For a Moment, They Were Just Children

GCMM, together with local partners, supported two children’s camps in Ukraine this summer. For children living through the realities of war, the camps provided something simple but deeply important: a chance to play, laugh, make friends, and spend time with caring adults in a safe environment. Prayer and spiritual encouragement were also important parts of each day.

For a moment, they were just children.

Many of the children who attended the camps have experienced things no child should have to face. Some have been forced to leave their homes because of the war. Some have spent nights in bomb shelters or basements during air attacks. For others, a parent is serving on the front line.

The first camp was held in Kyiv in partnership with a local congregation. Because of the security situation, the original plans had to be changed, and larger gatherings of children could not take place as intended.

The camp coincided with an especially difficult period in Kyiv, when the city came under a series of intense air attacks that killed and injured civilians. In response, the organizers arranged for children under the age of ten to gather in small groups in secure facilities.

Transportation was also carefully arranged. Each morning, the children were picked up from their homes and brought to the camp, then safely returned home at the end of the day.

A Place to Laugh, Cry and Be Heard

The effects of war could be seen in the fear and anxiety many of the children carried with them.

During the camp days, they had opportunities to play, take part in activities, make crafts, and learn to recognize and express their emotions. They laughed and enjoyed being together, but there was also space to cry, speak about their fears, pray, and be heard.

Caring adults were there to listen, encourage, and simply be present.

Small moments carried deep meaning.

One child, Artem, shaped a small heart from clay for his father, who was serving on the front line. The simple clay heart expressed more than many words could: a child’s love, sadness, and longing for his father to come home.

Anneli Turja, a staff member from GCMM’s Finnish office who served at the camp, said prayer was central to each day. Every child was prayed for and blessed individually.

Afterward, many of the children lingered in the arms of the adults who had prayed with them. One child later came back and asked to be blessed again.

“Many children opened up and spoke about the fears they were carrying in their hearts. There were both tears and joy. At the same time, it was clear how important a safe environment and the presence of a caring adult were to these children.”
— Anneli Turja

Hoping to Continue Next Summer

GCMM was grateful to support these camps together with trusted local partners in Ukraine.

For children living under the strain of war, time spent in a safe environment, surrounded by friendship, prayer, and caring adults, can make a meaningful difference.

Thank you for every gift and every prayer that helps bring care, encouragement, and the hope of Christ to children and families living through war.