Svit, Day 1

The Svit camp is officially up and running. This week’s camp has over 70 children in attendance plus an additional American! We are thankful that team member Gary has arrived safely in Slovakia and will be leading the eldest group of students.

We began camp on Monday at the Lutheran church in Svit. Once again, students acted out the daily story during opening, and we watched as Rahab courageously hid the Israelite spies on her roof (ahem…church choir loft.) After opening, we trekked over bridges and through neighborhoods to the local elementary school. This walk gave us the opportunity to talk with our new students and start forming friendships.

Svit, Day 2

During Tuesday’s opening, we sang “Radical God” (aka– “Chugga Chugga”) and “Happy Birthday” to Scott! The day was filled with Bible lessons, crafts, sports, and music. God gave us another day of cool, sunny weather, perfect for taking students outside for games and discussions. Already, students are beginning to understand the magnitude of Jesus’s love for us in innocently dying on the cross for our sins.

After camp, the team along with some Slovak interpreters drove up to Štrbské Pleso, a beautiful mountain retreat. Team members went off to explore the lake, shop for souvenirs, and bravely climb the Tatras Tower. We then regrouped for a dinner consisting of various traditional Slovak dishes.

The team was recently blessed with two meaningful messages. The first came from Gary as he read Isaiah 55:11 – where God’s Word is proclaimed, it will not return empty. We were reminded that no matter how “good or bad” our lessons seem to go, we can trust that God is working through us to accomplish His mission.

The second came from our lovely interpreter, Lydia. She shared that over 30 years ago, a Christian man spoke to her school and encouraged the students to “use the Bible as a guidebook for life.” She and some schoolmates did not understand the meaning of this, so they began to read the Bible and consider what he meant. Now, after interpreting for 28 English Bible Camps, she wants others to understand how some small thing you say may deeply impact someone.

Prayer Requests

• One of our translators has experienced health problems over the past year. We pray for God to provide her with healing and peace.
• We praise God for the 4^th year of English Bible Camps in Svit / Batizovce, as well as the generosity of the Svit Lutheran Church congregation and the elementary school in sharing their facilities with us.
• Many children, translators, and other helpers have been a part of these camps in past years. We are so thankful for their continued commitment to Christ.
• We pray for continued good health for the team as we finish these final days of camp.