This summer was full and fast — three camps, one after another, each one a reminder of what God can do when children are simply made to feel welcome.
A Guest Who Felt Welcome
At our children’s camp, we had 33 children and 7 helpers. For one of the days, a child with a very rare illness joined us as a guest. The children didn’t hesitate — they welcomed him with joy and played with him all day long. That evening, as he was leaving, he turned and said something I won’t forget: “Never before have children invited me to play with them. I am very happy.” A moment like that fills your heart with a joy too deep for words.
The Word Moving Among the Young
Our youth camp brought 30 young people and 9 helpers, though not everyone could stay the whole time. Five of them came from families who don’t go to church, and for the first time they heard about God’s sacrifice and His love for them. Seven stayed on for prayer and encouragement at our special evening dinners. Then, at the family camp, we spent a rich time together with 7 more young people. Whether young or old, the Word was clearly at work in every heart.
Five Days in the Villages
At the end of August, we took the Hope project out to the children of Bulgaria. Over five days, our small team ran a programme across two villages and reached 66 children. Parents and passers-by lingered in the parks to watch the drama unfold. Not everyone was open — some families of other faiths chose to take their children away during the Bible story. But many stayed and listened. By the end, 14 children had prayed to give their lives to the Lord Jesus. Please pray with us that every one of those seeds takes root and grows.
The Girl Who Kept Coming Back
One testimony has stayed with me. A young girl arrived on the Monday and, during the talk after the games, she was full of anger. When the programme finished, we gathered and prayed for her. From that day on, she came back every single time — first to arrive, out in the rain, and always wearing a smile. God is incredible.
A Question for You
Looking back over the whole summer, it comes down to this: God gives each of us gifts, and He gives them for a reason. What are you using yours for?
-Testimony from a worker in CEF of Bulgaria (Veska)
(Image:Adobe Express)
