Laura Courtney returned to Ukraine this summer with alumnae Sadie Sprankle and Lindsey Najjar. This is Laura’s eighth mission trip to serve at an English Camp. Despite the turmoil and only having one camp this summer, they have even more Ukrainians than in previous years. “We even had a student from the east (Luhansk Region), whose family had recently lost everything as a result of separatist violence. Despite everything, she, like all the Ukrainians I interacted with, is very hopeful about the future. In fact, I have never encountered more patriotism in Ukraine than I did this year.”
As in previous years, Laura was the team leader. “It’s always exciting to minister alongside my students, and this year was no exception. Sadie and Lindsey were especially helpful in prepping for camp and in lifting me up during some of the harder moments of the trip.”
One of the main goals of camp is for the Ukrainians to see what it means to be in relationship with Christ. We always involve Ukrainians who have already experienced that relationship for themselves. Dima (shown in picture) became a Christian after coming to camp in 2010. He has grown to be a very strong leader in the home church there.
Here are some vital statistics from the English Camp (out of 26 students):
- All students want to stay in contact with Randy, Shelley, Brent, and Kevin
- 23 want to be involved with English Clubs
- 19 want to read the Bible
- 14 students want to join Life Group (the Marshall’s home church)
- 9 want to talk more about what it means to have a relationship with Christ
- 8 indicated that they prayed to receive Christ
- 5 want to participate in one-on-one discipleship
- 5 understand the Gospel, but not ready to make a commitment
