Most believers think that children from big families are loved. We saw a complete picture in this camp. Our hearts were broken when we learned some facts about the lives of these children. One of the boys didn’t want to take off a sweater that covered his neck, although it was quite hot outside.
When we asked him, it turned out that he was ashamed of his dirty neck. He was unable to wash at home and did not know simple hygiene rules. When he was washed he took off the sweater and joyfully played with others. The children from another family had to walk to the camp over 6 kilometers every day. Unfortunately we found out about it only on the second day. Some children wrote in the questionnaire about the camp: “We were not hungry …” Thank God that He entrusted us to be with these children and to understand what it means to be satisfied with what the LORD gave, and to be able to cover the needs of these children during the week.
The topic of the camp was “If you want to be healthy.” Using medical theme, we explained children how the sin reveals in our lives in a variety of sinful diseases, such as pride, laziness, greed, unforgiveness and disobedience. The purpose of the camp was to acquaint children with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to show them how to become His child and how to be free from ‘virus of sin. “We explained that we are all infected with the virus of sin, and we need a Doctor who gave us medicine, which is freedom from sin. The camp was held in the Church “Source of Life” in Zdolbuniv. There were 49 children, who were divided by age into 4 groups. The team consisted of 18 people: 4 counselors and 5 assistants, 1 sport instructor and 2 assistants, coordinator, chief and 3 kitchen workers. Children were fed twice a day: breakfast and dinner. The camp included Bible lessons, games, songs, crafts, discussions, personal conversations.
This was a second summer of such camps and during the year these children have been coming to the Christian club “True Treasure.” Our desire is to keep working with children who have already visited the club and those who came to the camp this summer. There were a lot of new kids in the camp. Almost all children were willing to visit the club. In the questionnaires the children shared their impressions and decisions: “I’ve decided to be obedient, but I can’t do it myself, so I trust God”; “I did not obey my parents, but now I will”; “I have to be obedient, not to be proud, not to envy, not be a boaster”; “I have to forgive, not to be proud, not to humiliate other children”; “We must obey God and I believe in Him».
We needed funds to conduct this camp, because we did not only feed the children, but also did crafts connected to the Bible story. We want to thank everyone who participated in providing the camp. Without your help, these children would not have this opportunity to hear about Christ, to feel safe and have tasty meals. May the grace of the Lord be with you, and His generosity fills your hearts and lives. Thank you for your care.
Igor Golub.
Church “Source of Life”
