In the summer of 2011, many Covenant Camps’ offering went to support ministry to children and youth in Russia, specifically through camp and sports. Covenant missionary, Leonid Regheta, has worked alongside Russians and Swedish missionaries committed to evangelism, discipleship and leadership development through sports. Raising funds through Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) camps was a great help to provide resources and materials needed to carry on ministry in Russia.
Dave Cairns, the executive director of Pilgrim Pines Camp & Conference Center, Swanzey, NH, caught a longer-term vision for connection to the Russian ministries that goes beyond the summer offering. In early May 2012, Dave took his third trip to the Ural Mountains of Russia to meet with pastors, camping leaders, and youth groups. The Russian Christians are learning about camping models, discussing possibilities for a permanent regional camp, and discovering how camping can help the church develop leaders. Dave looks forward to spending a week each year in Russia, as a young camping ministry takes shape in the Ural Mountains. We thank God for Dave, Leonid, Pastor Alexia, and many other leaders as they faithfully follow Jesus’ call to “go and make disciples.”
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