_0.jpg)
A chance to give hope to children hurt by war is too precious to miss.
“Their children often will panic; some will wet themselves. They struggle with sleeplessness and emotions every time the siren goes off…”
Eric Mock from Slavic Gospel Assosiation recounts conversations he had with Ukrainian families and children about how they endure the war. The situation is grim, as Russian attacks intensify, wiping out families and stealing nights’ rest.
Despite active shelling and attacks, churches remain determined to organize summer camps for kids. Mock says, “In the middle of the sirens blaring, in the middle of the difficulties and the trials, they said it’s summertime. So we’re going to reach these kids with the gospel.”
Many Ukrainian children age eleven and younger don’t know a reality without war, having been born into it. Those from areas under frequent attack carry deep mental traumas. This reality underscores the vital importance of children-focused ministry.
“The summer camps become like an oasis away from the storms of life. They hear of joy and peace and of a love that will never leave them — a God who will never forsake them, a God who has poured out immeasurable grace and mercy. Especially for these children, who have known only difficulty, the message is one of warmth and care,” says Mock.
Ministry partners with Ukrainian churches that organize summer camps.
“God raises up the right people to take his gospel to the right communities in a way that only they can, and so SGA enters into their ministries,” explains Mock.
The summer camps take different forms — from day programs in city centers surrounded by apartment blocks to gatherings in the woods or at rented facilities. Yet in every setting, a faithful group of believers continues the work, pressing on for the sake of the gospel despite many difficulties.
“These faithful believers fix their eyes not on their own safety but persevere, knowing that even one child or family might hear the gospel for the first time through these summer camps and find peace,” says Mock.
The organization asks that people pray for the seeds of the gospel to bring hope for the future of these children. As well, people can pray for the protection of civilians and the end of war.
--
This story originally appeared at Mission Network News and is republished here with permission.