Christian youth camps thrive in Russia

Winnipeg, Man.

"Since I came to the camp two years ago, my life has changed completely," said 19-year-old Sergei Kulkov of Krasnodar, Russia. "I made my decision then to follow Jesus and I have not stopped growing in favour with God and man. I am enjoying studying the Bible and teaching it to a group of young people. Call me anytime. If I can help, I will. God bless you."

Christian youth camps are spreading into many areas of Russia and the New Independent States today. From three camps in 1991, the number of camps has grown to over 100 in 1996. The camps are led by Russians, Ukrainians, Moldovans, Latvians, etc., and they use the same Pioneer Camp campsites that were used to teach atheism to youth during the communist era.

Dave and Elfrieda Loewen of Winnipeg were sent to Russia in 1991 by Kingdom Ventures, Inc. to train Russians to organize and lead Christians camps. Christian Camping International supplied staff, financial and prayer support to help get the project started. Christian Camping International/Russia, formed as a counterpart to CCI/USA, provides the program and the training to implement the program, while the local churches and missions take full responsibility for organizing and staffing the camps. This is done under the umbrella of Christliche Freizeiten Internationale (CFI) of Germany. CFI took over from Logos International who initiated this movement and invited the Loewens to Russia.

Kingdom Ventures, Inc. can be contacted at Box 18, Group 540, R.R. 5, Winnipeg, Man. R2C 2Z2, to obtain more information about the ministry.

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