Berdyansk, Zaporozhye, Rivne region teachers came to the camp “Foundations of Faith”, which was organized and held by the education department of IPO “Hope to People” together with a team from the Second Memphis Presbyterian Church from the 9th through 15th of July.
The camp was designed to develop strong relationships with teachers in Ukraine’s schools. Through these relationships, we will continue to spread Christian values in the education system, assist teachers in understanding the Word of God, as well as influence students, parents and their teachers’ colleagues. We can fully support teachers in expanding the subject of “Christian Ethics”, help the teachers to prepare their lessons and extracurricular activities with students and their parents, and expand cooperation with the Institute of Postgraduate Education. In camp teachers were able to share their experiences on the subject “Christian ethics”.
To teach Christian ethics is school, one has to have a solid foundation of faith. The seminar “Foundations of Faith” teaches Christian doctrines on the topics: the Bible, sin, salvation, the second coming of Christ, angels, demons, Satan, and life after death.
In addition to the seminar and worship time in the morning and in the evening, the camp included trips to museums and visits to the warm water geysers and pools. Teachers were introduced to the documentation package which is needed to implement the subject “Christian ethics” in a public school. Fragments of lessons, extracurricular activities, and after school work were shown during the camp. Teachers were able to take all the necessary documentation, to facilitate the start of a video club and clubs for children, teachers, and parents. Teachers were able to discuss their experiences. It turns out that even today there are families, which what to study the Bible, but have no opportunity. It was a great joy to give Bibles to teachers, who teach the subject “Christian ethics.”
“For myself, I realized that I need to love God with all my heart, all my mind, and all my strength. This is God’s command, which is for my good. My purpose on earth is to live by the word of God and share about Him to my relatives and friends. I am grateful to God that we not only had a seminar, but also visited the sanatorium “Kvitka Poloniny” (“Mountain Flower”), enjoyed the beauty of the Trans Carpathians, and drank healthy mineral water. I thank the team for serving God and us. I am also thankful to pastor Alexander for the interesting lectures on very complex truths in an accessible form”
Irina V., teacher-educator
“The camp has passed as one day. In this place one can see the manifestation of God’s greatness and power, His love for mankind. These six wonderful days were filled with unity with God. Together we studied the Word of God, prayed and worshiped Him, and praised Him in songs. I am always happily looking forward to these meetings. Here first, I called God my Father and opened my heart to Him.
There are different situations and circumstances in our lives, but I firmly believe in God. The Lord is my counselor, help, and defender. At all times, I thank Him that He came into my life and changed me. Perhaps these changes are not visible to the people around me, but I know that they have occurred. With great pleasure I listened to the seminar “Foundations of Faith” and the sermons of Pastor Alexander. All of this was inspired by the Word of God. The Bible has given answers to all my questions, and I know what lies ahead and I do not want to even think about it now. I feel that it is always better with God. I am very grateful for the team of ministers and especially members of the team from Memphis, John and Marilyn, and their churches for their assistance in organizing this camp – seminar for teachers. These days are unforgettable days of unity.”
Maria B., Rivne
“We have completed a great tour through pages of the Bible. What I got from the seminar cannot be described in words. I was overwhelmed with emotions. I have hope and confidence in the future life through Jesus Christ and his death on the cross. The program is constructed in such a way that I have received peace to my soul and saw the greatness of God. I also got some physical rest. Meeting new people is another aspect of the camp. Camp was not without tests (three times the bus broke down), but, as it turned out, with God all the tests are easier to go through. In the camp, I realized another truth. I am not alone. Despite the hurt that people close to me have caused me and the sinful life I live, the Lord is with me. He will always support and encourage me, when I accept Him in my heart and dedicate my life to Him”
Galina M., Rivne
“We are getting ready to leave. I’d love this camp not to end. There are so many impressions that one can write a lot about it, and it can also be expressed in one word – wonderful! The seminar and the topics were chosen wisely and are vital. Every preacher paid necessary attention to us. We were not only listeners, but active participants, because everything that has been said applies to each person present. We have family and friends back home, about whose spiritual life we have become more anxious. From the first day, we began to study the most important book of life – the Bible. It gives an answer to the main questions of our lives, from the Bible you will know that only God can come to the rescue. I know that the Word of God is the bread that came down from heaven; it is a light tower which lights the path for us. This path leads to Christ, the mirror of the soul, in through whom you will see who you really are. The topic of sin touched me the most. A. Kalinsky so simply and effectively cover it. Life seemed to stop at the moment, and I really wanted to turn life in reverse. I want Him to throw seeds in my good ground. Today, I believe it. Do not want to rebel against God’s will and to act in my own way. I am not motivated by fear, but because I realize what Jesus Christ has done for me. And only the great love of God was able to do it for me… Great thanks to all the cooks for a tasty and nutritious food, for salads and fruits. Thank you so much for your support in any situation. The team did not forget to organize good public events. All that happened influenced me, so I am leaving with the hope to return.”
Anna K., Rovno
