Stories from the Field

My name is Vadim. I was born in 1967. At first, my life was going well. I studied, played sports, and served in the Special Forces. But in the nineties, after time in the Service, I was invited to serve criminal structures as a racketeer. It was difficult to live after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and I agreed. Very soon, I went to prison for the first time. And then, everything went downhill.

I was in prison six times for various crimes and served 18 years. When I got out for the last time, I realized I no longer needed such a life. I had lost everything—my family, my home, my future. And I decided to end my existence on earth with a large dose of drugs. Just as I was about to do this, an unknown person called me. Realizing he had dialed the wrong number, he did not finish the conversation but went on to tell me that God loves me. He was a pastor of some church and invited me to a rehabilitation center. I agreed.

The following year, I was invited along with other people undergoing rehabilitation to go rafting on the Dniester. It was the summer of 2022. There, I met “Captain Sergey” [Director of Adventure Camps] and his assistant Svetlana. Those were five wonderful days. Five days of adventure and instruction from the Word of God. The organizers were friendly despite the fact the captain was extremely ill. I saw the dedication of these people to their work, and it shocked me.

A year later, I again went on a summer rafting trip. There was a new team, new adventures, and trials, but we coped. In 2024, I went rafting again. There were fewer of us, so each camper had to do extra work. The Captain's example encouraged me. Through the camp, I realized that the whole point of Christianity is to love and care for your neighbor.

The benefit of such camps is to have time alone with God. You are fed, but you are expected to complete the task set for the day—this unites everyone. Now, I  understand the essence of the church—one organism under the control of Christ. Every day at the camp, we heard wonderful stories from the Bible, sang Christian songs, and were taught that there is another, better life.

This year, I was entrusted as the administrator of the rehabilitation center. I am glad that the Lord Christ saved me from suicide, giving me a new life, and introducing me to wonderful people.

About Adventure Camps

The Adventure Camp program focuses on sharing the Gospel and discipling youth. It consists of three parts: Leadership School, Extreme Prayer Trips, and Summer Rafting Trips. Through the Leadership School, teens learn practical outdoor skills while reading and applying God’s Word to life circumstances. During the 5-day Summer Rafting Trips, participants recognize the importance of placing faith in Jesus. The goal is to provide teens with opportunities for growth in maturity and spirituality throughout the year and mentor them along the way. Summit Missions International provides funding, camping and sports equipment.