Two Days that changed everything

Two Days that changed everything

It is hard to see a teenager who has been labeled a loser. But God loves without discrimination, and we had the opportunity to see the proof of it, once again, with our own eyes. Listen to this beautiful story.

Every year, we hold a camp for teens placed on the police registry. Authorities often ask us to help them, organize an event or meeting, and have a camp for kids. We don’t have many leaders and resources available, but we agree to help the best we can.

This time was no different. It took place in the small town of Yanovichi, away from any big city and hard to get to. There were 30 teenagers there: 12 girls and 18 boys. The shift was ten days, but we could visit them only for two days.

When we arrived, the picture wasn’t pleasant. Many children and a few adults were short on resources and unable to provide the needed care.

The children, ranging from 8 to 17 years of age, were battered and uptight. Some were there by force, having been sent there for disciplinary purposes. Most came from broken families, without any good example, but all too familiar with negativity, insult, and humiliation.

The teachers met us with tears in their eyes. They were helpless among the crowd of uncontrollable teens, glued to their phones and refusing to engage in any activity. ​

As soon as we arrived, we had our first club. As we prayed for each kid to feel accepted, we saw it play out beautifully. Kids started to respond, showing interest, sensing no judgment, no forced behavior, and no expectations. They sensed that what we were offering them wasn’t anything ‘bad’ but perhaps it was even something ‘good’.

We held workshops, socialization rooms, and games. We drew pictures and prepared creative rooms. Each time, they became more and more open and free.

The last club was particularly memorable. The kids put together a concert where they performed, and we played and danced along with them. The caregivers and the director were lost for words.

“How did you convince these kids to put down their phones? How did you get them to listen? What did you do to interest them in dancing, acting, and talking to each other?”

We couldn’t stop from smiling. “We try to love them for who they are.”

The kids weren’t the only ones having fun. The teachers and the administrators all jumped in and got to experience the childlike joy.

As we looked upon their celebration, we realized this was the Love of God among us, free and accepting of all. Jesus is the One who is able to enter every dark corner of our lives and turn things upside down. And so He did.

We will treasure our time with these kids in our hearts. And we are grateful to every person who made it possible for us to get to them and love them: from the filled-up gas tanks in our cars to the yummy snacks we could offer the kids to the gifts each one received at the end.

No one was left without one! We were so moved when we saw just how excited the boys were about their new socks and the girls about their combs and bracelets.

We may have blessed these kids, but we cannot even begin to tell you how blessed we felt just from seeing the incredible transformation! Unapproachable kids were becoming welcoming, blooming, open, and kind right before our eyes!

We thank God for the opportunity to witness this miracle, in which you were with us in your heart and prayers.

Please continue to pray!

Some of these kids will attend our next camp outside of their current facility, where they will hear about the One who truly loves them unconditionally—Jesus. Please know that your support makes it possible for these kids to come to camp for free, as they would never be able to afford it themselves.

May the Lord richly bless you!

“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.”

Ezekiel 36:26