The camp „Challenge 6” was held already sixth year in a row. We can only thank God for that and all the people who were willing to sacrifice their time, energy and finances. This type of camps is rare in Latvia and there are no Christian ones at all. Therefore we as a „Wings for Wheels” team had a big responsibility to put together all the details and logistics so that people with mobile disabilities were able to receive the best of the camp. For most of the participants this is the only time of year when they can get out of their passive life style and see life as a God’s enjoyable gift. If we look back, we can only praise God how He made this camp possible. He even gave His finest touch for the smallest details.
As it was said “Wings for Wheels” organized the camp for the sixth year in a row, and this was the third year when it took place in Raiskums special boarding school, in July 6-13. This year the camp organizers, personal assistants and other helpers arrived a day earlier. As for many of the volunteer personal assistants this was the first time, we realized that it would be good to talk to them in advance and give some basic knowledge of how to help people with mobile disabilities.
Although last year it seemed that camp limit was 60 people altogether, now we let God to expand the number to 73, of whom 30 were participants. We were surprised to find that nationally we were so „colorful” as never before. Our participants were Latvians and Russian speaking, and two women had come from Belorussia. As for the camp staff and assistants, they were missionaries and Christians from Latvia, Norway, Uzbekistan, Estonia, Finland, Canada etc. God really expands the vision of Wings for Wheels, just as He told us a few months ago.
We experienced a week full of God’s blessings. Every day we received His answers to what we had prayed for a while. Days were so sunny that we joked: „We’d spend all the good weather, and there will remain none for others.” During the week camp participants had the opportunity to attend lectures on various topics, and to participate in workshops to learn how to make something nice by their own hands. They could prove their erudition in a Quiz, as well as their physical ability and preciseness in sports games. During orientation we crisscrossed the school neighborhood looking for checkpoints. Sunday we had church service in which we were addressed by Valmiera Baptist Church pastor Lauris Tartars. Sunday evening was the concert night where a known Latvian musician, Valdis Dvorovs, performed. There were a couple of quieter evenings when we watched a movie titled „Intouchables”, and virtually traveled to Norway guided by Hildegunn Grønvold. She, her husband Dan Erik Rossland>future. and her faithful service-dog York joined W4W team for the camp time. The height of the week was the „Xtreme day” when we hiked to a place where a famous Latvian movie had been filmed in 1981. When we came back, most of participants could enjoy riding a quad bike. Later we gathered around a bonfire and listened to several people who shared their testimonies how they had experienced God’s love and saving power in their lives. During all the week consultations and help of professional physiotherapists were available to participants, and an assistant gladly ministered to others with her hairdresser skills. At the end of the camp week participants, divided into teams, created special newspapers where they reflected their most vivid impressions of the camp.
One of the biggest God’s blessing and miracle were that three participants committed their lives to Jesus. We will try to encourage them and support also in
When we look back it is possible to see clearly that without God all of it would not be possible. His presence and care were everywhere. Even then when we prayed and camp things didn’t move as we wanted, God gave His promise through word that everything will be fine. We asked many churches and people to support the camp, but only God could touch their hearts for donations. Before the camp spiritual attacks were very disturbing, but we felt that people were interceding. Thank you so much for your prayers! That was very important. In one point we felt as stepping out of the boat and walk on the water towards to the Jesus. God said: „Trust me and you will see my mightiness”. Praise God! We thank every single one from the bottom of our hearts who made this camp possible.
More photos you can see here
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May God bless you,
“Wings for Wheels” team
Youth with a Mission – Riga