Blog

New Leaders Stepping into Responsibility

One of the biggest joys this year was seeing new leaders step into responsibility. We were encouraged...

Camp Directors: Sharing Wisdom and Strengthening One Another

Another major highlight for me was the time with camp directors. I had the privilege of coordinating...

Central Asia: Planning the Next Steps

I was also very encouraged by our meeting with the representatives from Central Asia. The conversations...

Looking Ahead: Our Annual Conference “BRIDGES”

This year our conference theme is BRIDGES. A Christian camp can be a bridge, helping kids and teenagers...

A Testimony from the Far East

One of the strongest testimonies I’ve heard this year comes from Irina, a camp director from the Far...

The Focus on the Mission

In the middle of all the conference preparation, I was also able to take part in several special ministry...

Looking Ahead: Kyrgyzstan Plans

Today I met with Yuliya to discuss a spring staff training workshop in Kyrgyzstan. I left the conversation...

U.S. Trip Highlights

One of the most touching parts of my U.S. trip was visiting Daryl and Donna Nuss in California and...

US Trip Coming Soon: Returning to My First Christian Roots

I am looking forward to my upcoming trip to the States. One of the sweetest parts of this journey...

A Test Run in Siberia: Autumn Meetings and a Growing Vision

Autumn meetings are unique gatherings where camp leaders gather after the end of the camping season to...

Autumn gatherings: simple meet-ups, growing community

Two weeks ago we received a gift: a day in person with a family friend of ours and my ministry partner,...

Leaders’ Retreat: organizing from a distance

About fifteen CCI/Russia leaders met near St. Petersburg for our fall retreat—time to pray, discuss and...

People over programs: a two-hour call with Nastya from Tatarstan

When we pray for camps and leaders, it is a joy to hear God’s answers. This time the joy doubled:...

When Prayer Leads to Transformation

Every Monday this summer, we held a Prayer 9:38 gathering for Christian camp leaders, lifting up both...

New Beginnings in Askim

Last Sunday we had the first church service after summer here in Askim. We are thrilled to step into...

God at Work in Moscow Bible Camp

July was one of the highlights of the year as we spent time with family in Moscow and attended the...

A New Beginning in Southern Russia

Another highlight these weeks has been walking alongside Oxana, a leader from southern Russia. She began...

Monday Prayers and Camp Stories

Every Monday this summer, Alexander and I host a 9:38 prayer time, open to any camp leader who wants...

Serving Side by Side

Yesterday we launched the kids camp for Moscow Bible Church, and I had the joy of organizing teambuilding...

Reconnecting with Kursk: A New Chapter in Team Development

A long-standing member camp from Kursk that had previously been part of our network is now actively...

The Lightkeepers: A Special Weekend for Our Church

Our recent Family Church Summer camp was a joyful and meaningful time for our small but close-knit church...

Territory of the Present — Camp Truth Reflections

In April, I had the privilege of serving as the editor for CCI/Russia monthly publication Camping Pravda,...

Counselors Online Academy Highlight

This spring, I had the privilege of mentoring a bright and dedicated student from the Far East through...

From Inspiration to Practice — The Baltic Staff Workshop Highlights

A month after the retreat, from May 1–4, we held a regional Baltic staff training workshop for camp...

Called Together — Baltic Retreat Reflections

Our recent Baltic retreat was a refreshing and meaningful time of connection, reflection, and leadership...

Family Church – Practicing the Way

This season, our church here in Askim is focusing on discipleship, and it’s been a blessing to start...

Staff Training Workshop in Central Russia

One of the hopes coming out of this year’s conference was to strengthen local connections—encouraging...

Baltic Leaders Retreat – March 30–31

This Sunday we begin a very special retreat for CCI Baltic leaders, right on the peaceful shore of...

A Testimony of Impact

After the conference ended, a new event — a family camp — began moving in. To my surprise, I recognized...

A Team United in Purpose

This year, I was privileged to serve alongside an incredible program team — a unique group of talented,...

Gathering of Leaders: The Directors’ Meeting

Throughout the year, I don’t often get to see many of the directors I serve, as they are spread across...

A Week of God’s Favor

From February 3-7, our annual CCI/Russia conference took place near Moscow, bringing together over 300...

Preparing for Our Annual Conference

Next Monday, February 3, our annual conference will take place, and we are expecting around 300 participants...

A Story of Reconciliation and Hope

Ten years ago, a significant conflict led to a portion of our church leaving to form a new congregation,...

A New Beginning for Our Norwegian Church

On January 12, we celebrated a special milestone at our Norwegian church. Our pastor, Lasse Handelsby,...

Learning and Growing at LED

My husband Dima and I had the privilege of attending a conference for church leaders alongside a team...

Christmas celebration

Even though Dima and I were down with the flu on the Sunday our church hosted a Christmas celebration,...

A School Christmas in Norway

Here in Norway, there’s been a shift in how schools approach Christmas traditions. In many towns, children...

Hope in challenges

This spring, we prayed for Babochka Camp, a camp for kids with disabilities from St. Petersburg. After...

Preparing for the Annual Conference: Inspiring Connections

At last year’s CCI annual conference, I co-led a course on program management with my friend and leadership...

A Special Reunion in Denton

One of the highlights of my recent trip was a unique meeting in Denton. In 2006, we hosted a camp...

Regional Meetings: Inspiring Leaders and Building Connections

As mentioned in the last newsletter, November concluded with two regional gatherings aimed at inspiring...

Blessed Advent!

We have started the Advent season! In Norway, it's a tradition to put up Advent stars and candles on...

A Special Reconnection with Kelsey

Over 20 years ago, I met Kelsey during a missionary trip to Moscow organized by Carelift, a ministry...

Fall Meetings: A Time of Connection and Reflection

The Fall Meetings are a time for our CCI family to come together, connect, share updates, and pray...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving, dear friends! Last Saturday, I returned from the U.S., and now, during Thanksgiving...

Meaningful connections

On October 19, I had the privilege of attending a special conference focused on Eastern Europe. Norwegian...

Kislovodsk retreat: A time of renewal

Our annual leadership retreat from October 9-13 in Kislovodsk was a refreshing and enriching experience....

September highlights

One of my special tasks in September was to interview our member camp directors to review their summer...

Retreat in the South of Russia

One of the most special things about CCI is the incredible team of volunteers who work alongside our...