Stories from the Field

Ukrainian Refugee Students in Germany

• Ukrainian students are struggling to assimilate into their new context in Germany.
• Europeans have limited access to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our Partnership: Assimilation Through FCA Soccer Camp

• Soccer (Fussball) is a way to bring students together--it's like a common language. Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) brings sports and faith together.
• Pavel (FCA) has invited a team from the US to participate in a soccer camp for 80+ teens, both Ukrainian and German students.
• Our Ohio team of three female soccer players/coaches (Avery, Elle, and Mackenzie—a soccer player at an Ohio University) will help Pavel and his FCA team lead the camp. David will lead daily devotions for the students, and Joni (David's wife) will be the Team Nurse. The soccer camp is a 24/7 venture, and our team will serve in counselor-type roles, building relationships with the students, day and night.

Pray for the FCA Soccer Camp

• Camp participants (boys and girls): Pray that God would touch each heart through sports, teamwork, and His Word. Improvement in technical soccer skills is a goal, but we hope for spiritual growth and openness to God’s truth above all. We want the campers to encounter Jesus personally, understand His love, and take a step of faith. 
• Coaches and volunteers: Pray for wisdom, patience, and strength as they serve kids with love. May their example be a light and inspiration to everyone in the camp.
• Safety: We ask for God’s protection throughout the entire camp--for every training session, game, and moment of rest to be under His watchful care.

Working for the Spread of the Gospel

“I thank God for the opportunity to preach the Gospel to athletes and children,” said our partner, Pasha. He told us previously that many young refugees have not heard the Gospel. Using his experience in sports, ministry, and work with FCA, Pasha's desire is to see lives changed because of Jesus.

Summit Missions International has been a partner in Pavel’s ministry since 2015, supporting both financially and through collaborative ministry in Europe.