Prayer focus

THANK YOU, GOD

• For the chance CCI/Ukraine had to co-lead a two-day seminar at Camp Maximum, September 15–17, training staff to serve children of fallen soldiers and displaced families. With a trauma specialist from the USA, leaders gained tools for sensitive ministry.
• For the commitment and enthusiasm of the nine members of the CCI/Georgia steering committee as they prepare for their upcoming meeting on September 29, and for the testimony shared during preparations by Rezo, director of a camp run by the Salvation Army Church in Georgia, who grew through CCI seminars and now sends his staff for training to serve both as camp leaders and as leaders in his church. 
• For the five-day Camp [Name Withheld] in Country X, held in the first half of September with 32 children, where lessons were based on the Superbook cartoon series. 
• For Camp Renewal’s opening of a follow-up club for teenagers in Ukraine, celebrated with 28 campers at the local church. The event included worship, icebreakers, Bible study, and discussion groups.

ACTIVITIES 

• In this season, camper follow-up is in full swing, and CCI/Ukraine trains camps to see it as inseparable from camp itself when discipleship is the goal. Ongoing contact helps children and youth consolidate transformations that began at camp, remain engaged in their churches, and continue walking with trusted leaders.
• CCI/Georgia is winterizing the campsite in Manglisi, which belongs to a Baptist church and is managed by CCI/Georgia as a rental site, so it will be ready for winter camps. This past summer, 11 camps hosting 980 campers were held there. Five camps have already signed up to use the site this winter. It also serves as the venue for all major CCI training events in Georgia year-round.
• CCI/Country X staff visited a local church to share about Christian camping ministry and explore ways to grow the youth ministry and develop camps. Six leaders from the church’s children’s ministry department took part in the meeting.
• The Camp Renewal team is running weekly club meetings with 30 campers to build strong connections between teenagers and their leaders, showing that the church is a safe and welcoming place. The team is also working on their winter camp program.

INTERCESSION

• Please pray for CCI/Ukraine as we prepare the Covenant Group Gathering at the end of October, which will guide at least 35 training events and equip over 2,500 camp leaders in 2026. This meeting will be foundational in forming leaders who ground youth in the Gospel through immersive camp experiences and lead them to personal faith in Christ.
• Please hold the September 29 CCI/Georgia steering committee meeting in your prayers, as the members seek God’s guidance and look to the future.
• Please intercede for camp staff in Country X who left their jobs to serve during the summer and have not yet found work afterward.
• Please pray for the Camp Renewal Club as they guide teenagers. Ask God to protect both staff and teenagers and their families physically and emotionally, and to fill them with His love, joy and peace.
• Thank God for protecting Oleg, Andriy, and Maxim—the husbands of our staff Oksana, Dasha, and Jenya—this past week as they serve near the war’s front line. Pray for their continued health and safety.

FROM THE MISSION FIELD 

Maria, 16 y.o. camper, Ukraine — “My First Camp”

I’m a 16-year-old girl, and I came to camp just to have fun and meet new friends. I had never been to a Christian camp before and didn’t really know God. But from the first day, I noticed something different — everyone was so kind and real. During Bible lessons, I started asking questions and paying attention in a way I never had before. I’m not a Christian yet, but being here made me think about God in a way I never did.

My counselor, Aliona, was amazing. She cared about me, listened, and became a real friend. I started to feel like someone actually noticed me and my life mattered. Seeing how she lived out her faith made me want to understand more and see what that could mean for me.

I also discovered dodgeball! I used to play handball, but I stopped because of school and work. At camp I tried dodgeball and the staff asked me to join the team. It felt really good to be encouraged and noticed. I left camp with new friends, new skills, and a small spark about faith that I want to explore more.