As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, we can feel the energy and excitement of summertime in the air.
The past year has been a challenging journey for our ministry and our church partners. We were faced with the daunting task of spreading the Gospel amidst the Ukrainian refugee crisis. But through it all, we held steadfast to our faith and trusted that God would lead us in the right direction. And indeed, He did.
We saw doors opening and opportunities arise that we could have never imagined. It was a reminder that with God, nothing is impossible.
One of the most exciting doors that opened for our ministry is the opportunity to once again hold our annual Summer of Hope camp ministry program. This outreach holds a special place in our hearts, as it provides a chance for us to connect with young people and share the love of Christ with them.
With the help of our generous supporters, we will make this outreach a reality and bring hope to the lives of many children. It is a true testament to the power of faith and the impact that can be made when we work together for a common goal.
As we prepare for the Summer of Hope Bible Camps, we are filled with excitement and anticipation for what God has in store for these young souls. This summer may be the turning point in their lives, as they experience the love and grace of Jesus in a tangible way. For many of them, it may be their first encounter with the Gospel, and we have the privilege of being the vessels through which they receive it.
For many of Ukrainian children, the past year has been filled with stress and uncertainty due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Imagine being a child forced to flee your home, leaving behind everything you’ve ever known. Imagine the fear, the uncertainty, the constant worry about the future.
This is the reality for many of refugee children in Ukraine. But we can make a difference. By coming together and supporting programs like our Summer of Hope camp in Ukraine, we can provide these children with hope, love, and a sense of community. It’s more important now than ever before that we reach out to these kids and provide them with a safe and supportive environment where they can let loose, make new friends, and just be kids again.
At our Summer of Hope camps, these children will have the opportunity to laugh, play, and learn in a safe and nurturing environment. They will make new friends, try new activities, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
More importantly, they will have the chance to hear about the love of God and the hope that can be found in Jesus. Through our Summer of Hope camp, we can offer these children a glimmer of light in the midst of darkness and show them that they are not alone.
Last year during a Summer of Hope camp, there was an inspiring story about how children found relief from the stress caused by war. This particular year, a group of siblings – Ana, Maksim, and Yulia – attended the camp after experiencing traumatic events due to the ongoing war in their hometown.
Upon arrival at the camp, it was apparent that these children had been through a lot. They seemed anxious and on edge, often clinging together for comfort and support. Despite their fears, they were encouraged by our missions team members to join various activities and workshops designed to help them relax and relieve stress.
One day during the camp, our missionaries introduced therapeutic art activities as part of their stress-relief program. The purpose was to give children like Ana, Maksim, and Yulia an opportunity to express themselves creatively in a safe environment.
As they began painting and drawing with other children at the camp, something amazing happened. Slowly but surely, Ana, Maksim, and Yulia started opening up with each stroke of color on their canvases. They became more comfortable sharing their feelings while discovering new ways to cope with their emotions.
Throughout the rest of the week at Summer of Hope camp, these siblings continued attending various workshops and activities aimed at helping them find inner peace amidst adversity. Through music therapy sessions, guided relaxation exercises, and group prayer times, they gradually let go of some of their fears and anxieties related to war.
By the end of the outreach program, it was evident that something heartwarming occurred among those three young souls. They were looking hopeful. The Bible teachings that were shared with Ana at the camp touched her heart deeply. Maksim’s outlook shifted towards optimism regardless if challenges lay ahead. As for Yulia? She rediscovered her laughter which echoed contagiously throughout campgrounds!
The Summer of Hope camp provided these children with a much-needed respite from the constant stressors associated with living in a war-torn area. Through fun activities, therapeutic workshops, and the unwavering love and support of volunteers, they were able to find a sense of relief and newfound hope for their future.
Despite the many obstacles that we may face, we remain committed to our mission of empowering youth throughout the former Soviet Union. We believe that by investing in the next generation, we can create a brighter and more hopeful future for all.
If God has placed it upon your heart to help us with our Summer of Hope camps, know that your kindness and generosity will go a long way in bringing joy and light to those who need it most.
We believe that this is an opportunity for you to share your blessings and bring hope to the children who are experiencing the devastating effects of war in Ukraine. Your support can bring sunshine to these little ones who have been through so much.
Thank you for your caring hearts,
In His Love,
Pastor Vitali Yuchkovski