The months of July and August are our best time for the Summer of Hope camp outreach across Russia and former Soviet Union.
Summer Declares the Glory of God: If you simply need a reminder that God is in control, open your eyes to see the beauty of the world. The days are longer; the temperatures are higher. The grass and trees beckon us with their vibrant, rich green colorations. Let’s not forget: the creation of leaves out of hard limbs, the pushing up of tulips, green grass turning into soft carpets, and the return of robins. All these examples and more, if one takes the time to see, are telling of glory of God and declaring the work of his hands.
Summer of Hope Camps are in session!
Simple, reliable, and proven solutions for getting our kids back to camp have been put in place. Many strategies for our camps and youth programs have taken place. As I write this letter, kids are safely having fun in God’s beautiful outdoors, enjoying everything that our camps have to offer…from good
food, swimming, camp fires, hiking, crafts, etc. At camp they will have time to remove the COVID cobwebs and make new Christian friends. Most importantly, many will have the opportunity to learn perhaps for the first time about our Lord and how He loves them.
Many children find in our teams a safe place to unburden their fears and get new found hope. Numerous camp counselors share in their life experiences, as they went through the same problems…alcoholic parents, poverty, depression, etc. Their testimonies speak to how having Jesus in their lives made all the difference.
That’s why your support today is so important! Summer of Hope Camps change how a child sees themselves and their world through the power of God’s unfailing love. You can help give these at risk kids the chance to have the experience of a lifetime as they learn to love the Lord.
July turned out to be quite challenging for us. We had a seven-day camp for children in the city of Tyumen. The program was attended by about sixty kids of various ages. It was an awe-inspiring time for our campers as well as for our lay teams and ministers.
We thank the Lord that we were able to prepare and implement an unforgettable program for the children. There were lots of sports and board games. The campers were also shown how to do various hands-on crafts and embroidery skills. These hand-made projects were brought home to parents and families. Most importantly, the children happily spent time studying God’s word.
Here’s what seven-year old Darling said about her camping experience: “I really liked that no one was hurt. There was very tasty food. I also learned that Jesus can do anything. I want to ask Him to make my Dad kind and not to drink and stop beating my mother.”
It’s heartbreaking to think that these are the atrocities that have been endured by this child. Furthermore, as she returns home, they may be repeated. We need believers to unite in prayer for the children in the lands of Russia. Pray for the children, not yet rescued from abusive situations, that somehow God’s love will reach them. Now more than ever, these children need to know that God loves them and that we are standing with them. “We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield” (Psalm 33:20).
What a joy to share the Gospel with the hopeless and broken souls! God is doing exciting and amazing things in our ministry. I rejoice as I see how the Lord touches the lives of the Russian children.
“Our dear friends, we miss you. Please come again. We study the Bible. Jesus always with us.” Anya.
“Please come again. Tell us about Jesus. We want to hear your songs. Jesus with us. We love you.” Julia.
“Come, please. We are waiting for you. Tell us more about God. ” Sergey.
I cannot tell you how much your praying means and how much your gifts mean –not only as we go to the tough places, but as we press all our rescue efforts as never before.
Thank you for sending us to so many spiritually dying people with the life-saving message of Jesus’ death for them.
And thank you for going with us this summer, with your praying and with your giving, to bring the Light to young people who know so much hopelessness and darkness.
With the grateful heart,
Pastor Vitali Yuchkovski