Mission Trip to Serbia – Serving in Kamp Nade Kamp Nade (Camp of Hope)
Our mission trip this year took us to Serbia, where we joined the ministry at Kamp Nade – a camp open to parents and their children with disabilities. For years, this camp has been a tremendous blessing to families who face many challenges in their daily lives, so it’s no surprise that it is in high demand among parents.
Can young people of this age experience blessings from giving?
Today, a young person can choose from many activities and, if they want, they can easily fill their whole summer with them. There are plenty of camps on the market offering sports, cultural, and spiritual programs. Many of these activities help build connections among young people, where everyone looks for a friend they can relate to. But what about giving? I feel that we have taught young people spiritual consumerism, while showing them too little of the example of service and the opportunity to personally experience the blessing that comes from giving. And it doesn’t have to be only about money. It is enough when they give their time to others – to those who are in greater need than they are. To those we usually don’t pay attention to, simply because they are not part of our circle.
Prayers and seeking
We prayed and looked for a way to involve the youth during the summer in a kind of ministry that would turn the roles around. In these new roles, they would be the ones giving and seeking ways to reach out to others—especially to those whom society pushes to the margins. Through a family connection of Pastor Andrej Kraljik, who is originally from Serbia, we were able to connect with his aunt Elenka, who introduced us to camps for children with mental and physical disabilities. She was excited about our plan and encouraged us not to be afraid, assuring us that such camps change people’s lives. One thing led to another, and in faith we started forming a team. We presented the idea at a youth meeting and were greatly encouraged by the genuine interest we received.
Preparation for a trip to Serbia
After some time, a sixteen-member international team was formed, including, besides Slovaks, one Indian, one Ukrainian, and a girl from Ghana. Hooray! Even Naty, who had been so eager to go, eventually canceled her vacation and joined us. English became our common language, and the Lord took care of all the details of the trip – the invitation letter, residence permit, financial support, insurance, and travel expenses.
On the Road
We set out in three cars, with one coming from Bratislava. What was planned as a 7-hour drive ended up taking 12 hours. At the border between Hungary and Serbia, we waited for about 3 hours. It was extremely hot outside, and the air conditioning in the cars was running at full blast, but our optimism didn’t waver. Sofia brought her ukulele, Viola her harmonica, and we passed the time singing songs, playing games, and taking walks around the cars.
Service in love
Finally, we arrived at the camp. On Sunday, we visited a Baptist church in Belgrade, and in the afternoon, we began preparations for the camp. Our mission was to care for the children—whether through games, conversations, or practical help. Every day we had the opportunity to learn what it truly means to be a servant. The young people who participated in the trip genuinely surprised me—they carried out their tasks with joy, selflessness, and open hearts. They showed that service is not about us, but about the fact that giving is more rewarding than receiving.
God's touch
Alongside serving the children and their parents, new friendships also formed between us and the people we met in Serbia. It was wonderful to see how God connects the hearts of people from different countries and backgrounds. Every evening, we were able to share our experiences and encourage one another in working with the children. Most importantly, we could sense God’s touch and blessing, which multiplied among the children with disabilities and also touched their parents. One couple, for example, was finally able to have some time for themselves and enjoy a coffee without their children—for the first time in 15 years.
What young people say about trip to Serbia?
At the beginning, I was afraid—wondering if I could handle it, if I would be patient enough, and if I could manage a child who is nonverbal. But the Lord gave me the strength and a way to connect with the children and communicate with them - Sofi Sofia
t was heartwarming to see how, even through us, God brought them joy, and that we could help not only the children but also their parents. What delighted me the most was when a little girl at the camp told me that she liked me - Akari Akari
It was truly enriching.
When a person gives, they also receive in return - Viola Viola
I came to understand that God wonderfully created even children with disabilities and that, just like us, they long to experience joy and acceptance. I am grateful to God for the opportunity to serve them – Peťo
The children were happy to be accepted and to spend time with someone other than their own family – Debora
We want to come next year again
The mission trip to Serbia was a powerful experience for all of us. We learned more about what it means to live a life of service, opened ourselves to new relationships, and left a piece of God’s love where it was most needed. We believe that in the future we will have the opportunity to continue serving these families and bringing hope where it is lacking. Many of us have already decided to return to the camp next year. Thanks be to God for this experience and to the Košice Baptist Church for their prayer and financial support.
