Slavic Gospel Association Canada
Thursday July 29th, 2010
Summer camp ministries provide unique opportunities for the evangelical churches in the CIS to reach and disciple the children and youth of their nations for God’s glory.
One of the most fruitful times for children’s ministry takes place during the all too brief Russian summer. With the help of SGA partners, UECB churches across the lands of Russia sponsor Christian summer camps each year for children and teenagers. SGA partners help supply basic support for these camps, including the provision of children’s Bibles, New Testaments, and other materials that are needed. Depending upon available resources, camp programs range from day camps held in a church building to the more ideal residence camps held in park-like settings with fresh air and plenty of space for the activities.
During the Soviet era, each summer most children went without cost to state-run Pioneer Camps where, along with the usual summer camp activities, they were indoctrinated into the state ‘religion’ called “scientific atheism.” After the fall of communism, the Pioneer Camps ceased to exist, and parents were left with no such opportunity to send their children to the country for wholesome, healthy outdoor activities.
The UECB churches seized this opportunity from the Lord and began running their own camps with the same fun games and activities, but with one major difference – the children are now hearing the truths of God’s Word, and many boys and girls have come to faith in Christ during their time at an SGA-sponsored UECB camp.