From July 17-19, 2020, family ministry servants Vitali and Marina Mikhalitsyn from the ELCIR St. Petersburg Deanery organized a family camping, “The Challenges of the Journey.”

The participants camped at a picturesque place on the shore of Lake Uuksujärvi, Republic of Karelia. The group included around 10 families. The main goal of the camping was of a missionary nature: introducing several non-churched families to Christian believers. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, the participants prayed together, sang hymns, read the Bible, had social time around a campfire, went fishing, prepared food, swam in the lake, went huckleberry picking, went boating, and watched incredible sunsets. The camping also included a prepared program: relay races for married couples and a children’s quest for a treasure. Each person contributed to make the camping unforgettable! For the husbands and wives, it was a great personal time away from daily cares and pressures. Thanks be to God for the great time of rest and the warm sunny weather everyone enjoyed each day!