As Vlad faces his collection of numerous sports awards, he explains, "This one’s for 2nd place in an international competition, while this one is for 1st place in the national championships.” He continues, "There are many more trophies and certificates, but all of this is in the past. There’s no award here for the most important victory in my life".
Seeing the puzzled expression on the faces of those who are listening, he smiles and clarifies: “The most important victory is the victory over sin, which the Lord Jesus helped me achieve. Last year, I repented of all my sins and was baptized. Now the Lord has given me a new, blessed life, and I am moving forward expecting the greatest of all awards – His reward in heaven!”
A few years ago, Vlad was invited to a Christian camp. At that time, his mum and dad did not attend church. Thankfully, they had no objections to Vlad attending the camp, as it was summertime with no training or other obligations. They felt it would be better for him to spend time among believers than to hang out on the streets. Vlad’s first impressions of the camp were unforgettable. He remembers his feelings when participating in camp activities such as sports, games, craft, and workshops, singing Christian songs and listening to the Bible lessons during the meetings, and enjoying delicious breakfasts and lunches. The dedication of the leaders made an impression on him as well.
Vlad explains that, while at camp, he thought, “If there are so many kind people who serve God, then surely there must be a God who created this world and these people.” That was his first step toward faith, a path which led to the moment in which he gave his heart and life to Jesus Christ. As Vlad clearly expresses, “This changed the course of my life”.
We are thankful that SGA was able to provide support for camp ministry in Moldova again this year. By mid-August, around 1,000 children from 17 locations in Moldova and Ukraine had attended camps, 85% of whom are from non-Christian families. Here, the seeds of the Gospel were sown in the hearts of children who, perhaps, would have never heard about Christ if they had not joined the camps.
Pray that lasting fruit will remain.