A Colourful Bouquet

‘A dream come true: using our camp for the most vulnerable,’ says Hanspeter ‘Hampi’ Lehmann. The camp is an old Soviet wine factory that our partner has transformed into a multifunctional, wheelchair-accessible site. After five years of work, the efforts of countless volunteers and tonnes of donations from Switzerland, a building with 450 beds and an event hall with 1,300 seats, including a dining room and industrial kitchen, have been created. The sole aim is to strengthen and encourage people here – and help them find Jesus.

Free from Depression and Strife

And now 120 people with disabilities are also coming together here for a conference. An international team from Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, Germany, Russia, Canada, the USA, Ukraine and Switzerland welcomes and looks after the guests. The organiser himself is confined to a wheelchair, and the worship singer is almost blind. Guest speaker Simea Schwab, connected online, moves those present to tears with her life story. The Swiss theologian, adult educator and author has lived with a severe physical disability since birth. But thanks to her relationship with God, she leads a very fulfilling life.

Sergej*, a conference participant, reports how he came to know Jesus three years ago. Previously, he had struggled greatly with his disability, which had been further aggravated by mistreatment. He says that with God's help, he has become much calmer, has been able to forgive the doctors and has much better control over his life. Max*, another participant, says that he was angry with God for a long time because of his misfortune and lived in deep depression. Two years ago, he gave his life to Jesus here at the camp. At the conference, he seems very motivated. ‘I get up at five every morning to pray, read the Bible and sing. Then I start my day.’ What a change!

‘The conference was a colourful bouquet full of surprises, full of joy, peace and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who filled hearts with love,’ Hampi Lehmann recalls. What makes the project manager particularly happy: ‘Seven people decided to follow Jesus.’

*Names changed