Christian family camp
“Strengthening of the Gospel”, Yevpatoriya, 2012
During the last year, the church “The House of Agape” in Dneprodzerzhinsk worked on affirmation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the hearts of brothers and sisters, and regularly attending church youth and teenagers. We understand that the quality of ones Christian life and the strength of one’s testimony depend greatly on the strength of our stand in the Good News. Therefore, the possibility to do the camp and keep influencing the believers with the Gospel is a gift from heaven. This gift enabled Christians to testify to their non-Christian friends and families with their own lives and words.
We didn’t have to choose the camp location, as for several years we have been doing the camps for teens on the Black Sea in Yevpatoriya. The camp site is on the beach, 100 m away from the sea and a salty lake.
A total of 66 people (mainly families with children) were able to have a great time in the tent camp and to soak in the atmosphere of Christian fellowship, where the Good News about Christ was central.
For some families, it was a new experience to be in the tent camp and to have such a long fellowship with the church. People were happy to participate in the morning study of the book of Mark. We concentrated our attention on Jesus Christ as a Servant, Who first of all served with the Word and focused His ministry on the disciples. Also, the camp program had daily morning and evening worship services, during which camp participants and the people around us were able to hear worship songs and the Gospel.
Camp did not pass without difficulties. Those who believe in the sovereign God, the Creator, know very well that the weather conditions are determined by the will of the Most High. His will is always “good, pleasing and perfect” (Rom. 12:2) for his beloved children. We also know the apostle Paul’s call to give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for us (1 Thes. 5:18). This time the will of the Great God for us was daily strong wind, which turned into a huge storm at the last day. This wind damaged a big part of our camp equipment.
The last two days people had to hold the big cover which we used as a worship place, dining room, and as a shadow from the burning Crimean sun.
The weather conditions couldn’t overshadow the friendly atmosphere which was built during different games, like volleyball and soccer, checkers and chess, as well as mutual meals and the evening banquet. The banquet was a special time for parents, for which our children prepared Christian skits to combine with the evening worship.
But God is very wise. The main disasters like heavy rain He left only for a group of people, who stayed to pack the camp equipment. This pouring rain gathered us at 3 am under the cover for prayers. We remembered God’s promise that a temptation would not be beyond what we can bear. There would be a way out so that we can stand up (1 Cor. 10:13). In 20 minutes the rain stopped and we were able to fall asleep. God showed again His faithfulness, about which we testified when we returned home. The last day we understood the reason why we had strong winds every day. When the wind disappeared, we felt the bites of the Yevpatoriya insects. All of us praised God for the wind and realized the goodness and perfection of God’s will.
After arrival home, we talked to people about their impressions.
Lyudmila: “Nine days passed, but I am still under the impressions of the unforgettable atmosphere, the warmth which I felt and experienced from the team of ministers.”
Maksim (minister): “It was difficult, but the desire to serve people like Christ did in the Gospel of Mark got stronger.”
Andrey and Alyona: “We were with you for the first time, but we will be glad to go again in August.”
Inna: “During the camp fellowship with brothers and sisters, I decided to get baptized.”
Svetlana: “I was glad to come to the morning studies of the Gospel of Mark. The Bible comes to life.”
Fyodor (the camp manager): “Every day I was getting up at 5 am. It is not easy at my age. But I am glad that this camp is the best we have ever done. I would like to raise my personal life standards.”
Vasya: “I saw how important it is to remind people of the Gospel. I heard it every day and it inspired me.”
David: “Where did your pastor study? I would like to get a similar education. His sermons were good.”
Yulya: “When I evaluate the food, it felt like at home. Thank you, cooks.”
Ira: “During the camp, my son was more open and we had very warm relationships.”
Shevket (the beach owner): “Guys, if you want to come next year, call two weeks in advance and I will give you any spot on my territory, which you will like. We hear your songs very well even without electricity.”
In conclusion, we would like to thank the Hope to People administration for their participation in the church life and for the help that they gave us to do this camp. Brothers and sisters, you are a great tool in the hands of our Great God.
Sergey Timofeev, pastor
Fyodor Tsarevsky, second pastor
Maksim Kozerenko, second pastor.
