In this August/September edition of EuroNews I want to consider what, for many families, are the two most significant events in those months. In August, many of us have the opportunity to go on holiday and for some of us that will include the chance for our family or our children to attend a Christian camp or holiday club. These camps or holiday clubs give our children the opportunity to explore the amazing story of the Bible for themselves, worship the God who made them in a way that is relevant to them and experience God's love through the teachers and helpers running the club or camp. How many of us today can look back and see the significant part played in our Christian journey by a camp or weekend away?
Then all too quickly September arrives and it's back to school for another year of activities and learning for our children.
These two months represent two wonderful opportunities for our children and it is very easy to take them for granted. In Europe today there are many children who will not have either opportunity. Some live in rural areas where there are no churches and they cannot afford to travel or go to a camp.

CASA's summer camp in Romania.

For some children there is no opportunity to go to school - some are prevented from going by parents who send them out to work, beg or steal; some are excluded because their ethnic background means they do not speak the national language and they are discriminated against; finally, some children live too far from the local school to be able to attend regularly or their parents cannot afford the books or materials needed.

Opportunity to learn

Theodore is one of a group of 20 gypsy children being helped by a literacy and homework club run by the Sofia Baptist Church in Bulgaria. He goes to a local school where, until recently, he had been bullied by the teachers who even ripped up his workbook because of his poor presentation. When one of the church members who helps at the club heard this she went into the school and complained. The teachers were amazed that a Bulgarian would speak up for a gypsy and realising this child and his sister had someone to stand up for them, the teachers’ attitude has changed. Theodore and Maria's parents are both illiterate and so cannot help with their homework but thanks to the club at the church Theodore has just finished 1st grade with good results.

Opportunity to encounter God

For the children who go on a summer camp with our partners the camp is the undoubted highlight of the year. Whether a patient in the care of the Emanuel Hospice in Romania or a child living in poverty, a camp or club is a week packed with fun and laughter. As well as hearing about Jesus’ love for them the kids enjoy games, craft activities, songs around the camp fire and three meals a day, often far better quality and quantity than they would ever get at home. No wonder that when you visit them in the winter they are still singing the songs and looking forward to the summer...

Please Help
To provide a child with the opportunity to encounter God or the opportunity to learn please designate your gift “opportunity”.
A gift of £30 will sponsor a child to attend a literacy class or homework club, £70 will sponsor a child to attend a one week summer camp.