Hope for a New Generation

On Monday, we packed up and headed to teen camp. It is difficult to put into words what an incredible week it turned out to be.

For a few precious days, we had the opportunity to eat, play, laugh, worship, and pray alongside some truly amazing young people. Many of the teens who attended have experienced the heartbreaking loss of fathers, brothers, uncles, and even sisters because of the war. While their stories are different, they all carry burdens that no young person should have to bear.

This camp gave them something they desperately needed—a chance to simply be teenagers again.

For one week, they were able to step away from the constant reminders of war and experience friendship, encouragement, and joy. They played games, shared meals, laughed together, and in quiet moments, some shed tears as they shared their stories. Most importantly, they encountered the love of Jesus.

One of the greatest blessings of the week was seeing lives changed. Several teens accepted Christ as their Savior for the very first time, while others recommitted their lives to the Lord. In a country where so many young people are struggling to find hope, it was a beautiful reminder that God is still working. His light continues to shine, even in the darkest places.

As the week progressed, you could see the change in their faces. The tension they carried at the beginning of camp slowly gave way to smiles, laughter, and a sense of peace. They relaxed, formed friendships, and began to enjoy simply being together. Watching that transformation was something our team will never forget.

Then came the hardest part—saying goodbye.

In just a few short days, these young people had become much more than campers. They became friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, and reminders of why we answered God's call to serve in Ukraine. Although we spoke different languages, we discovered once again that love, kindness, friendship, faith, and the need to feel safe and supported require no translation. Those are gifts God allows us to share with one another, regardless of where we live.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donated supplies, gave financially, and prayed for this trip. Your generosity made it possible for us to be there and to help provide a place where these teens could experience hope, healing, and the love of Christ, even if only for a few days.

Please continue to pray for each of the teens who attended camp. Pray that the decisions they made for Christ will continue to grow into a lifelong faith. Pray that God will protect them and their families, strengthen them through the challenges they face, and use them to be lights shining brightly in the darkness of war-torn Ukraine.

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Thank you for partnering with us in this mission. Together, we are reminding people halfway around the world that they are seen, they are loved, and they are never forgotten.