Prayer focus

THANK YOU, GOD

• For the regional conference in Lviv, Ukraine, on February 7, held just after a massive drone and missile attack on the power grid. The event ran entirely on generators, our first conference without centralized electricity in a major city. Although western Ukraine is usually safer, the region was hit immediately beforehand, and eight participants could not arrive because of the morning attack and blocked roads. Despite these circumstances, CCI/Ukraine gathered 260 participants from 101 camps across 12 regions. We thank God for a community shaped by war: 19% were teenagers aged 14–17 already carrying camp responsibility. Only 24% were men, and just 8.5% of conscription age, showing how military mobilization limits participation. This conference reflected camp ministry under pressure.
• For CCI/Armenia’s steering committee meeting on February 4, which continued planning the National Conference and adjusted the dates to May 1–4, 2026.
• For another Christmas day camp in Country X, held for 27 campers. As Jesus became God’s gift to the whole world, the campers also received Christmas gifts.
• For the Christmas dramatic presentation by Camp Living Water, Ukraine, which involved 80 volunteers and staff and was attended by 249 people, and for the larger outreach project, The House of Christmas. Over two weeks, 300 children were welcomed with tea, hot chocolate, a Christmas presentation, and group activities, while many passersby also visited, making it a meaningful outreach opportunity.

ACTIVITIES

• This week the CCI/Ukraine team is opening registration for the regional leadership training event in Lutsk on March 14, with about 100 participants expected, and continues preparations for the national CampDays conference on May 15–17. We are working on the format for leadership training that combines practical learning, experience sharing, and biblical reflection to equip camp leaders to serve children and youth.
• CCI/Armenia held another steering committee meeting online on February 10, working with National Conference program coordinators and developing materials for the educational tracks.
• CCI/Georgia is taking part in a four-day residential winter camp at Camp Grape Vine for 45 young adults (18+), which includes discipleship sessions, Bible study, sports activities, and evening chapels. The camp aims to help the church develop new leaders.
• CCI/Country X is participating in Samaritan’s Purse training for 15 children’s ministers from seven churches.
• Camp Living Water continues to serve children through Sunday school ministry, reaching up to 60 children regularly, 45 of whom come from non-church families in the city.

INTERCESSION

• Please, pray for God’s justice to prevail and that all who fuel this war against Ukraine will be restrained. As Russia continues acts of genocide, including destroying thermal power plants during severe frosts, pray for protection for people across Ukraine. Pray for endurance and wisdom for camp leaders and ministry teams, that evil will be stopped, truth upheld, and Ukraine will see a just and lasting peace.
• Ask God for guidance in preparing the CCI/Armenia National Conference, and for two visits this month to local churches working to establish their own camps, to meet camp teams and invite them to the conference.
• Please pray for the development of camp ministry in Country X, and for training through regional gatherings, which serve as important motivation for leaders in churches, house churches, and small groups.
• Please intercede for Camp Living Water and for the children who are getting to know the church through its camp ministry and follow-up, that they would continue coming, remain connected to the church, and grow as future Christian leaders.
• 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.
• 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. Pray for Andriy’s recovery and for the full restoration of his leg’s function.

FROM THE MISSION FIELD

Ivan (name changed), age 12, Camp New Generation

Ivan knows war not from stories but from life. “Because of the fighting near the city where we lived, missiles flew very often,” he says. “Everything in our apartment shook and trembled. One time I saw a missile fly right past our home. It was very scary.” Ivan is the oldest of three children. He came to Camp New Generation with his younger sister and brother after they learned about it through a monthly children’s program run by a local church.

The camp was held in a safe place, far from the sounds of war. Ivan remembers it with gratitude and joy. “There was so much good food,” he recalls. “Buckwheat with meat, mashed potatoes with sausages, and a tasty cinnamon bun with yogurt. Everything was delicious.” One of the most meaningful moments for him was a visit to the swimming pool. “For almost four years, I had no chance to rest or travel anywhere,” he says.

At camp, Ivan took part fully in all activities. He completed Bible-based tasks to earn “golden coins,” which campers could use to exchange for small items. He also worked well with his cabin group. At the end of camp, he was asked what he would say if the whole world could hear him. Ivan answered, “If there were no God, our world would not exist. People need to believe in Jesus and read the Bible. I would tell everyone to believe in Ukraine, that it will win this war, to believe in God and pray, and to go to church.”