A Hungry Heart for God's Work
Kids at camp in Ukraine
A special friend and also a significant 4D partner in the US recently wrote and he signed off: “Stay Healthy, Hungry, Humble and Hopeful!”
We wondered about the second H: Stay Hungry? That’s interesting, but not a good yearend wish, or at any time, it seems. But we don’t think it was meant physically. So, our wish to you would also be to “stay hungry” . . . for God, for new ideas, things to learn from, and new ways God may use you in 2025!
This letter comes close to our previous one a month ago and you may have just sent a yearend gift. In that case, please receive this as one more expression of our thankfulness!
Keeping it short this time, we just wanted to share some of the many quotes of appreciation of you. Also, make sure to read the question and answer with Rei further down in this letter!
Martina, one of the 4D staff in Czech Republic traveled with her church friends to Moldova to help in the camps this past summer. She said: “I have never seen kids so excited about every activity. You could see how the kids came with sparkles in their eyes each morning, how eager they were to answer questions after the Bible studies, during the evening workshops, and in whatever they did. I saw how the team loved the kids and as Liza, 4D’s coordinator in Moldova, said, “. . . it’s very difficult and we are tired, but we love what we do.”
Liza adds: “We, at the Pearl, want to express our sincere gratitude for your generous heart, for your prayers, for your financial support in our ministry every year. During this summer we could increase our team with four more young staff. Thank you very, very much.”
A pastor in a nearby village shared how his “city-camp” had 125 children participate (115 of them unchurched!). Pastor Dmitri says, “We saw the result of the camp in church the first Sunday following the camp when many of the children came to the service and want to continue to be involved. Many of the parents also continue to send their feedback and gratitude.”
Vadym, a pastor in Ukraine, says: “It’s exciting to see lives being changed as kids put their faith in Jesus, but it is equally exciting for us is to see them grow up and get involved in weekly church ministries and become camp volunteers and leaders themselves in future years.”
It all comes down to one word: Multiplication! It also makes your giving and partnership go so very far!
Rei teaching a group of kids in southern Romania
Rei and his staff in Romania pioneered the Ambassadors Together camp program. God has used him to pioneer and model church-based youth ministry for over thirty years. About eight years ago, he started VIA church and VIA institute, modeling even better a growing and strong missional local church. When asked not what he was doing, but why? He responded, “A huge need and a huge burden.” Then he explained: “When suddenly freedom came thirty-five years ago, our youth were disoriented, naïve, and unprepared after growing up in a very rigid and protective society. They were lame ducks in front of a massive liberal attack with very different values coming from the West.”
We asked:
How has 4D helped you? Rei: “They nurtured me, invested in my training, gave me the freedom and the support to try and tailor a new ministry: our youthwork.”
What makes 4D unique in your eyes? “The trust and the freedom that comes along with it, to develop an indigenous church-based ministry strategy, working with nationals.”
Do you encourage growing the organization or growing a movement of God? “Growing a movement. Absolutely. The organization is just a tool for the movement. A movement grows people, vision, and mindset.”
When we celebrate God’s amazing gift of his Son this Christmas, let us also thank Him for the privilege of sharing His Good News in partnership with people like Rei, Liza, and so many others.
Each year, there are more requests: “Can you help us with a missional camp?” If you have not done so yet, will you make a difference in 2025 and consider sponsoring one child going to camp for $28, or ten children or more? Or an entire camp for ninety children for $2,500?
Our hopes and plans for next year are not only a repeat of this amazing year, but to add at least ten more camps. Though our part of $28 for an entire five- or six-day camp is very low, 10,000 kids make $280,000. And 1,000 more children is making the number even larger. Will you help with a special yearend gift?
More good news: a matching gift mentioned last time increased (it’s up to $30,000 now). It will make your yearend gift go even further. Make sure to use the included response card or add a note “match my gift.”
Mark and Sherri, Rei and Romona, Gabriel and Martina, Ivan, Liza and kids, Hank and Mona