SGA Prayer Alert

SGA-Sponsored Children’s Camp Evicted in Central Asia

Dear Partners in the Gospel,

We have received word from a former Soviet nation in Central Asia that an SGA-sponsored children’s camp was forcibly evicted right at the point of opening. For the protection of our brothers and sisters there, we are withholding the country name and the names of our brothers and sisters who were involved. The following is their brief communiqué to us asking for your prayers.

“This is a huge disappointment with our camp ministry. The Lord had given us everything we needed for the camps. We received new tents and had our people in place, we were given the funds we needed, and had even made arrangements with the campsite owners.

We got everything together and bought everything we needed for three sessions. We spent money to transport our equipment to the site. We arrived, unpacked and were starting to set up our equipment when some people drove up in a car and said that the property had been sold. They literally drove us away. The children and sisters all wept. With the pouring rain, it seemed that even the heavens were crying, and we had to pack up everything and haul everything back in our cars. 

We have a huge prayer request. Please pray that we will be able to find a new place to hold the camp. Pray also for us as we can now be fined for distributing what the authorities call “religious propaganda.” New laws mean that no one is officially permitted to hold Christian camps in our country.

We have been praying and praying and God has given us the idea to hold “spiritual-moral lessons” with the children, so we are going to look for a place based on using this type of program with the children. This program can be seen as educational, and talks about obedience and respect—universal values. We ask for your prayer support for us in our search for a camp and for our appropriate work with the authorities. Blessings on you all, and greetings to all SGA staff and partners.”

Based on our knowledge of how our partner churches in these nations historically work, they will be making every effort to present the Gospel discreetly during any future camp sessions they manage to hold. It appears that any such ministry with children will take place under enormous risk. Please join us in lifting this need in prayer, asking God to protect the churches, and to open a way for camp ministry despite the official ban.

For our Savior,

Bob Provost

President