Stepping Out in Faith: Living Israel Bible Camp
3.14.2018
Last year, God called several young Next Generation Christian leaders to organize a summer Bible camp to share the gospel with unreached children in Israel, in partnership with Living Israel, a messianic church and ministry committed to sharing God’s love with Israel’s Russian-speaking population. These young leaders knew that many children in Israel are unreached by the gospel and in danger of getting caught up in crime or substance abuse, and they wanted to create a setting for them to experience the love of Jesus and the care of godly role models. And so, the idea for a summer Bible camp was born. We weren’t sure whether or not the camp would bear immediate fruit–but we took a step in faith, trusting that God had a plan and that He would be faithful. And by the end of that first week of camp, it was clear that God was working powerfully in the hearts of many children. In fact, they loved the camp so much that they could hardly wait for this year’s camp to start!
This year’s camp was designed to reach young people ages 6-17 and provide them with a safe, structured environment in which to make friends, eat nourishing food, participate in fun activities, and learn about Jesus. The camp takes place Monday-Friday, and it will continue until the end of August. Each day begins with a Bible lesson, and the older children are encouraged to share their reactions and responses to the Bible lesson with the rest of the group. We also provide an opportunity each day for the kids to share prayer requests and pray with one another, which has encouraged them to continue talking with God on a daily basis. The kids also get lots of fun opportunities to unleash their creative sides through crafts, games, poetry writing, arts, and other activities. But most importantly, throughout each week of camp, our young campers see the faith of Next Generation Christian leaders on display and experience the love of Jesus through the love and care of the camp mentors.
One of our camp leaders shared how she was touched by the sight of several young girls coming to know Christ through camp:
“We thank God for transforming the hearts of young people right before our eyes! Several of the girls who attended our camp this year had never heard the gospel message. And as they learned more about God and prayed for their friends at camp, they were moved to confess their sins and accept Christ! Praise God for this miracle.”
This summer, our Next Generation Christian leaders have been reaching thousands of children throughout Eurasia and Israel who are in desperate need of the gospel message of hope and transformation. And as they faithfully minister to these precious young people, another generation of vibrant Christian leaders will soon be flourishing throughout Eurasia, Israel, and beyond.
Please give to support the training and equipping of young Next Generation leaders in Eurasia and Israel who are impacting their nations for Christ: