Prayer focus

Published weekly by CCI/Ukraine staff

FOR THOSE WHO LOVE TO PRAY

 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

THANK YOU, GOD

• For Pavlo, CCI/Ukraine's Operations Director, who was protected during his ministry trip to Kharkiv, eastern Ukraine, last week. The day after he left, a guided aerial bomb exploded near the house where he had been staying, damaging the windows. He is also thankful for receiving a temporary exemption from conscription, allowing him to fully focus on CCI/Ukraine's ministry.
• For the meeting of eight CCI/Georgia camp directors this past Monday, they evaluated their camp ministry from the summer and identified areas for improvement moving forward.
• That all adjustments to the CCI/Armenia By-Laws have been completed and handed over to the lawyer.
• For the one-day camp in an orphanage for a hundred children in Country X, with a Bible lesson, handing out of gifts, and building closer relationships with the children. The team intends to make these meetings a regular event.
• For a four-day summer camp, Camp Agape in Ukraine for 120 children and 33 staff members at the local church building. The camp included many outdoor games, Bible studies, and worship time, despite the air raid sirens and electricity outages.

ACTIVITIES 

• Preparations for CCI/Ukraine's Camp Discovery training, scheduled for October 11-12, 2024, are underway. We expect 80 participants from Baptist churches, all experienced in organizing Christian camps for children and teens. The training will focus on engaging the 10-20 age group with the gospel, addressing their psychological state, needs, and relationship-building strategies amidst the ongoing war. A team of 5 instructors, as well as event materials are being finalized.
• Registration for the CCI/Ukraine Covenant Group Gathering, set for October 16-19, is open, with 65 participants from 30 camps expected to attend.
• CCI/Georgia volunteers are working at the Manglisi campsite, disinfecting the premises and preparing the site for winter and the upcoming winter camps. CCI/Georgia manages this campsite as a rental facility for Christian camps.
• CCI/Country X is involved in co-conducting a workshop for 25 youth leaders from different parts of Country X as part of the 'Samaritan’s Purse' project, which will help them reach more children through day camps.
• Camp Agape is starting its teenage clubs and youth meetings, and they are working on their upcoming Thanksgiving program.

INTERCESSION 

• Please pray for the safety of our staff in Ukraine. The night before this report, three attack drones were shot down over a staff member's house, and artillery targeting drones near our office caused loud explosions. Another staff member experienced a ballistic missile strike within one kilometre of her home on the morning we were working on this report. These attacks lead to sleepless nights and impact productivity. Pray for safety at the upcoming conferences, as well as for wisdom, strength, and God's continued protection.
• Please pray for Astghik’s family, our CCI/Armenia director. Her son had a successful surgery, and we ask for prayers for his speedy recovery.
• CCI/Country X has been planning a series of Thanksgiving day camps for children, but due to an international forum in the city coinciding with the school holidays, all public gatherings have been banned. As a result, the team is considering holding the day camps in rural areas. Please pray that the Lord grants them wisdom to adjust their plans and protection during the camps.
• Please pray for Camp Agape, that they may reach not only their campers but also the parents with the gospel. Pray for wisdom and resilience as they remain faithful to their calling and dedicated to the ministry.