“Resurrection” Church Camp called “Do you want to be a disciple of Christ? Be ready to pay the price!” which took place in the Carpathian Mountains in Vyzhnytsia village from June, 26 to August 1, 2015 was a really grandiose event for everyone. There were 169 adults and 49 children in the camp. The main purpose of the camp was to open and to show the true Christianity in life and in church, to show people what the church is from the inside, a joint study of the Scriptures, a lot of communication, and, of course, baptizing 11 people. Analyzing the camp, we can say with certainty that the objectives were achieved.

The camp was held on the excellent base on the Cheremosh river; useful Carpathian air and friendly atmosphere accompanied us throughout the camp. Of course, every day was started with fun invigorating morning exercise, which was attended with diligence by adults and children. Then we had breakfast, and then the most important part – the study of Scripture in groups. There were 10 groups where it was not just a theory, but the debates on how to practically experience the Bible in our lives. The lively atmosphere and lots of questions were arised as by the members of the church, and by those who first held the Bible in their hands. And a great joy was when we ourselves received answers from the Bible. A good summarizing filling the textbook in groups, was a general lesson at which we made conclusions after each day of filling:

  • Day 1 – calling (decision) to join the plan of the Father through Jesus Christ;
  • Day 2 – the responsibility of those who have joined the plan of the Father, and follows Christ;
  • Day 3 – loyalty and dedication to the Scriptures and the instruction in the ministry Christ;
  • Day 4 – do not stop to evolve and grow in life, family, church;
  • Day 5 – the festive service, baptism, prayer, the sacrament.

At the end of each day in the evening there were sermons on the theme of the day. They were like the final nail fixating the material. Also helped illustrative examples in serious and funny skits, musicals, videos, miniatures and ditties. All this helped to consolidate the covered material. During the camp, we thought about what price is of following Christ, and how today we make our Christianity cheap and easy, what decisions we need to take in order to be a true disciple of Christ. Perfect reward and joy at the end of the camp was the repentance of one soul.

At the time when adults studied filling textbooks their children had classes at the Sunday school. There they studied and played games, drew, made crafts, went camping. Their pastime was very active and interesting, and, moreover, no less edifying. Thank God for His answer to prayers, and He blessed us with a trampoline, were everyone could enjoy weightlessness: children and adults.

At spare time, the camp was engaged in various kinds of sports at the request of participants. There was tennis, badminton, football, volleyball, frisbee and jump ropes. The extreme part was all expected catamaran rafting on a mountain river with the whole outfit, where we had passed the rapids of a mountain river. Of course, not all of the rapids were conquered without falling and light scratches, bent oars and broken catamarans. Most importantly, in the rafting participated all volunteers – both men and women. It was held in three runs for several days. Floating down the river, we have not only experienced extreme and adrenaline, as well we enjoyed the beautiful and mighty mountains. We learned to work in a team, listening to the one, quickly reacting in different situations, pulling and supporting each other.

Well, of course, how can you be in the Carpathians and don’t go hiking with the entire camp? The route passed through the mountains for 3 hours, during which we had the opportunity to climb to a group of waterfalls. The biggest warefall was the Great Guk with a height of 21 meter. At the same time, we have been tested for strength as a team, supporting and encouraging each other, passing through the rocks and mountains, through rivers and forests. It was fun but hard.

The most solemn moment of the camp was the feast of the Baptism of 11 people. They had different fates, they are from different cities and they visibly announced their decision follow the Lord, promising to serve Him with a good conscience to the end of life.

The camp had ended and on Sunday many people who had first come to the camp, came to church. We rejoiced seeing each other and we had the feeling that we were still at the camp, but after the service all dispersed, hoping to see each other during the home groups.

Thank you all who went with us and had the opportunity to share with the joy of fellowship.

Irina Samofal

Photo