Oksana Leonova, SMS missionary, has been very busy during the summer months in Bryansk, Russia. Camps were conducted at the campgrounds in Bezhan, and day camps were conducted in Mirni and Zhurinichi. Each camp centered around the theme: “The Country of Light.”

The first camp concentrated on the street children that come to the Transfiguration Center in Bryansk and their parents (if there are parents). Forty-five children and ten parents arrived in Bezhan for a week of Bible lessons, games, crafts, sports and evening informal services. A staff of twenty volunteers assisted Oksana with this exciting ministry.

The second camp was held for teenagers. Thirty young people attended the camp in Bezhan with a staff of ten volunteers. Again, activities included Bible lessons, crafts, sports and evening worship services.

The third camp was conducted specifically for handicapped children and their parents. Twenty-five children with fifteen parents attended a week of the same activities that the other two camps enjoyed. These parents are extremely delighted, because there are very few programs designed exclusively for their children.

The final camps were organized in Mirni and Zhurinichi. These are two small villages outside the city of Bryansk and near Bezhan. In Mirni thirty children attended, and in Zhurinichi twenty children attended one full day of camp activities. At night a informal evening service was conducted which included parents or others that wanted to attend.

As a result of the day camps in the villages near Bezhan, church services have now been arranged at the campgrounds twice a month.  At this time, about twenty-five people, including children from ages three to fourteen, are attending regularly the church service and activities afterward.

Praise God that so many children and young people were given the opportunity to hear the message of salvation found in Jesus Christ. Slavic Missionary Service counts its a privilege to assist this significant ministry in Bryansk and Bezhan, Russia. Pray that God will continue to guide Oksana and her staff of volunteers to lead many to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.