Ukraine (MNN) — Summer camps for Ukrainian youth bring healing to children broken by war and family hardship through the Gospel.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3
Photo courtesy of Slavic Gospel Association (SGA)
Divorce, abuse, war, and abandonment have shaped how these teenagers in Ukraine perceive life. Yet, when invited to church summer camps, they could finally breathe in hope.
Eric Mock from Slavic Gospel Association says:
“They were angry, confused, and now they walk away with hope, because they were judging God by their circumstances, not by His Word, not by His promises. And then secondly, in their circumstances, they had seen no love.”
This project brought together 160 young people for worship, rest, healing, and spiritual growth. A team of speakers — pastors, missionaries, coaches, and counselors — poured into the youth every day, helping shape their worldview spiritually and walking with them through the hard realities of life.
- Aneliya, came to camp after her father went to the front lines and her mother abandoned the family; she prayed to receive Jesus and left with renewed hope.
- Kateryna, from a violent home, called camp her “new birth” and found people she could trust.
- Maksym, who had never opened a Bible, repented on his own and began eagerly following God.
- Violeta, rescued from abuse, prayed publicly for the first time and left deeply grateful.
- Olena, abandoned by her parents, arrived unwilling but left with new friends and hope.
- Samuel, whose early trauma turned his hair gray, repented and found the friends he had long missed.
And more!
Photo courtesy of Slavic Gospel Association (SGA)
“Through the faithful believers ministering to them, they saw love,” says Mock — and believed in Jesus!
The realities of life can cloud and confuse a one-week camp memory. Mock says the work continues throughout the year through local churches: “That’s why God has raised up the church to minister to these kids. Some are orphans, whom the churches are ministering to and supporting through the SGA Orphans Reborn program, and some come from impoverished families.”
Though the camps are ending, the team is already planning what’s next, including a Christmas outreach. To understand the need behind these outreaches to children in times of war, click here.
Find your place in the story through prayer. Visit Slavic Gospel Association to learn more!
“One of the greatest prayer requests is that we wish that every child that hears the Gospel, the seeds of the Gospel would take roots in their heart, and they would grow up to be those adults that desire to follow the Lord,” urges Mock.
Header photo: summer camp (photo courtesy of SGA)
