Europe is a continent divided politically and linguistically.   Seven CCI associations exist in this area: CCI-Netherlands, CCI-Poland, CCI-Romania, CCI-Russia, CCI-Spain, CCI-Ukraine, and CCI-UK.  Each faces a unique set of challenges and opportunities.  Each speaks its own language. 

Christian camping exists in many other European countries but there are no formal camping associations outside of these seven.  A dialogue is emerging between some of the Christian camps in France.  Please pray for unity within the growing network of French camping leaders.

I would like for you to pray specifically for the camping leaders in Albania.  About a dozen leaders have been meeting annually for mutual encouragement and training.  A board member from CCI-UK has been encouraging and mentoring them for several years.  Please pray for strength and wisdom for the Albanian leaders and for unity within the growing network of camping ministries.

Europe is a collection of strategic countries and language groups.  Please pray that God would move throughout that region and that CCI would play a part in God’s work in Europe.

GROWTH as one of its five Strategic Intents agreed to by the 18 existing member association of Christian Camping International.  To help us focus on this major thrust and to remind us of our dependency upon the Lord, CCI-Worldwide is asking friends around the world to emphasize prayer for the expansion of Christian camping on the 19th of each month.

On June 19th, we would ask that you focus on our friends in East Africa.  Kenya is the home of African Christian Camping.  ACC is an association that has emerged in the past few years that trains Christian leaders in the skills of camping.  ACC has built a growing network of ministries that are using Christian camping effectively in that area of the world.

ACC has begun the formal process of applying for membership in CCI-Worldwide.  They are interacting with Ross Bay the CCI Regional Representative for Africa and have been in dialogue with the leaders of Christian Camping Southern Africa.  The ACC leaders have communicated with me as well and the path has been set for them to take a seat within the worldwide alliance of Christian camping associations.

There are four specific items regarding ACC and two other important requests.

1. Please pray for Muhia Karianjahi and his family at this time.  Muhia is the Chairman of the Board of ACC and is currently in the United States working on his doctoral studies at Talbot Seminary.  He plans to return to Kenya on July 4th.

2. Please thank the Lord for the agreement and cooperation between members of the ACC Board of Directors.  Please pray for continued unity.

3. The next ACC training conference is scheduled for September 6-9. Please pray that this will be an effective time preparing many leaders for expanded camping ministries.

4. Please pray that the membership process would not be a burden but a positive experience as the leaders work with Ross Bay to assure the effectiveness and sustainability of ACC.

In addition to ACC, please continue to pray for the work underway to connect the excellent Christian camping ministries working in France.

At the recent International Summit in Panama there was lots of discussion, deliberation, and planning.   Planning meetings involving those who really believe that there is a God and that He is sovereign are always complicated.  What is man’s part?  What is God’s part?  How does His will interface with our responsibility?

We didn’t resolve all those issues.  But we did affirm the new Mission Statement for CCI.  The mission of Christian Camping International-Worldwide is to promote Christian camping throughout the world as a means of helping the Church fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ.

We are only successful as the Great Commission is fulfilled around the globe. This commitment is reflected in the new Vision Statement.  The vision of Christian Camping International-Worldwide is for Christian camping to be a highly effective and highly valued ministry tool throughout the world supported by a growing alliance of internally strong, sustainable, and growth focused associations of Christian camps and camping leaders.

Helping the Church fulfill the Great Commission by growing an alliance of well functioning associations around the world is what we do and why we exist.  But we recognize that it is God’s plan and His work in His time.  We need to be faithful and to pray.

Currently 18 member associations comprise the CCI-Worldwide Alliance.  We hope to add our 19th member association in the near future.  To that end we have set aside the 19th day of each month to pray specifically for the growth and expansion of CCI around the world.

When we add our 19th association we will change the name of this update to ‘20’, and ask you to pray on the 20th of each month.  When we grow past 28 associations we will figure out something different.  But until then, please join us as we pray for God to open door of opportunity for growth and expansion around the world.

Would you join us on the 19th of May to pray for the growth of CCI?  I have three specific prayer requests.

Please pray for a wonderful group of Christian camping leaders in Kenya who have established African Christian Camping (ACC).  Membership is growing throughout several countries in East Africa and excellent staff training is bearing fruit in camps throughout the region. ACC is in dialogue with CCI about joining the worldwide alliance.

Please pray for CCI-UK leaders who are developing relationships with several of the leaders of Christian camps throughout France.  There are many excellent camping ministries in France but they do not have an association to support and encourage the movement.

There are numerous camping ministries operating in isolation due to geography, politics or religion.  Please pray that these faithful ministries would find a way to connect with other Christian camping leaders and gain the support and encouragement they need.

Thanks for your prayers and support.  Please keep praying for the 19th to become the 20th!