About Camp Zula
Meet the Founders
BJ grew up in Brazil and met Carissa, a Jewish believer, at a Bible school in Wisconsin. Impacted by their experiences as missionary kids, they both passionately desired to reach unreached people groups with the gospel. At a retreat for Jewish believers in 2012, God burdened their hearts for Jewish people, who are actually one of the largest unreached people groups in the world. The Kerstetters have two daughters: Ari (5) and Aviya (1).
BJ and Carissa joined Chosen People Ministries in 2014. Equipped with a degree in Jewish Studies from Moody Bible Institute, a zeal for evangelism, and the gift of hospitality, they now reach Israeli travelers with the gospel by loving and serving them through hospitality.
They also help lead a global hospitality network called Host Israelis , as they work to start Camp Zula, a campground near the Grand Canyon to love and serve Israelis in the name of Jesus, the Jewish Messiah.
Camp Zula's Mission
To serve and evangelize Israeli travelers while hosting them on the campground, sharing meals with them, and taking them on adventures in and around the Grand Canyon.
Creating 'Zula'
In Hebrew slang, ‘zula’ refers to the cool go to spot where friends relax and hang out together. Israelis often struggle to find such spaces, especially while traveling. Camp Zula will offer a free, unthreatening and comfortable environment near the majestic Grand Canyon. Here, guests will experience true ‘zula’ while encountering God’s love.
A Strategic Location
The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular destinations for the 400,000 plus Israelis that visit the U.S. every year.
Williams, AZ, known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon”, is located 1 hour south of the Grand Canyon, and is a strategic place to build Camp Zula.
The vision is to own a property in a forest of ponderosa pines with a view of Mt. Humphreys – a Haven of Hope for Israelis in the secluded nature of Coconino National Forest.
Launching Camp Zula
Have you ever stood beneath a starlit sky, overwhelmed by its vast beauty and the ancient promises it holds? This is the experience we are thrilled to share with our guests at Camp Zula.
Nestled in the breathtaking expanses of the Grand Canyon, this campground will offer Israelis guests a glamping experience that promises not only relaxation and fellowship but a profound spiritual encounter. Thousands of years ago, God promised Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars. As we gather under those very stars with those very descendants, we will proclaim God’s unending faithfulness across generations, and the good news of His long-awaited Messiah.
We are on a mission to build Camp Zula, a haven where Israelis can find peace and learn about Jesus. Our vision is bold and full of hope, aimed at constructing a tangible space that mirrors the love and hospitality we so eagerly want to extend.
Our goal for this Fall is ambitious—we aim to raise $50,000, setting the groundwork for our first impactful year. This is more than just a number; it’s a milestone that will enable us to start transforming our shared vision into a reality.
We are eagerly anticipating how God will provide and lay the cornerstone of a ministry poised to change lives. How is God calling you to be a part of this transformative journey?