Prayer focus

THANK YOU, GOD

• For Easter celebrations across Ukraine, which point to salvation in Jesus Christ even in dark times; for the “Time to Serve” ministry, which has committed to send 12 participants to the CCI/Ukraine CampDays Annual National Camp Leadership Conference, showing real investment in developing their people.
• For Easter outreach in Armenia and Country X, through one-day Easter camps in churches and residential camps in rented facilities, which help children and youth understand the meaning of Easter, the greatest gift from our Savior.
• That Camp Philadelphia, Ukraine ran a two-day spring day camp during the school break for 17 campers at their local church. The program included quizzes, games, and interactive activities, helping the campers memorize Bible verses.

ACTIVITIES

• CCI/Ukraine continues preparing for the CampDays National Conference on May 15–17, with a focus on themes for Camp Counselors, which connect biblical teaching with a practical understanding of relationships and faith. At the same time, we are preparing an online meeting for camp directors at the end of April to help them prepare well for the summer season in difficult conditions.
• CCI/Armenia is finalizing the program for its National Camp Leadership Conference, May 1–4. CCI/Armenia volunteers are organizing a one-day camp for children from rural area, expecting 30 campers this weekend.
• CCI/Georgia is holding three Easter events on April 12 in three different cities, expecting 50 teenage campers at each location.
• CCI/Country X is participating in a monthly inter-church prayer meeting with 30 church and camping ministry leaders from 16 churches.
• Camp Philadelphia is running a one-day Easter camp for children from their church, with 27 campers expected. The program will include a Bible story, a master class, and sweet gifts for each camper.

INTERCESSION

• Please, pray for safety in travel in Ukraine, especially with increased risks to passenger trains. Pray for CampDays registration, that God will bring the right participants, group leaders, and volunteers. Continue to ask God that people in Ukraine will not lose hope during the war, and that the Church will remain a light and support for children, youth, and families.
• Please pray for the eight CCI/Georgia program volunteers who are preparing to lead the Staff Training Workshop, June 3–6.
• Please pray for five one-day outreach camps in rural regions of Country X, each presenting an Easter program with a puppet show, a Bible lesson, and Gospel of John handouts.
• Please hold Camp Philadelphia in your prayers as they work on their summer camp program and need more male leaders, since serving without enough male leaders is becoming increasingly difficult, especially with the possibility that some may be drafted into the army at any time.
• Thank God for protecting Oleg, Andriy, and Maxim—the husbands of our CCI/Ukraine staff Oksana, Dasha, and Jenya—this past week as they serve near the war’s front line. Pray for their continued health and safety. Pray for Andriy’s recovery and for the full restoration of his leg’s function after he was wounded at the front line a month ago.
• With the sharp increase in Russian missile and drone attacks on Kyiv and many homes destroyed, please pray, as God reminds you, for God’s protection over our Kyiv staff Oksana and Pavlo, their families and homes, and the CCI/Ukraine office located in a residential area. 

FROM THE MISSION FIELD

Katerina, 16, Staff at Summer Camp, Ukraine

Kateryna first came to a Christian camp ten years ago, at the age of six. Today, she is a high school student who once saw herself as a loner, even a “social outcast.” Last winter, her classmate Taya invited her to a youth club at a local church. Kateryna hesitated but decided to go, and she has not regretted it. Over time, she began attending youth meetings, Sunday services, and other activities, and she was surprised at how at home she felt. Her parents noticed the change and supported her.

When the summer camp team was forming, Kateryna chose to join. She helped with preparations, took initiative, and led the music group practice while also preparing for camp as a sports leader. Just days before camp, she learned that her father was being sent to the frontlines to defend Ukraine from Russian aggression. She felt uncertain and almost stepped back, but her friends and the team encouraged her to stay, and she chose to serve.

Kateryna says she has not regretted that decision. As she gave love and encouragement to the children, she learned to manage her emotions, gained confidence, and found real joy. From a young camper, she has grown into a leader who is ready to share God’s love. Today, she continues to take part in youth meetings and church life, and her story shows how God can shape a child into a courageous and caring leader.