Thanks to the organizational and prayer support of IPO “Hope to people” we held a youth camp in the village Zalesye on the theme “The Calling”, where we tried to find out what for God has called us, where and how our mission accomplishes.
Our camp has united not only young people from 15 to 30 years, but the older generation of “young people” who are 30 and above. In addition, settlers from the east of Ukraine, and Gypsies from Stakhanov, and even two Africans from Angola and Ghana took part in the camp team.
On the first day we set eyes on the incorrect way we apply our calling in life. For example, “the effect of floating logs” – carefree uncertainty, when you, like a log, swim from the shore of camps to the shore of conferences, from the shore of conferences to the shore of family life, but you don’t have confidence whether you do what God has called for.
On the second day we laid the foundation of any vocation, associated with ministry – this inner calling. This is the moment when God comes into a person’s life, justifies the sinner, takes the person to the spiritual family, releases from the bondage of sin and saves us from the terrible consequences of hell.
Then we talked about our original and universal vocation for all Christians – to reflect the God’s image, the image of Jesus Christ. (Gen. 1:26, Rom. 1: 28-29), and become an active part of the body of Christ (the local community) and to fulfill a useful ministry for other members.
In addition, the camp became an opportunity for deeper and open communication with young people who had previously expressed a desire to be baptized. Among them were teenagers, by the way.
Unbelievers, observing the events, listening to sermons and testimonies of young guys, became more attentive and open to communication to the end of the camp.
All days of the camp pleased the team with its simplicity and fullness. The preaching of the Word, the kitchen, games and relaxation created a good family atmosphere.
God is very good, and we are grateful to everyone He used to make this camp a reality and a blessing.
Glory to Him for everything!
Nikolai Nikitin
