There is a rumor, that one hour of analysis and planning, replaces nine hours of unthinkable work. Stoppage in the life of a minister and reassessment of his ministry – it is a necessity, but not a luxury. Education and recreation for those who diligently minister to other people throughout a whole year – it is a blessing for the church.

While planning a summer camp, as a pastor, I set a clear goal: reconsidering the ministry and encouragement of church elders in the faith. To hold the camp, we chose a pictorial place in countryside of Iltsi in the Carpathian Mountains and invited Leroy Welch, he is pastor with an extensive 48 years career of teaching in the USA. There were 65 people from our church with their families, mostly the leaders of a small groups and various ministries, we had a wonderful opportunity for 5-6 days, to get through a training on the topic of “Effective Leadership”, as well as to analyze the situation in our church and in private life. In order to lead this seminar, Leroy Welch has read more than 20 books on leadership and throughout the year was preparing earnestly, so that to instruct the ministers of our church. In the morning we were listening to lectures, and in the evening we had a fervent discussion of material. And during the break, we were going up in the mountains, played volleyball, were getting down on catamarans and just taking a rest and socializing.

God has granted us an amazing time, for a good and constructive communication and recreation. Unanimously, we’re all made a decision to: renovate the prayer life of our church. We have noticed at what stage in the development our church is and what we need to do to achieve the purposes of God in our ministry. Here are some statements of the camp participants:

  • “A great opportunity to reevaluate your own life and ministry. It is necessary clarity and specificity in determining at what stage you are…”
  • “I have a desire to serve even more to God and more to be involved in the ministry to people. I want to live for God…”
  • “It’s very nice feeling from the fact that you can change something and take care of changes in church life. Mutual participation, discussion and decision-making, has strongly encouraged my heart.”
  • “God has rebuked my unsound soul tendencies and showed what is really important for Him and my ministry.”
  • “I have clearly noticed myself and my life from God’s perspective, and from the outside, it has reproved me and indicated to solution of the problem.”

In my opinion, God has highly encouraged a hearts of brothers and sisters. Considering the fact, that before us a “Hot Summer” and the camps, people are “ready for bout!” God has “recharged our batteries” and gave His encouragement to us and grace to serve.

I want to express a gratitude to everyone, who participated in the financial support of this project, and also prayed for its implementation, may The Lord reward you with the abundance of His grace. I ask you to keep praying, so that the action of God in our hearts, could not get choked by a routine and bustle. Please, pray that God would continue His work, in every heart, and would’ve brought us to the necessary maturity and poorness in spirit.

Heartily and respectfully, pastor of the church in Zdolbunov “Source of Life” 
Alexander Kalinsky