Russian Youth Camp - 2008 Report

As we sat around the table, myself, the camp director, camp co-coordinators, small group leaders, the resounding theme when the camp was over, was “The presence of God was surely in this camp!”  From the opening worship experience to the bus ride back to Volgograd, we felt the mighty presence of God!

The last night of the camp, a first time camper, a young girl came to me and said, “Pappa Chet, this was the best week of my life, I accepted Jesus!”  My heart was overjoyed because that is what it’s all about.  Your generosity is helping to reach the hearts and minds of a young generation living in a country that needs more of Jesus.  Praise His Name!

The theme of the camp “The Passion of Christ—Our Passion for Christ” translated to Russian was “Love Christ, Burn for Christ and Live for Christ.”  Passion in the Russian language is a sinful lust, so they translated it to a “burning heart” for Christ.  So, we talked about being on fire for Him because of His burning desire, love and heart He experienced for us on Calvary.

Using John (the Baptist) as an example, our daily messages centered around John’s, magnetism, his “whatever” lifestyle, strong sense of justice, his vision of black and white, the fact he was a doer, a man of action and the greatest action was one of love!

At the close of the film “Passion of Christ,” sobbing was audible and visible.  One young man, Dima, came to me and wanted me to pray for him, that he would find God’s direction for his life and serve Him with a greater “burning heart.”  It was wonderful to hear him cry out to God wanting to receive all God had for him.

While walking back to our cabins, another young man, Yuri, was standing in the dark (1:00 am), crying.  I heard him, went over and asked if he wanted to talk?  He responded, “Da (yes).”  We went to a bench under the trees and through my interpreter, he said to me, “I finally get it, He loves me so much!  I’ve listened to you talk and now I’ve seen it in pictures, I want to love Him back!”

Yuri (17 yrs old), was a first time camper, a non-believer and became a new creature in Christ as he prayed the sinners prayer.  The next morning he shared with the entire camp what he experienced the night before.  Again he cried!

Due to a canceled flight, I ended up having the privilege to speak at one of the churches on Sunday morning (31st).  Yuri was there and shared with the entire congregation that he now had a “burning heart” for Jesus.  Hallelujah!

I need to share one more experience with you that certainly was a highlight for the campers.  One of the contributors to this year’s camp provided the money for me to specifically realize a dream.  In the city for Volzky, near our camp site is a water park like none I’ve ever seen.  I wish all of you could have been there to see the smiles that absolutely lit up the park, more fun and enjoyment in two hours than most have experienced in a lifetime.  Thanks Frank, my dream became a reality and their dream became a reality and their smiles and joy are burned on my heart forever!

Each year (7 now) God continues to provide through your generous contributions.  May God continue to bless all of you as you continue to be a blessing to a group of kids who need more blessings in their lives.  From their “burning hearts” they say, thank you, and I say I’m humbled to be His servant through your generous giving.  Again, Praise His Name!

Passion of Christ - Our Passion for Christ

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