What is forgiveness? How and whom to forgive? Is it possible to forgive when the offense is too big? What is the purpose of forgiveness? These and many other questions were laid in the foundation of spiritual and edifying camp of the church “Community of the Good Shepherd”, Rivne, the theme of which was “Forgiveness” or ” Seventy times seven ” (Matthew. 18:22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven).
Frankly, after brothers of the church council have suggested this topic, we immediately saw its relevance and necessity, because, after we have touched upon just only some of its facets, we understood how deep and interesting it is for us personally.
People of different ages were invited to the camp: there were children and young people, and older people. Most of them were people from the church, as well as some non-Christian friends and relatives. There were a lot of young people (about 40%) who participated in the organization of the camp itself, and there were guests from the “hot spots” – Lugansk, Druzhkivka, Donetsk and Stakhanov.
The atmosphere in the camp was very warm and friendly. God blessed us with the wonderful open relationships. We studied the Bible deeply on the themes of forgiveness in family, church, ethnic conflicts and God’s forgiveness in Christ. Our pastor Taras Pristupa sufficiently explained us in details the process of forgiveness from the perspective of the Bible, revealing the depth and essence of the biblical texts in practice.
Discussion groups were a good opportunity for debates and learning truths. There, people could be open and could build trustworthy relationships with each other. In their reviews, we have seen the upbuilding influence for them in the camp.
“I’ve been waiting for this camp so long, because I missed a close communication with the family in Christ – my brothers and sisters. I wanted also to upgrade my relationship with God through listening to His righteousness, because I feel a strong influence of worldly environment in everyday life. I thank God that He has fulfilled the desire of my heart and made it possible to get into the camp, talk to Christians and listen to the Word of God … There was a lovely, warm atmosphere in the camp. We have learned to accept and forgive, to revise relations with other people and other nationalities. It was very rich and valuable time – time to make important decisions: to cover with love the sins of others, to forgive and to build relationships …” (Natasha, Basaltove village)
The Lord has blessed our youth with a good contribution to the life and device of camp itself. Most of them were actively involved in various ministries: sports, kitchen, reception and accommodation, equipment, music, worship, and other supplies. We have seen how God has raised young brothers and sisters in the service, allowing us to conduct a camp at a good level…
Our guests from eastern Ukraine were also able to see and experience God’s care and love shown by them in the camp.
“…When we were going to the camp we all had been said,” Where are you going? This is madness? People there kill and do not like people from the east?” But what we have seen and heard here, literally revolutionized our thinking. We are the first who will say that it is not so…” (Natasha, Druzhkivka)
One of the greatest blessings was the ending of the camp, when seven people came to repentance and, apparently, some of them actually experienced the new birth.
“Thanks for the camp very much!!! It was the turning point in my life, I found my Heavenly Father. The theme of the camp “Forgiveness”. God has forgiven me and reconciled with Him. My feelings are overlapped with emotions yet, but I think this is the first step in my life with Him… The sermons and conversations with people, their life examples were tools and foundation on which I should stand in my life – this foundation is Christ! Thanks to the organizers, thank you brothers, praise God…” (Oleg, Rivne)
It was very pleasant, that there were also children who were seriously praying and who trusted their hearts to the Lord.
About ten people have expressed their desire to be baptized in the faith.
For us, this camp was a great blessing and transformation in relation to changing the character and construction of conciliatory relations with each other.
We are sincerely thankful to the Lord, the IPO “Hope to people” and all those who took part in the spiritual and organizational support of the project.
God bless you!
Nikolai Nikitin
