Prayer focus

THANK YOU, GOD  

• For the CCI/Ukraine regional camp leadership conference in Lutsk on March 14, where 185 participants from 12 regions of Ukraine gathered in five training tracks to serve children and youth through camps. This gathering became a time of learning and encouragement, sharing of best practices, and renewed calling during the war. We also thank God that, despite recent attacks on railway infrastructure, participants were able to travel and take part.
• For the program team meeting to plan the CCI/Georgia June 3–6 Staff Training Workshop (STW).
• For the meeting CCI/Armenia held last week with leaders of an emerging camp team that will run a three-day resident camp, March 25–28, for 50 campers. The program will include campfires, Bible studies, crafts, and sports.
• For the CCI/Country X ministry trip to the northern region of the country, where the team met with eight representatives from three churches to discuss children’s ministry, day camps, leadership development, and camp ministry in the region.
• For Camp New Life, Ukraine, and its resident spring camp session from March 21 to 28 for 40 campers. The program includes focused time with Counselors, team-building activities, creative workshops, mountain hikes, and campfire times, with special care for safety and the well-being of all participants.

ACTIVITIES

• This week the CCI/Ukraine team is completing preparations for the March 21 regional camp leadership conference in Oleksandria, including speaker logistics, participant materials, and coordination with the local team. Ninety camp leaders are expected to attend. At the same time, registration has opened for the national CampDays Сonference on May 15–17 in Lutsk, as the team continues to develop the program.
• CCI/Georgia is forming the leadership team and developing the program for the Staff Training Workshop, June 3–6.
• This week CCI/Armenia will meet with the pastor of a local church to invite their camp team to the May 1–4 National Camp Leadership Conference. CCI/Armenia also continues to promote the conference among other churches through invitation letters.
• CCI/Country X is preparing Easter-themed day camps during the upcoming school break. Five camps are planned for about 120 campers. The camp teams meet regularly to prepare Bible studies, activities, and songs.
• Camp New Life plans to run seven summer camp sessions in the Carpathian Mountains for 280 campers. The program will include Bible studies, creative workshops such as video, stop-motion, and art, mountain hikes with experienced instructors, and evening chapels. These camps aim to help children develop leadership skills, build friendships, and grow spiritually. 

INTERCESSION

• Please, pray for safe travel and for the conference in Oleksandria on March 21, as well as that air raid sirens or attacks will not disrupt the gathering and training. Pray also for renewed strength for our CCI/Ukraine team after intense weeks of preparation and running the conferences. Please pray for Ukraine, that God will grant a just peace and continue to work through ministry to children and youth during this difficult time.
• Please pray for wisdom in finding ways to transfer funds to support ministries in Georgia. While a good portion of funds is provided by believers, a new restrictive law requires special permission to receive funds from abroad. Although it targets political activity, it may also affect ministries and individuals, and violations can carry serious legal consequences. Please pray that God will open safe and legal ways to meet these needs.
• Ask God to protect the children and their families during the Easter camps in Country X and that nothing will hinder the programs. Please also pray for good health for the staff and for God’s provision for both camp expenses and the personal needs of the team members.
• Please intercede for Camp New Life, for the safety and health of all staff and campers during the summer camps. Ask God to provide for staff support, meals, program materials, and camp logistics. Pray that the camps will be a place where children experience joy, friendship, creativity, and life-changing encounters with Jesus, and that the Counselors receive guidance and strength in their ministry.
• 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.

FROM THE MISSION FIELD

Sarah, Georgia, a 14-year-old camper – a story told by her counselor

Sarah came to camp quiet and a little closed, as often happens to first-timers. At home there were many conflicts, and she told me that she often lied. She did not want to lie, but she felt it was the only way to protect herself. During the first days she spoke very little. She often sat a little apart and watched the others during activities.

After a couple of days, during the team games, I saw her cheering for another girl who was not on her team. It was a small moment, but it was a time when she forgot about herself. The Bible lessons also helped her. We talked about honesty and why people sometimes hide the truth. Sarah said she was afraid that telling the truth at home could bring problems. But at camp she felt safe, and she began to think that honesty might also bring freedom.

On the last day Sarah was at ease with the other girls and was also asking serious questions about God. Before she left, she quietly thanked me. I do not know what will happen when she returns home. But I could feel that something in her heart had changed, and she seemed to know it.