The team of the Education department of IPO Hope to People in conjunction with the team of the Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis organized and conducted Christian camp-seminar for teachers from Ukraine. It was help on July 18-24, in Polyana village, Transcarpathian region. The theme was “How to be a wise parent in this crazy world.” 52 teachers came to Transcarpathia from Avdiivka, Slavuta, Poltava, Khmelnytskyi, Donetsk, Rivne, Zdolbuniv, Orlivka, Zaporizhzhia, Vynohradiv, Sumy, Dobropillia, Sloviansk, Tuchyn, Kyiv, Ivano-Frankivsk.
This camp was the amazing gift of our Heavenly Father for those who love God and educate children in God’s love. Thank the Creator for each day passing here. Thanks to everyone who supported us in prayer and organization. Together we worshiped and glorified God for His mercy and bounties for our families and ministries. The Lord has given us new friends and extended the limits of our ministry.
A special blessing to all campers was the seminar by Chip Ingram. Many participants have little knowledge how to raise children properly. Every day, in the morning and in the evening, teachers shared their experiences, showed open lessons, master classes, did crafts: candlestick with a candle, and Ukrainian wreaths. There sounded music concerts, we glorified God on various musical instruments, and daily prayed for peace in Ukraine. A great support was Christian literature, which Lyudmila Maksimenko – the author and radio presenter of the Stezhynka Magazine gave to us. Every day after dinner, our friendly family set off on an excursion to the castles of Transcarpathia or attended medical thermal waters in Berehovo, Kosino. Teachers thanked for the recreation not only of the physical body but also for recreation ofthe soul, and most importantly for the saturation of the spirit. Tt’s not easy for the representatives of 8 regions of Ukraine and 5 denominations to praise God together for a week, but it is possible with God’s help. Those who have not worked at school, does not know how hard it is, there is a large neuro-emotional burden. That is how the camp for teachers should be.
Oleksandr and Ihor shared the Word of God which supported the spirit. At the end of the camp – repentance (7 teachers from different regions). Educated people who are used to relying on themselves and their minds, and strength have seen this week the greatness of the Creator, and decided to follow Him.
“The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26) With these words I want to bless all those who supported this camp organizationally, prayerfully, who served as a team with us.
Please, pray for the teachers who have reconciled with God, for their spiritual growth, for new meetings in Donetsk region, for the opportunity to organize and hold a round table among the directorate and teachers, for introducing the subject “Christian ethics” in schools and higher educational institutions of Ukraine. Pray for opportunities to share God’s blessings in this world, for peace and unity in Ukraine.
Teachers’ feedbacks:
“Relevant Topic of the seminar provided an opportunity to think about the education of our children and the children at school.”
“I met new people, expanded the circle of friends.”
“In my plans after the camp I am going to bring further the Word of God in the children’s education, to serve the people with the knowledge I have.”
“Family friendly atmosphere in the camp contributed to the study of the Word of God.”
“We are waiting for new meetings.”
“Thanks to the sponsors and people who were in the team.”
“Thanks for the food and recreation.”
“Changed ideology, learned a lot, got some answers, perhaps this is the beginning of a new path, I will use the workshop in family and work.”
The glory to our great God for His love and care!
Oleksandr Bondarchuk, Education Department of IPO Hope to People
