Summer is a season of school vacations, rest, entertainment for children, and plenty of free time. For the leaders of the School Without Walls, however, it’s an opportunity to create a space for kids to spend time and to serve them by sharing the Gospel. That’s exactly what the Zaporizhzhia team did at the Raimer Center.
Right in the heart of Zaporizhzhia near the Raimer Center, a children’s summer festival was held, bringing together over 45 children—not counting the adults. These were local children, those who regularly attend the children’s club at the Center, and many who visited such an event for the first time.
The kids played games and took part in a master class, carefully decorating cookies with icing, creating beautiful patterns. They also heard the biblical story of Daniel. The core message of the festival was: God Protects. It’s hard to overestimate the importance of this message for children living just 35 km from the front lines, who hear the buzzing of Shaheds and gunfire every night. God’s protection is the only thing to rely on in these circumstances. “The children listened attentively, responded to the topic, and asked many questions,” shares Daria, the leader who told the biblical lesson.
After the program ended, the children had more free time—to jump on the trampoline, enjoy cotton candy, sip lemonade, get face-painted with aqua‑makeup, receive balloon puppies, or draw on the asphalt… No one hurried to leave, and parents were delighted to see their children happy. “Thank you for a wonderful festival and the happy emotions of our children!” sincerely thanked Anastasia, the mother of Daria and Vlad. These kids have been attending events at the Center for a long time, but at this festival they came with the whole family: grandma, mom, and for the first time, dad.
Summer is not just vacations, rest, and long-awaited free time. For the School Without Walls team, it is a special season of opportunity: a time when they can be near children, create a safe space for them, and plant eternal truths in their hearts. This was the goal of the Zaporizhzhia team, which organized the children’s summer festival on the grounds of the Raimer Center—right in the heart of the city.
Despite the realities of war and proximity to the front lines (only 35 km), the festival brought together over 45 children, not counting adults. These included those who have long attended the children’s club at the Center, and those who came to such an event for the first time. The atmosphere was filled with children’s laughter, joy, and a very relaxed vibe.
The festival program was rich: fun games, friendly competitions, creative activities. The kids especially loved the cookie-decorating master class: each carefully painted colorful patterns with icing, pouring all of their creativity into it.
But most valuable at the festival was the biblical story of the prophet Daniel. God protects—this truth resonated as the key message of the day. In the context of Zaporizhzhia, these words sound especially deep. When children hear explosions and the buzzing of Shaheds outside their windows every day, and when the world around them is unstable, the reminder of God’s protection becomes a source of hope.
“The children listened attentively, responded to the topic, and asked many questions,” says Daria, one of the team leaders who led the biblical lesson.
After the main part, even more joy awaited the children: a trampoline, cotton candy, lemonade, face painting, balloon animals shaped like puppies, and asphalt drawing. Everything was thought out to the smallest detail—so that every child felt care and love, and could simply be a carefree child.
“Thank you for the wonderful festival and the happy emotions of our children,” said Anastasia, mother of Daria and Vlad. Their family are regular guests at the Raimer Center, but this time they came all together: grandma, mother, and, for the first time, father. Also, for the first time, a 15‑year‑old boy, Oleg, joined the event; he now wants to be part of the program regularly and to learn more.
The children’s ministry leader, Olga, shares: “For me, summer is something special. During this time, children and parents become more open. There’s no school rush; everyone’s a bit more relaxed, and that’s precisely when there’s a great opportunity to build relationships—to simply talk, get acquainted, and be present. But most importantly—it’s an opportunity to introduce children to Christ. And you know, children really feel that. That’s why I truly believe—summer isn’t for pause, but for sowing.”
This day left a warm mark on many hearts. Children didn’t need to be asked to stay—they didn’t want to go home. In a time when there’s so much fear around, events like this become a breath of fresh air. They remind us: even in wartime everyday life, there can be childhood, laughter, safety—and hope that has a name. The name of the One Who protects.
The School Without Walls team continues to serve children, bringing not only fun but the Living Word. This summer can truly be a summer of hope for many children’s hearts. It can change their lives, their plans, and their path—if they choose to build it with Christ.
