Prayer Focus

THANK YOU, GOD

For protection over our families during these difficult times, when missile and drone attacks continue in residential areas; for the CCI/Ukraine camps that have opened registration for their Christmas programs, where children will again hear the Gospel and experience joy and acceptance. We also thank You for the Covenant Group members who keep studying the seminar materials from the recent forum and seek practical ways to apply them in their ministries.
For CCI/Georgia’s meeting with nine staff members from three Baptist day centres in three cities, where they discussed partnering in Christmas events planned for 100 children between December 25 and January 7.
That the CCI/Armenia booklet has been completed, printed, and distributed at the Camp Leader Follow-up gathering held earlier today.
For the Thanksgiving day-camp held at Grace Church in Country X, where 23 children aged 5 to 12 attended.
For Camp Philadelphia, Ukraine, which held a youth evening of worship and prayer for 20 young adults last week—a gathering of young leaders to reconnect and pray for their Children ministry. They enjoyed an evening chapel with Bible reading, small-group discussions, and sweet treats.

ACTIVITIES

This week, the CCI/Ukraine team is developing new seminar topics for Camp Counselors on building peace, motivating Ukrainian teens, and understanding Generation Alpha. These materials will help new and experienced leaders strengthen their ministry with children and youth, which deepens their understanding of both the needs and spiritual potential of today’s young people.
CCI/Armenia held the Camp Leader Follow-up gathering earlier today, November 18, with 50 camp leaders in attendance, and will now be completing ministry reports throughout the week.
CCI/Country X is serving at the ExpoCentre event this weekend, where fifteen churches will host information booths, offer Bibles, and present music and short skits. The team is supporting the event with PA, PowerPoint, and other technical needs.
The Camp Philadelphia team is preparing for their three-day Christmas day-camp for children from their church and from IDP families. The program will include a Christmas skit, Bible lessons, and gifts. The true meaning of Christmas will be highlighted, and campers will have the opportunity to invite their non-Christian friends.

INTERCESSION

Please pray for CCI/Ukraine as we prepare for the spring 2026 conferences. Electricity is available only a few hours daily, which creates physical and mental strain. Pray that God renews our strength, gives patience, and restores Ukraine’s power system so our team may continue serving faithfully and effectively.
Please lift up prayers for Georgian churches and camps preparing for Christmas, that these events will bring the joy of Jesus’ salvation to children and their parents.
Intercede for CCI/Armenia team members serving in Kazakhstan on a ministry trip this week.
Ask God that CCI/Country X’s time serving at the ExpoCentre event this weekend will be fruitful for the camp ministry through conversations with church leaders. Also keep praying for churches that are running rural children’s day camps during this Thanksgiving season.
Please pray for Camp Philadelphia to remain resilient and dedicated. Many of their campers are growing up and beginning to consider joining the ministry, so pray that God would prepare a new generation of leaders and help the team model what it means to be faithful and obedient servants.
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.

FROM THE MISSION FIELD

Daria Stepanchenko – Administrative Assistant

We are pleased to introduce Daria as a valued member of the CCI/Ukraine team. This feature is part of our series highlighting team members during the week of their birthdays, and this week we celebrate Daria.

Her connection to Christian camping began early. She often says she does not remember a summer without camp. Her parents served as directors at Camp Shalom in Ukraine, and in 2004 she began her own active ministry, serving as a dining-hall assistant, camp counsellor, sports leader, and, from 2009, Program Leader.

Daria followed the work of CCI/Ukraine closely and longed to join the ministry. In 2017, she entered the CCI/Ukraine Instructor Training Program, completing all three levels. She later taught camp counselling at the CCI workshops in Georgia and Country Y, and in 2018 she joined the CCI/Ukraine staff—a step she describes as God’s clear answer to prayer.

She brings unique gifts to her work, speaking four languages and holding degrees in German and English teaching and in Bible studies. These skills enrich her mission work and make her a valued team member.

As Administrative Assistant, Daria handles phone calls and emails, coordinates meetings, manages supplies, updates mailing lists, and gathers stories of God’s work. She also prepares THIS WEEK, our weekly update for prayer partners that you receive every Tuesday. She finds joy in encouraging camp leaders and seeing campers fall in love with Jesus.

Daria is married to Andriy, and they have a 12-year-old son, Lev. During the war in Ukraine, Andriy was drafted into the Ukrainian army and is serving on the front line. Daria and her family are deeply thankful for your prayers as he continues to defend Ukraine.

The Importance of Prayer in KVI's Mission

Before the fall of the communist regime in the USSR, many Christian families suffered greatly. They faced torture, persecution, and even death. Yet, amidst their struggles, they found comfort and strength through prayer. Millions of believers around the world joined in prayer, interceding for USSR Christians and asking for God's help during these difficult times.

As the communist system crumbled, Christians were eager to build a new life. The corruption from the old regime made real change hard to achieve. In these uncertain times, prayer became more than a ritual — it was a lifeline. Believers prayed for the church to be restored, for Christian values, and for moral living. With strong faith, they continued to pray, knowing that God's help was crucial in changing society.

Since its inception in 1990, Kingdom Ventures Inc. (KVI) has been driven by the belief in the power of prayer. Every Christian camp that emerged in the 1990s was not just a result of human effort but thanks to the prayers of many. The Lord's Prayer, taught and prayed daily in every Christian camp, was the foundation for many stories of change. This prayer, passed down through generations, kept the hope of many people alive and was instrumental in fostering spiritual growth.

KVI continues to emphasize prayer as a key part of its mission. The earnest prayers of KVI staff, volunteers, camp leaders, and campers have been fostering spiritual growth and lasting change across Eastern Europe. Prayer remains a cornerstone, guiding and sustaining the ministry's efforts to empower church-based biblical Christian camps and build strong Christian communities.

Prayer focus

November 18-24, 2025

THIS WEEK

FROM THE MISSION FIELD

PRAYER VIGIL APRIL 26, 2025

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KVI Newsletter, december 2024

KVI Newsletter, August 2021

The Importance of Prayer in KVI's Mission