Midtown Fellowship in Ukraine

These past few days at camp have far exceeded any expectations I could have dreamt up in my mind. No words can describe the sorrow. No words can describe the joy.

Day 4 at camp actually landed on July 4th (Independence day!). We all rolled out of our moist beds and headed to the cafeteria for breakfast. We were told to go straight to the auditorium after breakfast (unusual) because we needed to hear morning announcements; after a few minutes we were excused and headed to the front of the cafeteria to see if we could spend a few extra minutes with the kids. As we all left the auditorium we could immediately hear clapping and shouting; the kids had made a huge rectangle and in the middle was a circle of kids holding our flag. One of our amazing translators, Julia Strotska, sang our national anthem for us and afterwards Robb Pring ran around with the flag. We had about 30 minutes before the start of the morning program so a few of us decided to go on an adventure to some sketchy tower just a few hundred yards from the cafeteria. We were just walking around and ran into a few of the kids at the camp; a few minutes into the conversation the subject of cigarettes and drinking came up and it was amazing to see these kids opening up to us about something they obviously try and hide from us. Our time was cut short because we had to get to the program, but it was truly miraculous to see how God turned our time-killing adventure into a glorifying experience for His Kingdom.
After program we went to our group activities, back to lunch, and after lunch it started raining- and I have to admit, I have never heard thunder like that before- it was the most breathtaking storm I have ever heard. The power went out in our building for a short time and we gathered as a group in our common room and prayed that God's will would be done; indeed, God is truly working for the good of those who love him. The power came on within a few hours- our prayers were answered and we were still able to spend time with the kids. Our recreational time was obviously cancelled since the storm had completely flooded the field; luckily, most of us are still kids at heart and changed into some dirty clothes, grabbed a soccer ball, and headed to the field. What started out as a group of 6 quickly turned into a group of around 20. It was the funnest, most impossible game of soccer I have ever played. Everyone was sliding all over the place, splashing in the water, throwing mud...it was a beautiful thing- to see the kids actually being kids- it was such a blessing. Every muddy second of it.

Day 5 (today) was a little more emotionally draining than physically draining. A handful of kids left the camp early this morning. Even though so many kids are still here, that handful was missed today. That unspoken silence lurked around every corner. Their laughter wasn't here today. Their smiles weren't in the auditorium for morning program. They're gone, and we don't even know if we'll see them next year. Gone, just like that. And in less than two days, we'll be gone. It feels like we just got here. So many amazing things are happening; the kids at the camp, the Ukraine team and the American team have been woven together so effortlessly. This was not by chance.
Our evening programs are closed by a short sermon from a man named Sergei; so far he has touched on sin, justice, mercy and Jesus Christ as our savior over the past few nights. Our prayers for these kids have been bold, but we know our Father hears our cry. I feel secure in knowing that God is in control. We are his saints, we are his messengers, but we are blessed in that we don't have to carry the burdens of this world on our shoulders. They have already been carried for us. The weights of this world have been lifted. What freedom we have in Christ's love. What abundant joy we have in knowing we have been lead to be a part of this beautiful story. We may be some short chapter- or maybe even part of the preface- but we are a part of a story that is happening in and around each and every one of us.

I'm currently sitting in the hallway of our building writing this. I can hear a guitar and singing down in the common room; a few people are gathered at the end of the hall talking about today. Kenton, one of the members of the American team, just came and sat by me. We chatted for a minute (he's awesome). I asked him how he was feeling about today and this is what he said, "I don't think I've ever felt more comfortable about who I am in my entire life." There's something to be said about all of the things that are happening here...and even though I can't find the words to say, I'm pretty sure they would be awesome if I could.

-betsy trent