Psychologists say the best thoughts and ideas are said to be found when performing nonchalant tasks, such as doing the dishes or flipping through TV channels, but Cleo Camphor discovered his vision while lying in a hospital bed.
Camphor was diagnosed with sickle cell in 1975.
“I had a vision and God was talking to me. He told me he had work for me to do and when he has a mission for you, he’s going to get your attention,” said Camphor.
After countless evenings spent in hospitals around the city, Camphor began to formulate his plan to help youth, senior citizens and battered women.
“You have to be around positive people and I learned to take care of my body during the process to be sure I was able to help other people,” he said.
Since his vision came to life, Camphor has worked with a great deal of groups within the city and has been called to travel around the country to spread his message and care for those in need. Within the last few years he has traveled to Mississippi and Alabama and has been called by organizations in the Carolinas and Florida where he participates in leadership conferences and local events.
“When I went into nursing homes and found many families weren’t visiting, I started putting on programs for them,” said Camphor. “We entertained the seniors through song and worship. Many of them shared their testimonies and it was really an enjoyable experience.”
He believes working with youth is just as important as working with other groups in need and working with people serves as a distraction from his disease.
“I see the need to work with youth because all of them aren’t bad, they just need love and a lot of parents don’t know how to love,” he said.
In order to keep youth busy, Camphor takes them along to church activities, nursing homes and other local events.
“All kids don’t want to go to college,” adds Camphor. “Some may be good in music, acting or something else and I want to help them discover that talent.”
For his efforts over the past several years, Camphor has received many honors including an award given by the Office of Mayor Greg Ballard for his efforts in helping the city’s children and senior citizens. In addition, he secures sponsorships with companies who can help his vision become reality and holds phone conference calls Monday through Friday for those who would like to share their spiritual testimonies.
Currently, Camphor is working with State Farm Insurance as a sponsor to secure insurance for his groups. He also invites pastors, youth and other locals on his nightly conference, God’s Vision Healing and Delivering Phone Service.
Within the next several weeks he wants to host an event around Halloween titled “Hallelujah” which would be an evening of music and worship. He also would like to start a television segment covering topics such as bullying, battered women and saving the youth.
Camphor feels as if he owes his community because of the message God has given him. He works with several religious leaders from Indiana, Mississippi and Georgia to keep his vision afloat.
“I get joy and love from making others happy,” he said joyfully. “Many people say I could be doing something else with my time, but I remember when the doctor said I wouldn’t make it and I think, why not give something back.”
For more information on God’s Vision call (317) 319-8241. To join the weekday evening phone conference God’s Vision Healing and Delivering, call (605) 562-3000 using the pin 1055038#.
