Sasha is 14 and lives in Rivne, western Ukraine. Her mother works for the security service and her father is in the army – on the front line.
Sahsa said, “Before I lived in Rivne, I lived in Kherson region, in Oleshky – which is now occupied by Russians.
“The town where I spent my childhood is flooded due to the dam explosion. I try not to think about it and I don’t watch the news. Otherwise I would never have any happy days at all.”
Every day, funerals take place in town squares across Ukraine. Today in Rivne there was a funeral of two soldiers. One of them was Maxim, who was just 25 years old when he was killed. He was a committed Christian, and his mother takes comfort in knowing she will see him again. About 10 years ago, Maxim went to one of Mission Without Borders’s summer camps.
With funerals never far away, summer camps – like the one Maxim once laughed and played at – are more important than ever in Ukraine. They are a chance for children to be carefree and joyful, to play and have friends, and maybe for a little while, to forget the horrors of war.
Most importantly, they give children the opportunity to hear about a loving God who is close to the brokenhearted – who will always be with them, even when summer camp is over; even when the war goes on.
Liliya, the leader of the teenage girls’ group at summer camp, shared about how Sasha – who was in her group – felt that God himself gave her this time at summer camp.
Liliya said, “Today we talked and prayed with Sasha. She cried and told us that she feels so happy being here at camp. It’s not because of all the fun, leisure time and good times, but also because she’s finally found what she’s been looking for: this peace, inner joy, and relationship with God.
“I suggested to the girls who are interested in building a life with God that we start up a Bible study group after the camp. Sasha joyfully agreed.
Sasha found peace and joy at Summer Camp in the midst of war in Ukraine.