The Parson
Rev. Charles Keyes became an evangelist as a young child. He established Parson of the Hills Foundation in 1960 to minister to the less fortunate. The ministry distributed truckloads of items such as toys, blankets, food, and clothes, to needy areas in several states. In the early years of Parson of the Hills ministries, Charles Keyes had a clear vision to minister to the Appalachian Mountain population. He had compassion on their poverty and need for the Gospel. He held tent meetings and visited their communities on a regular basis. Despite government aid, Mr. Keyes was the only Santa Claus many hill dwellers ever knew. He would begin his travels in early December and would not finish until March.
Rev. Keyes established Camp Joy in 1971 as a place where the children he met in the Appalachian Mountains could come free of charge to learn the gospel and enjoy a week of pure fun! As Rev. Keyes began the weeks of free camp one little boy was so blessed he said, "this is joy... Camp Joy!" Thousands of children have been ministered to throughout the years of Camp Joy's existence.
During the 80's, after Parson had several strokes, his son, David Keyes, was called upon to carry on the ministry his father had begun. This included maintaining Camp Joy and the Christmas ministry.
The Parson, Charles Keyes, died in March 17, 1996 at the age of 77. The Parson's vision to minister to others through gospel centered relationships continues to this day through the ministry of Valley Haven Camp and Retreat Center.
Valley Haven
Since the inception of Parson of the Hill Ministries the vision has been to "grow up people in the Word of God, enabling them to win others to Christ". This vision has continued with the establishment of Valley Haven Camp and Retreat Center in 1989 with the purchase and development of property in southern Catawba County, NC. Valley Haven Retreat Center, began to be rented out to various churches and groups who desired to have a restful meeting place. Our goal is to provide a peaceful environment for Christians to be renewed in their relationship with God.
Rev. Charles Keyes became an evangelist as a young child. He established Parson of the Hills Foundation in 1960 to minister to the less fortunate. The ministry distributed truckloads of items such as toys, blankets, food, and clothes, to needy areas in several states. In the early years of Parson of the Hills ministries, Charles Keyes had a clear vision to minister to the Appalachian Mountain population. He had compassion on their poverty and need for the Gospel. He held tent meetings and visited their communities on a regular basis. Despite government aid, Mr. Keyes was the only Santa Claus many hill dwellers ever knew. He would begin his travels in early December and would not finish until March.
Rev. Keyes established Camp Joy in 1971 as a place where the children he met in the Appalachian Mountains could come free of charge to learn the gospel and enjoy a week of pure fun! As Rev. Keyes began the weeks of free camp one little boy was so blessed he said, "this is joy... Camp Joy!" Thousands of children have been ministered to throughout the years of Camp Joy's existence.
During the 80's, after Parson had several strokes, his son, David Keyes, was called upon to carry on the ministry his father had begun. This included maintaining Camp Joy and the Christmas ministry.
The Parson, Charles Keyes, died in March 17, 1996 at the age of 77. The Parson's vision to minister to others through gospel centered relationships continues to this day through the ministry of Valley Haven Camp and Retreat Center.
Valley Haven
Since the inception of Parson of the Hill Ministries the vision has been to "grow up people in the Word of God, enabling them to win others to Christ". This vision has continued with the establishment of Valley Haven Camp and Retreat Center in 1989 with the purchase and development of property in southern Catawba County, NC. Valley Haven Retreat Center, began to be rented out to various churches and groups who desired to have a restful meeting place. Our goal is to provide a peaceful environment for Christians to be renewed in their relationship with God.