Prayer focus

February 24, 2026, marks four years since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. We thank God for His mercy in preserving our lives, our families, and this ministry through constant danger and exhaustion. Please take a moment this week to ask God for a just and lasting peace, for the protection of the Ukrainian people, and for faithfulness as we and our camps continue to serve children, youth, and the Church in the midst of war.

THANK YOU, GOD

• For the mercy we have experienced through four years of full-scale war, for preserving our lives, and for sustaining the ministry of CCI/Ukraine as we continue to serve the Church in Ukraine, Moldova, and Transcaucasia despite exhaustion and constant air raids. For 50% of the expected 150 participants who have already registered for the CCI/Ukraine March 14 regional leadership conference in Lutsk, Ukraine.
• That CCI/Georgia took part in the residential winter youth Grape Vine Camp, February 18–22 for 32 young adults with 8 staff members. The theme of the camp was fellowship with God through Bible reading, prayer, and fasting. Praise God that the camp went very well.
• For completing the preparation of the campsite for the upcoming BethelChurch camp in Armenia (March 25–27) for 50 campers, in which CCI/Armenia staff will participate. Registration is still ongoing.
• For the prayer meeting for pastors and church leaders in Country X, with 23 participants from 9 churches. They prayed for the churches across the country and for children’s ministries throughout the nation.
• For Camp BeHope, Ukraine, and their discipleship ministry though a youth club for 26 campers. The programs are interactive and include worship led by the campers, Bible discussions, icebreakers, and treats. 

ACTIVITIES

• This week we are opening registration for the CCI/Ukraine national camp leadership conference CampDays in Lutsk on May 15–17, 2026, with a goal of about 150 participants and training tracks for Camp Counselors, Program Leaders, Camp Directors, and Sports Instructors. We are also launching registration for the CCI/Ukraine March 21 regional leadership conference in Oleksandriia, expecting 90 participants.
• CCI/Armenia is working to complete and finalize the program for the National Conference, scheduled for May 1–4, 2026. They are also promoting the conference among churches across Armenia.
• CCI/Country X is having a meeting with three children’s ministry leaders from three different home churches to consult with them on organizing children’s ministry, equipping leaders, and developing programs that include Bible lessons, crafts, and games.
• Camp BeHope is running a series of weekly meetings for 25 youth this and next months, involving young leaders in preparing and leading these gatherings as part of their discipleship development.

INTERCESSION

• 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.
• Please intercede for the follow-up work of Camp Grape Vine in Georgia—that the young people would draw closer to the Lord, devote more time to prayer and Bible reading, and become actively involved in leadership ministry.
• Ask God for government approval for the Samaritan’s Purse project and for smooth customs clearance to bring in gifts, so that more children can hear the Gospel during the Easter camps in Country X. With the school break in March, CCI/Country X is using this time to organize Easter day camps. Please pray for God’s guidance and blessing over these plans.
• Please pray for the Camp BeHope team as they prepare for a three-day spring day camp in March. Pray also that the youth will continue to grow spiritually and be filled with enthusiasm to participate in both the spring and summer camps. 

FROM THE MISSION FIELD

Jeannette, 15, a Camper in Georgia

A friend invited me to camp. Honestly, I didn’t really want to go at first. I didn’t know what it would be like, what kind of people would be there, or how I would fit in. I’m not very good at communicating. I grew up kind of closed off, and I don’t trust people easily. Before leaving, I kept thinking, “How long will it take before I get into a heated argument with someone?”

The first day was awkward. I mostly stayed quiet and watched everyone. But what surprised me was how people treated me. No pressure. No judgment. Just normal kindness. It felt strange… in a good way. Day by day, I started opening up a little. I didn’t even notice how it happened. I began talking more, laughing more. I realized that here I didn’t have to defend myself all the time.

During the Bible lessons and prayer times, something changed inside me. I can’t fully explain it, but I felt calm. I started thinking about God differently—not as someone distant, but as Someone who actually cares. I began to understand what it means to forgive, to let go, and not always try to prove that I’m right.

I also learned how to work in a team—which is not easy for me—and how to be genuinely happy for others, not just for myself. These days showed me that I’m not just the “difficult” or “explosive” girl I thought I was. There’s another side of me—one that can trust, love, and feel joy.