Belarus Update
ByNew opportunities for GFA children from Belarus
Although GFA’s hosting program was “on hold” last summer, the Gomel Baptist church stepped forward to give children and teens a great summer experience in their own country. Youth leaders in the church invited all the GFA children to participate in summer camps. There was a teen camp and a youth camp, each lasting 8 days. They stayed in tents and had games, bible studies and lots of good food. Two of our children were able to attend: Nikita from Mozyr, and Sasha from Mogilev. Others were interested but could not attend. Several host families sent money for scholarships and supplies for the youth and teen camps.
“My name is Nikita. I am 12.5. I liked it very much to be in the Christian camp, and I am very grateful to the Director, Igor, who invited me here. Here I realized that God loved me. I made a lot of friends here. Together we played different games. One time we watched a movie on a big screen. I was really glad to be there and I am thankful to all people who helped me to come here.”
“My name is Sasha. I am 15. It is first time that I come to a Christian camp. On my first day when I just came here I was a little homesick, because I did not know anyone. But then I met other children who had already been here earlier. I like the agenda very much, our interesting classes and games where we talked about God. Especially I liked sermons delivered by Yura, who told stories from Bible every day and paralleled them to the life of teenagers. I learned a lot of useful and helpful things from these stories. And the most important thing is how much God loves me. “
GFA would like to continue to support this ministry. GFA friends and host families may sponsor their own host child or contribute to sponsoring teens and young adults for camp scholarships. The church youth ministry also needs funds for updating old tents, and possibly purchase a more “permanent camp” where buildings could be built. Other needs include inflatable rafts and bows and arrows.
Gomel Baptist Pastor Igor Tsirulnikov is very grateful for GFA host families’ support:
I am very happy to see how God work through this ministry. We now pray for each of these [youth]. I ask you to pray for them as well. We will continue to work with them in the church.
Thank you once again to all who supported us in prayer and financially.
If you are interested in supporting this ministry, make donations to “Global Family Alliance”, Gomel camping ministry. You will receive a tax deducible receipt.
