Prayer focus

THANK YOU, GOD

• For CCI/Ukraine’s annual CampDays Conference (May 30–June 2), 272 participants from 58 camps attended this in-person and online hybrid event. With 84 sessions, 20 instructors, and five tracks—Christian Camp Counselor, Camp Program, Camp Development, Ministering to Children of War, and Biblical Truth Through Sports—the conference equipped leaders to create transformative, Christ-centred camp experiences. 
• For the 20 camp program directors who attended a one-day specialized program director training event organized by CCI/Armenia on May 28.
• That the registration for CCI/Georgia's Staff Training Workshop (June 4–8) is now complete, with every spot filled. A total of 90 participants are set to attend.
• For the three-day evangelistic camp held in a village for 83 children in Country X. All the parents of these children are Orthodox Muslims. This camp, originally planned as a small day camp for 16 children from the local church, turned into a powerful "fountain" of evangelism. Please pray that the staff and camp director will not face any negative consequences from the authorities.
• For Camp New Hope, Ukraine, which held a three-day day camp for 70 children with a team of 20 leaders this past weekend.

ACTIVITIES  

• CCI/Ukraine is processing feedback and evaluation forms from CampDays to assess impact and improve future events. Follow-up conversations with participants are held to deepen connections, solidify partnerships, and explore collaboration for upcoming camps.
• CCI/Armenia organized an evangelistic event for 50 children in celebration of International Children’s Day on June 1.
• CCI/Georgia is hosting its annual Staff Training Workshop this week for Christian camp leaders.
• Camp New Hope is planning to run six evangelistic camps in three villages where no evangelical churches currently exist. This team previously ran camps in the Donetsk region of Ukraine from 1998 to 2022 but was forced to leave their church and homes when their town was destroyed. After a three-year break, they have resumed ministry, serving children and youth once again.  

INTERCESSION

• Pray for rental groups still seeking camp locations. CCI/Ukraine is helping connect them with suitable venues to ensure camps can minister effectively. As summer begins, pray that all camps provide transformative experiences for children and youth, fostering faith and healing through the gospel.
• Pray for God’s protection over this week’s Staff Training Workshop in Georgia—for every participant, staff member, and instructor. May they remain safe and healthy and receive guidance from the Holy Spirit through the courses taught and their interactions with one another.
• Pray for the growth of Camp New Hope’s ministry, for their team, and for God’s provision. Specifically, they need funding for the camp program and two trampolines.
• 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. 

FROM THE MISSION FIELD

My name is Olya, and I’m a camp program leader from Ukraine. I’ve witnessed how Christian camps can change lives, including my own. As a camper, I dreamed of being part of the “camp magic” that happens behind the scenes. Now, I get to create that magic and help children grow both spiritually and emotionally.

Life in our area is challenging due to drone and missile attacks, but that hasn’t stopped us from serving. This year, we are running a day camp in our church, making it a safe and welcoming place for children. Last year, our camp introduced over 100 campers to the Bible, many for the first time. About 30% of them had never been to church before. Hosting the camp in a church was especially meaningful, as it welcomed children—and often their parents—into God’s house. We shared important lessons about salvation and forgiveness through engaging activities, group meetings, and Bible stories.

Creating these programs isn’t easy. We face financial challenges and work hard to keep our ideas fresh. Building a strong team can also be difficult, but God always provides. I love brainstorming and turning creative ideas into experiences that touch children’s hearts.

The training I’ve received from CCI/Ukraine has been invaluable. They’ve equipped me with new planning strategies and have encouraged me in my work. Thanks to their support, our camps continue to change lives and help our church grow stronger, even in these challenging times.