It’s easy to write about the success of a summer camp for orphans- right after it has all taken place. There are wonderful stories to share, happy children to show and testimonies to give about how God was at work.

But what happens to these kids later? How do these moments in the summer influence their future lives? How do these seeds of hope continue to grow? Well recently, thanks to your support, nine volunteer leaders from the Life Skills Summer Camp were able to travel back to southern Ukraine, three months later, to reconnect with the orphans of the Stara Zburivka orphanage.

Loaded with bags full with socks and candy for all the children, the volunteers greeted the eager youth, who were jumping up and down with excitement as they were reunited with their summer friends. Kids immediately started reminiscing about the time at camp and sharing memories about this game and that event, also asking if there would be another camp for them next summer.

Igor, who is 15, pulled his leader Anton aside and shared how much the time at camp met to him. “We went to a different camp after we were with you,” Igor said, “and it was so different. No one there cared about us, no one called us by name as all of you did, and no one planned interesting lessons and activities. Thank you so much for what you did.”

Another teen, Sasha, who is now studying at a local trade school, called another volunteer on the phone and told her, “I’m still reading the Bible that a leader gave me this summer and I am praying for you all. I ask that you would pray for me too.”

After an afternoon of hanging out with the youth, showing a slide show of pictures from camp, and taking even more photos, the leaders piled back into the van. Sad to once again to say goodbye; yet encouraged knowing God had used them to add more water to seeds that were clearly growing.

If you want to help this person, please, contact Operation Blessing Ukraine at OB.Partners.ua@cbn-cis.org

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