Vranov, Day 1

All went well during the first two days of camp – thank you, Jesus! Nearly 90 students have registered to attend. Monday’s theme was “courage to follow God’s plan.” Classes discussed what “God’s plan” really is. Was this plan meant for just the Israelites preparing to enter Canaan? Or is God’s plan so perfect and unchanging that His will still applies perfectly to each of our lives?

Students pondered this question throughout the day – through group discussions during the English sessions, while singing praise songs with Scott during music, working together as a team during sports, and listening to Vic tie-in the friendship bracelet craft to the story of Rahab protecting the spies.

After camp, the team met for a valuable debriefing session. Many teachers shared that their students were enthusiastic to meet new friends and participate in activities throughout the day. Shyness was surprisingly not a problem! Two girls from a younger class even had the courage to stand before their peers and sing two traditional Slovak folk songs – a serendipitous treat!

Vranov, Day 2

Tuesday’s theme was “courage when we face something new.” The teachers all had uplifting stories of special moments with their students now that trust and friendship have been established. We are seeing more hugs, more laughter, and genuine eagerness to share ideas.

Even some of the youngest students were excited to explain that God hears all prayers in all languages, and even if we don’t receive the answer we were hoping for, we know He responds out of love and an unfathomable understanding of what is best for us. Today’s craft involved decorating a prayer journal (which is a fan favorite so far!). We pray that the seeds that are planted this week will continue to grow through these journals and throughout the students’ lives.

The rain kindly held off until after camp ended, so students were once again able to enjoy playing together and burning-off energy during sports. As the youngest three groups were leaving the craft room, they were surprised to find an array of Joshua-themed gifts scattered along their path. After a delicious dinner at a nearby restaurant, several of us visited the home of one of our interpreters to see all the work he’d put into it since last summer before moving his young family in. We enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship!

We have already been tremendously blessed during these first two days, and we are excited to see what the future holds!

Prayer Requests:

• With a smaller team, most of the class sizes are slightly larger than expected. While this is a blessing in many ways, it sometimes leads to behavioral challenges due to wider age ranges and personalities. Please pray that students will remain engaged as the week progresses.

• Join us in thanking God for the opportunity to see paper lesson plans coming to life. Also pray for the local congregation and other believers who will continue to cultivate the newly planted seeds of faith once we leave.