Volodymyr shares his Summer Camp experience …
“It is better to stay at camp than at home.” Volodymyr Artyuh - 12 yrs. Summer is a great time for fun at M.W.B’s Christian Summer Camps. This year, thanks to our sponsors and generous donors, over 4000 orphaned, and children from destitute families, had the opportunity to enjoy a short holiday in beautiful, natural surroundings. These camps not only bring joy, satisfaction and fun, but help in changing the lives of the children spiritually, emotionally and physically. It is a place where young girls and boys can get away from the daily problems, experienced in their institutions or families, and forget their unhappiness for a while.
Volodymyr is one of the children who needed to get away from his daily struggles. He comes from a family in which the father is addicted to alcohol and doesn’t provide and care for his wife and children. When he, with his five other siblings, knew their father had been drinking, they would either hide, or go to their grandmother’s house. “It was not always like this,” says Volodymyr. “At first my father drank, but not much. Later, he began drinking more and more and over time it became more and more usual to see him drunk.” Volodymyr’s mother, Olga, is a Christian and regularly attends church - she always encourages her children to go with her. This year was a particularly joyful one for Volodymyr; one of his dreams came true. He attended a Christian Summer Camp for the first time. He loved it. Ten days away from home with stimulating games, kind and caring helpers and delicious food. The “Berizka” camp in Alexandria Village, Ukraine is in a beautiful, forest site. There is a large football field, a trampoline, a merry-go-round and other interesting things to keep the children active during the day. “It is much better to be here than at home,” says Volodymyr, “I have made nine new friends here and it is fun for us to play together during the day. I also like the trampoline a lot. I could jump on it for hours if only the helpers would let me.” “I like the Bible lessons too,” he continued. “These lessons taught me that I should love my father in spite of all his drinking and neglect. Jesus loves us all and forgives our sins. I began to pray for my dad and hope to see some changes in his life soon.” Volodymyr’s camp leaders clearly see the difference that Jesus has made in his life; his dream now is to become a church pastor.There was an incident six years ago that devastated Volodymyr. His younger sister, while playing with matches, inadvertently set a haystack alight. The little girl was burnt to death. After his sister’s death, Volodymyr began to hurt and offend his friends. For no apparent reason he would start a fight and became characterised by his bad behaviour. However, his Summer Camp experience has brought radical changes in his life. The boy now understands that such behaviour is inappropriate and that as a Christian, he needs to be even tempered and obedient. “I decided to appreciate other children and God has now given me a lot of true friends,” said Volodymyr. He has asked to be considered as a candidate for next year’s Summer Camp where he hopes to meet his friends again.
