Prayer focus

THANK YOU, GOD

• For CCI/Ukraine finalizing the schedule and speakers for our September Covenant Group annual gathering, where 50 leaders from 30 camps will explore “camp planting and growth” and how it could strengthen the ministry of churches.
• For the five-day day Camp Who Am I? in Armenia, which welcomed 54 campers. We thank God that through this camp children had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of God and grow in their relationship with Him.
• For the residential Camp 180 Degrees in Georgia, which welcomed 37 children ages 12–14. We thank God for His faithfulness and pray for His continued guidance and blessing throughout these camps.
• For Camp [Name Withheld] in Country X, a residential camp that welcomed 23 children. We are grateful for the opportunity to share God’s love with children and create a safe environment where they can experience care, friendship, and the message of the Gospel.
• For the three-day day Camp Philadelphia in Ukraine, with 33 campers, where they searched for the truth found in God’s Word. We thank God for the safe and blessed time of fellowship, spiritual growth, and encouragement for the church and ministry.

ACTIVITIES

• Summer camps across the CCI/Ukraine network are in full swing. Meanwhile, our staff and key Covenant Group leaders are meeting at a camp with an experienced consultant to explore ways to strengthen the impact of Christian camping in Ukraine and beyond in the years ahead.
• CCI/Armenia staff is visiting a six-day tent camp on the shore of Lake Sevan for 25 campers to encourage the team and support the camp program.
• CCI/Georgia is holding the second prayer gathering for camp directors, providing an opportunity for leaders to pray together, encourage one another, and support each other throughout the summer camp season.
• CCI/Country X volunteers are helping a church organize a six-day residential camp [Name Withheld] for 30 campers. The team is working on the program, sports activities, registration process, and other important details to ensure a meaningful and impactful experience for the children.
• Camp Philadelphia team is holding follow-up planning meetings, preparing for a follow-up reunion with campers and working toward launching a year-round youth club. The team is also preparing for the upcoming Sunday school year, continuing to invest in children and youth beyond the summer camp. 

INTERCESSION

• Please continue to pray for the safety of camps, campers, and staff traveling across Ukraine amid missile and drone attacks. Pray for an end to the war, for God to protect Ukraine’s oppressed people and land, bring justice, and drive back the aggressor, Russia.
• Please intercede for the one-day retreat for married couples in Armenia, with 60 participants, and for Camp New Bethel in Georgia, with 80 campers. Pray for God’s protection, wisdom, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
• 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 in January.
• 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

Mykyta, 14 — A Story of Faith, Growth, and Belonging

I am 14 years old, and I have been coming to this camp every summer since I was four. One thing I notice is that the boys stop using bad words when they are at camp. This year, too, my cabin mates very quickly became kinder to each other, more respectful, and more open because of the way our counselor talked to us and treated us. The counselor has also helped me learn how to pray quietly by myself. I especially enjoy the cooking workshop and crafts. I like learning how to make things and then using what I learn at home.

My life has not always been easy. When I was four years old, my father died. My mother spent much of my childhood working abroad, and now I live with my grandmother and younger sister. I like coming to camp because I can spend time with my friends, meet other people, and have someone to talk to. I feel good when I am here.

This year, I liked the story of Joseph. His life was not easy, but he kept trusting God and did not give up. It showed me that when things are difficult, I should keep going and keep working. I also learned that if I want to achieve something, I have to put in the effort. I am happy that I can come back to this camp every summer, learn new things, and spend time with my friends.