An Open Door In the Midst of Restrictions
The pandemic has intensified in Eastern Europe over the summer. There was, however, a period when the restrictions in Ukraine were partly lifted and we were able to organize two camps. Instead of our traditional children’s and teenagers’ camps, we held family camps.
Thirty-six families came to learn
how to use the Internet
– which is essential these days –
and to learn about family relationships
and to hear the gospel.
In the spring when the pandemic began, we visited many villages in the Odessa region to bring help to needy families. In every home we felt an atmosphere of anxiety and hopelessness. There was no work, public transportation ceased, bills could not be paid, monthly pension checks could not be cashed…
Some everyday affairs had to be carried out by computer, but there was no Internet connection and no one knew how to navigate it anyway. As a result, children could not participate in distance learning.
An opportunity to help with this problem opened for us when we received Internet access gift cards as a donation. We distributed them in the villages in addition to delivering essential items and Christian literature. After Internet access was made available, we taught families how to use it.
PHOTO: “Yes, you can!” Our worker Tanya encourages a mother who’s had no experience handling everyday details online.
In July, when we were allowed again to hold meetings, we invited a total of thirty-six families to two camps. A team of our experienced volunteers assisted.
Each camp lasted four days and had full schedules, teaching both children and adults how to use the telephone and computer and how to navigate online services. There was also time for recreation, personal conversations, and various art demonstrations and games for parents and children to learn.
LYUDMILA'S STORY
Lyudmila, who is twenty years old, had come with her two younger siblings, she is their guardian. Their mother is an alcoholic and the children have had to beg for food. Lyudmila carries much burden as the breadwinner and sole caretaker of the younger children.
Lyudmila was one of the adults who heard the gospel message at camp for the first time. During the very first gospel meeting, she felt God’s touch and stayed awake all night pondering all the wonderful things she had heard.
In the morning she talked with some of the camp leaders. They prayed together and Lyudmila believed. Throughout the rest of camp our team had more conversations to encourage her.
The coronavirus pandemic
has opened the door for us
to bring help and the gospel
to new families and villages.
Parents and children receive training. Computers or phones have been made available for online use.
OLGA'S STORY: Mother and Daughter Find God and Restoration at Camp
PHOTO: Olga and daughter Sveta participating in a joint project for parents and children, creating a collage of a happy family.
We met Olga and her 12-year-old daughter Sveta in the spring while taking food to the villages. Olga opened up to us about her struggles as a mother, and asked us for advice.
She was a single parent and often had to leave her daughter alone while working late. Sveta had become fearful and withdrawn, and the relationship between mother and daughter was strained. We invited them to MP’s family camp.
In the joyful and welcoming atmosphere of the camp, Sveta joined the other children willingly. She has weak eyesight, but despite that, her crafts were among the best in the group. We didn’t spare the praise.
Olga was thrilled to see her daughter happily involved in the games.
Olga herself found courage to open her heart to a counselor,
confessing her failures and mistakes.
At the end of the conversation, she wanted to give her life to Christ.
She invited Sveta to join her, and the two prayed together.
Olga was a new person the next morning!
She radiated joy, embraced her daughter, and wanted to hug the whole world. The bitterness inside had melted away and she knew she now had a fresh beginning.
