot of podcasts – Life.Church, Passion, The Village Church, Q Conference, Men’s Leadership Network (local church, Rolling Hills Community) and a few others, but these are my main go to.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: deerrun.camp
- Instagram: jjab1411
Image Credits
Jon Graham
