An Amazing Winter Camp With Orphans

Early in the morning of January 1st, our team set out for the mountains with children from orphanages and residential care (social) orphans. There were about 120 of us, and we spent the entire week together in the mountains.

It was a week that’s hard to describe. A week of depth, intimacy, and the true presence of God.

From the very beginning, we set a goal: for the children to immerse themselves in the biblical story during this week—from the birth of Jesus to His resurrection and His personal call to follow Him. We wanted this to be more than just a series of meetings, but a solid foundation for their future lives.

On the first day, we celebrated Christmas together. A beautifully decorated hall, a large festive table, the children’s shining eyes—and a conversation about how “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). For many of the children, this was a revelation: God had come near.

Each day, we lived the life of Jesus step by step—His childhood, his growing up, the beginning of his ministry, and the calling of his disciples. Then we spoke of the cross—how He took upon Himself the sin of the world. And of the resurrection—because “He was raised for our justification” (Romans 4:25). And how this story continues in the lives of everyone who opens their hearts to Him.

We tried to make the camp as immersed in Scripture as possible. The children didn’t just listen to stories—they memorized Bible verses, participated in theatrical productions, sang songs, and much more. We believe that one day, when they leave the orphanage and face the challenges of adulthood, these very words will resonate in their memories like a light in the darkness. We base our teaching on the words of the Bible: “Your word is a lamp to my feet” (Psalm 119:105).

All the songs, games, workshops, and discussions were aimed at reinforcing biblical themes. We wanted God’s Word to become more than just audible, but personal and living.

The penultimate evening was special. A time of worship, silence, and sincere conversation about the risen Christ. We invited those who wanted to open their hearts to Jesus to take that step. And many—especially the older teenagers—raised their hands.

The mentors approached them, hugged them, and prayed. The children cried. The mentors cried. It was a sacred time—quiet, profound, and genuine!

The last day was filled with instruction and prayer. We gave Bibles to those preparing for independent life. Some had already signed up for baptism and wanted to continue their journey with God after leaving the orphanage.

The most precious thing was that we lived together. We woke up and put them to bed, talked late into the evenings, and shared intimate thoughts. The week became a time of true kinship. And when it was time to say goodbye by the buses, we all cried. It felt as if we had lived together not just for seven days, but for a whole lifetime.

We descended from the mountains, dropped the children off at their destinations—but we knew they had taken the most important things with them in their hearts.

We are now continuing to communicate with some of the children. Some are already allowed to visit us on weekends; they attend church with us, participate in youth meetings. Some are preparing for baptism. We are seeing the first shoots.

Friends, we ask you to pray:

— that the Word sown in the mountains will take deep root;

— that it will be remembered and strengthened in difficult times;

— that the decision to follow Christ will become firm and mature.

We believe that the seeds sown have already begun to sprout. And may they one day become strong trees of faith—those in whose shade others can find refuge. After all, God truly is the Father of the fatherless. And perhaps this very week has become the beginning of a new story for someone—a story in which they are no longer alone.

Thank you for your faithfulness and for your years of support. Even if you weren’t directly involved in this project this time, it is thanks to your steadfastness that the ministry lives and can respond to such opportunities.

We thank God for allowing us to be co-workers in His work. And we believe that together we will see many more stories of salvation and restoration.

With gratitude and love!

Blessings!

Diana and the team in Southeast Kazakhstan