Pioneer

PIONEER — 2013

You may need a quick history and geography lesson to truly understand the significance of this next story about God’s generous always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).portions in Young Life camping. In 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed and Armenia officially won its independence. Young Life officially entered Armenia in 1998 and encountered a nation that longed to fill a spiritual void resulting from 70 years of communism. For years during Soviet Union control, the government bused thousands of kids to this property to learn about communism and atheism. In July of 2017, after five years of praying, dreaming and being faithful to the Lord, the Young Life Pioneer Camp welcomed kids to a place that is now holy ground, with a new story of hope and redemption. Pioneer is being built by Armenians and will be staffed by Armenians from within the community. By providing jobs to people within this village,Young Life is winning the right to be heard and building trust within a country that has seen much fear and suspicion. U.S. architects are collaborating with Armenian architects on how to build a camp that is accessible for kids with disabilities. This is a new concept, as kids with disabilities in Armenia are hidden from the public. There will also be a medical clinic on this property that can be used by the villagers. Young Life is very intentional about constructing a facility that can be used year-round in order to serve the people in this community. In the words of Gary Parsons, Young Life’s senior vice president of the Former Soviet Union Division, “[Pioneer] is destined to be one of the most significant camping ministries in all of Young Life.” And yes, the name of this camp is “Pioneer” — a notso-subtle reminder of God’s redemptive work in this place and the pioneering effort it represents on behalf of the gospel in Armenia and throughout the Middle East. (MFT, p. 172) “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you

Artavaz, Armenia

Similar to the story of Washington Family Ranch in the 90s, the story of Pioneer is the story of God taking a camp once enveloped in darkness and redeeming it into a place that would speak of His’ love. It is a picture of God’s boundless love and redemptive power. Perhaps there are situations or people in your life you wonder if they can ever be redeemed or know the fullness of life Jesus offers? Take some time to write these things and people down, and present them to the God of generous portions.