A Boy Who Is Always Smiling
Most times, after a joyful vacation, we are ready to return home to our normal and safe environment. But, for many children throughout Central Asia, returning home is not a comfortable place.
For many children, SGA-supported Summer Bible Camps have become their safe and loving ‘home.’
It is in these camps where the children experience daily showers and three meals a day, something that they don’t have the privilege of experiencing at home.
Many children lay their heads down on a comfortable bed for the first time, and enjoy the clean, relaxing environment of their temporary bedroom.
But most of all, they love the people with whom they develop special relationships and can’t wait to return the following summer.
Through the steadfast love of the camp leaders and through sharing the Good News of the Gospel, deep bonds flourish.
Although camp doesn’t last all year long, the memories of the experience remain in the hearts of these children as they return to their normal lives.
Please pray for these children as they fight the temptations that they face in their home environments.
Pray for the spiritual strength that they gained at camp to help them fight the battle until they return to the comforts of “home” again.
“There were many different children at the summer camp. Some had health and developmental issues, while others faced such challenging life circumstances that it was difficult to fathom how they managed at home. But children always see the beauty in everything. The children spend the whole year looking forward to going to camp in the summer.
Thankfully, we were able to hold summer camps this year, which we couldn’t do last year. Over the past couple of years, we have experienced growing problems with the authorities, increased surveillance of the church, and decreased opportunities for large-scale ministry. Therefore, we are very happy and grateful to God for the camps this year. It’s the only time of year when children from disadvantaged families can experience a complete atmosphere of acceptance and comfort.
Russel is an 11-year-old boy who is always smiling. You would never guess that he has any problems at home.
His mother is mentally disabled and illiterate, and he has a 14-year-old sister. She was recently sent to live with her uncle because their mother could not cope with raising her. She often ran away from home, hung out with older boys, and hit their mother if she didn’t let her go outside. After observing the family for a long time, the police warned the mother that they would send her daughter to a boarding school. They advised her to give the girl to relatives to raise instead. The mother agreed, and now Russel’s sister lives with her uncle.
His mother loves him, but due to the developmental issues, she does not know how to teach him moral and ethical values. Despite the family atmosphere, Russel has not become angry or greedy. Russel is a kind boy with a soft heart who views everything with joy and simplicity. His mother is a rubbish collector, and they don’t have enough money to live on. Sometimes they have nothing to eat or even basic clothing for the child. Unfortunately, the boy does not do well in school because his mother has no educational background. He is often seen on the street because he doesn’t know what to do at home. He loves soccer and eating. At camp, he always cleaned his plate.
There is no water supply in Russel’s neighbourhood, so residents bring water home in buckets. While at camp, he enjoyed showering and swimming in the pool daily. He said he liked having three meals a day with snacks and the opportunity to relax in a clean, comfortable room.
Having a comfortable bed was especially important to him, given the difficult living conditions at home. He liked the kind, caring counselors with whom he developed a warm relationship. His stay at camp had a positive effect on him. He felt needed and involved in the process. He is looking forward to the opportunity to go to camp again and experience those warm, joyful moments once more.
Let’s pray for this boy, his sister, and mum. They grew up as very kind people, but the place where they live is full of temptation, so few people from there stay faithful or at least try to live a good life. Let’s pray for their spiritual protection and opportunities for mum to have a good job to cover basic needs.”
Central Asia
Summer Camp Ministry