Families and staff from a special needs children centre in the Sumy region of Ukraine were given respite from the war at a Christian summer camp in Hungary last week. GNA reporter Peter Wooding went to the camp himself and brought this report.
Source: www.mercyprojects.org
SCRIPT:
For the children at a Christian run special needs centre in the Sumy region of Ukraine several times a day they encounter air raid alerts and take shelter in this corridor.
However 18 of the children along with their mothers and the staff at the Hearts of Love Center were able to enjoy a summer camp near Budapest in Hungary. Thanks to support from Christian charities Mercy Projects and the Master’s Foundation they were able to rest and be spiritually refreshed away from the realities of the war. After a long 24 hour journey on the train and then a bus, they arrived safely at the camp site.
Stand UP: And as these children and their families experience God’s peace here at the camp, let’s hear more about their stories.
Valya who is a widow brought her grandson Dominik, her son Andriy and her daughter Maria to the camp who has down’s syndrome and was also born with heart disease.
Her mother explains what it means to them come to this camp.
Wow. Maria came here and the first thing she said is wow. She was very happy. It’s calm.
Inna came with her 12-year-old son Kyryl to the camp. He has many physical challenges as a result of what’s called a connective issue disorder.
Back home in Ukraine both her husband and her eldest son are serving on the frontlines.
They both shared more about Kyryl’s passions in life:
Playing the piano and riding a bike.
Kyryl helps in church. He dreams to become a priest or a musician. He has a great faith. He believes God helps people.
And throughout the camp many other children like Maria and Kyryl enjoyed several activities including a visit to Budapest zoo, an aeroplane museum, an aqua park and a tour of the city as well as a time of Bible study and prayer at the end of each day.
SIGN OFF: So as they go home refreshed from their time here at the camp it’s hoped that this will be a refreshment for them to carry on with the ministry of the special needs center in Konotop in Ukraine Hearts of Love.
Peter Wooding reporting for the Global News Alliance in Budapest, Hungary.
Story Provided By:
Peter Wooding – GNA London Bureau Chief
Recording Location
Budapest, Hungary
Reporter / Producer
Peter Wooding
Organization featured in this Story
Mercy Projects
People Interviewed and their Titles
Valera
Kyryl
Inna
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