“Childhood Without a Pause” Fundraiser Closed: Final Report

On July 31, the fundraiser for the “Childhood Without a Pause” summer camps officially came to a close. The campaign lasted three months. Organizers are now sharing the results and expressing their gratitude to everyone who participated.

“Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” — Jesus’ words from Mark 10:14. Children are our treasure—and our shared future!

We’re truly thankful to God for the generous hearts who supported the Christ Is the Answer ministry and contributed to the “Childhood Without Pause” campaign—helping make summer camps possible in frontline areas of Southern and Eastern Ukraine. Together, we brought these beautiful events to life!

Thank you to everyone who donated. We’re grateful to our sponsors and partners who helped fund equipment and supplies. Special thanks to the incredible volunteer teams—young people full of love for children and for the Lord—who gave their time and energy. And thank you to the CITA missionaries for ministering to these kids with such care.

“The fundraiser is now complete, but the project will continue through the end of summer. Stay with us—there’s still so much more to come from the kids’ summer camps!” said Elena Volkodaeva, Executive Director of CITA.

Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia regions were the main focus of this fundraiser, as they are considered active combat zones.

In the Mykolaiv region alone, four camps have already been held—in the villages of Arbuzynka, Myhiya, Dilnyche, and the city of Pervomaisk. Around 350 children participated—kids from large families, low-income households, and also from stable, supportive homes. Among them were also internally displaced children, children with disabilities, and kids whose parents serve in the military—or gave their lives for Ukraine.

Inna Titova, a missionary and children’s minister from Nova Odesa, Mykolaiv Region, shared her impressions:

“Of course, we want to bring God’s love and His Word to these kids. And we hope we’re succeeding! Our program, ‘Who Is Your Authority?’ always includes a Bible section. It’s such a joy to see the children running toward these gatherings with smiles on their faces!

Some of their words really stayed with me. One little girl said, ‘I waited the whole long year just to be in this atmosphere again!’ Another child shared how much she appreciated not being yelled at, pressured, or made to feel small—and she thanked us for the love. One child even said, ‘Thank you for your patience—very few people are like that.’”

Organizers also shared the total funds raised, how they were distributed, and their plans for upcoming camps in August.

A total of 6,000 UAH (approx $145 – ed.) was collected via Monobank. These funds were used to purchase snacks, water, and other items mentioned in the original fundraiser. The money specifically went toward sweet treats for the upcoming camp in Zaporizhzhia, scheduled for August 4–8, called “I’m a Fan!”

This camp program is designed to help teens understand that humans were created to worship God, and that every choice we make has consequences—not just for ourselves, but for others too. Through daily sessions, the youth will discover that the answer to sin and death is accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. The final day will focus on the importance of joining a local church and how to stay strong in faith after camp ends.

In Mykolaiv Region, caring individuals covered many of the camp’s practical needs—providing sweets, food, games, supplies, and even gifts for the parents of participating children. Transportation costs were also covered.

In total, sponsors contributed an additional 9,000 UAH (almost $220 – ed.) to support these camps.

Two more camps are scheduled for August in Nova Odesa and Mykhailivka (Mykolaiv Region).

Thanks to generous supporters, all the needs for the children’s camp in Kharkiv Region were fully covered, so the event took place without using any of the “Childhood Without a Pause” funds. The camp in the village of Murafa had 60 children in attendance.

Charity is one of the key focus areas of the Christ Is the Answer ministry. The ministry works to raise funds for various needs through caring individuals and business partners.

The “Childhood Without a Pause” initiative ran from April 28 to July 31 and raised over 15,000 UAH (over $360 – ed.) in financial and material support.

CITA Ministries Press Center.