In July, 2010, we invited our national staff, key leadership team members, selected orphanage ministry team members, and those adult orphans who are participating in our ‘Fresh Start’ program, to join us for a time of Bible study, worship and prayer, as we continue to seek to pour into their lives!
Lucie reads Bible for group as we go over Luke Chapter Nine
Our ultimate goal, since we began ministry in the countries of the USSR in 1990, has been to disciple and raise up nationals to do the work of the Lord in their own countries, to their own peoples. Today, we have six full-time national staff and close to 50 volunteers, serving in four countries. Our Leadership Discipleship program is part of that effort to continue to give them the tools by which to grow.
Small group prayer time, as every day, groups meet to discuss lessons
The Discipleship Camp is serious and deep, and involved a daily chapter-by-chapter study in the Gospel of John, and a topical study entitled “The Normal Christian Life (Jesus) or the Average Christian Life (status quo).
IRA YAKILYUNAS: “I simply and desperately needed this camp! In the last 4 years when I wasn’t here, I had exhausted my whole spiritual reserve. It was very difficult for me to communicate with people, since in this day and age, one faces a lot of hypocrisy, gossip, malicious and condemnation.
“I myself started to become like everybody else. It was difficult for me to be in hard situations, because I just couldn’t find the right solutions. Now I’m full of strength and faith, and ready to share all that with those around me. During this camp I’ve grown spiritually and I am thankful to all who helped me in that.
Ira listens intently to the Bible lesson on the two greatest commandments
“Thank you very much for this opportunity. Today there are very few people who can so easily give their money to save others. You are giving an opportunity to people to come to God, to understand their role in life, to lead others and put them on right track. Thank you ever so much for this opportunity.”
YEGOR KOVALENKO: “This camp was very important for me. It gave me strength to go forth, to continue on the path, to continue my walk with the Lord. Lessons about our words, about love your neighbor as yourself, really touched my heart.
Yegor, from Minsk, Belarus, sharing in small group
“I have examined my heart and have realized that not everything is fine in my heart and in my life. I will try to change.
“Here I have learned that the first and greatest commandment (love the Lord your God with all of your heart, with all of your mind, and with all of your soul) is connected to the second (love your neighbor as yourself). It is impossible to have one without the other. I also learned that God wants us to be committed to Him, not only 80%, or 90%, but 100%! That is what God is looking for!”
ANYA SIDORENKO: “This camp has been very important to me, to my heart and to my attitude. I have rethought a lot of things during this week. This camp has drawn me even closer to Jesus and changed me.
“Also, I’mthankful to God for giving me the opportunity to become part of the musical theatre team. This is really very important to me. The performances are not just shows, they are ministry.”
VIKA SITKO: ""For me this camp has been very, VERY important! I have been changed so very much! I feel now that my heart has been really changed. It is so different now. I have noticed that my relationship with my teacher and with others has gotten better now thanks to what I am putting into practice from here.
Vika Sitko, studying Bible and finishing homeworksheet
"Before, I had problems with my teacher, didn't want to listen and obey, but now I have realized a lot, and now I respect and love my teacher."
LENA KNIGA: “This camp has been very important to me. That was a time of renewal in my relationship with God and a great time of worshipping and praising Him. This camp became time spent by me as if in a flourishing garden, after thunderstorms and showers.
“Due to some family circumstances, this year has been very difficult for me and this camp became a source of inspiration to me. During this camp, God has taught me a lot of things in my life that need corrections and that I need to work on many things.”
Executive Director Greg Gulley teaching during Leadership Camp
