It was nearing the end of our 10-day camp on the sea in Ukraine and during my morning devotions I asked for the Lord to lead me with wisdom, specifically that he would guide my group's discussion surrounding the theme of the day - dreaming. This was my fourth time volunteering with one of the summer camps that Orphan's Promise puts on each year and this camp was specifically for graduated orphans. I was given the job of being the leader for a group of teenage graduated girls.

Before the beginning of our morning lesson I went down to the room where we stored all the supplies for our camp. I entered the room and thought to myself, 'What do I need here? Why did I come into this room?' I couldn't remember. I looked around and then on the table I saw a stack of Bibles, and suddenly I felt a prompting of the Holy Spirit, 'take one Bible with you.' 'Why? I thought to myself. After all, the focus of today's lessons is about having dreams- I don't think I'll need it.' I took the Bible anyway and went to the lesson time with the girls. 

I began with the question, "What do you dream about?" The girls then began to share the dreams they have on their heart. One girl dreamed about finishing school soon, several girls dreamed about being able to gain a higher education and go on to have good jobs and salaries, another girl said she dreamed of having a good family, another of having a child.

I went on to share with them what God promises us through his word, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

I asked them if they wanted to hear from God, and know him. Many answered, 'yes.' In this moment I understood why I was prompted to take the Bible with me.

I shared with the girls about how I have a personal relationship with the Lord and hear from him every day by reading his word the Bible. Through his word, I explained that I have received encouragement, wisdom and direction for how to live.

I looked at the girls and asked, "Who would like to receive the Bible that I'm holding?"

"I would," said 17-year-old Irina, as the tears began to well up in her eyes and then stream down her cheeks.

I extended my arms and held her tight as we cried together. Some of the other girls looked at us not quite sure of what was going on. I handed the Bible to Irina and told her that the Lord would speak to her and reveal himself through his word. 

Irina responded 'Having a Bible...this was my dream."

I stood there, with tears continuing to stream down my face. How sweet the Lord was to prompt me to bring the Bible how sweet it was to be able to see the realization of a dream. Later I learned that there had been a special Bible in Irina's family that had been her grandmothers, but the Bible was lost and Irina was devastated to lose something her grandma had treasured.

Four additional girls asked me for a Bible that day- and they were given one.

Now that the camp is over I pray for Irina and for all these girls; my desire, my dream before the Lord in prayer, is that these young girls would find eternal life, and that every day they would draw closer to the Lord through his Word. 

Do you want to share my dream with me? Then join me in prayer for these girls...and others just like them.

Thanks to the work of Orphans Promise, 12 summer camps for orphans were held throughout Ukraine this year- serving over 700 children and teens.

Terry – How blessed we are to have such dedicated volunteers and workers to help these young people who have no one else to guide them through the obstacles of life. Please pray for our workers as well as the children!