A Place of Hope in a Divided Land

Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is a country shaped by its history and marked by ethnic and religious divisions that linger long after the wars of the 1990s. Yet, amid these challenges, God is moving — especially among the next generation. Camps have become a powerful tool to reach young people, offering them a life-changing experience. In a country where Protestant believers are few and scattered, these camps serve as a bridge of hope, connection, and transformation.

A Ministry That Endures

The Evangelical Church in BiH (ECBiH), is partnering with Assemblies of God World Missions (AGWM). AGWM has two families serving in BiH. Curt and Sara Hobbs and Chris and Katie Sasser.

Ministry in BiH, and ECBiH, has faced many challenges. Some ministries such as the humanitarian arm and addiction recovery have been discontinued, but one initiative has stood the test of time: camp ministry. Nestled in a beautiful mountain valley, the campgrounds provide a safe space where young people encounter God, build friendships, and experience a Christian community that is rare in their everyday lives.

Each summer, these camps bring together children, teens, and young adults from all over the country — many of whom have never heard the gospel. In recent years, young adults from Croatia and Serbia have come to camp, something that is special because these people groups do not participate in events like this together in the culture at large. More than half of the campers are not believers. In BiH, it is illegal to proselytize children under 18, making traditional youth ministry difficult. However, camps provide an opportunity for young people to witness faith in action, ask questions, and experience the love of Christ in a welcoming and natural setting.

The Role of the U.S. Church

These camps would not be possible without the generous support of churches in the United States, who partner in prayer, financial giving, and hands-on service. James River Church in Springfield, Missouri, has played a vital role in making camp ministry a reality. In 2024, a team of 15 from James River Church traveled to BiH to participate in prayer camp and serve during kids’ camp. Their dedication not only made camp possible but also encouraged local believers, showing them they are not alone in this mission.

The financial support that James River Church provided for the newly renovated building and the team that served were extremely impactful. The team has kept in touch with the Bosnians they met, and many are planning to return this summer to serve again. They have recognized the deep impact of camp ministry and the incredible opportunity to invest in the lives of young people in BiH.

Stories of Transformation

The impact of these camps is profound. Take Arijana, for example. She first attended camp as a 10-year-old girl, tagging along with her older sister. At 12, she gave her life to Jesus, and by 17, she was baptized — both pivotal moments happening at camp. Now, she is studying psychology so she can help those in need, and in 2022, she served as a director of Kids Kamp, guiding the next generation as she was once guided.

Then there’s Alba, a quiet soccer player who reluctantly attended camp because he was promised a chance to play soccer. At first, he struggled with camp when he wasn’t playing soccer, but he kept coming back. Over time, his heart softened, and he became deeply involved in his church. Today, he is married to a fellow camper and continues to serve in ministry, now bringing his own daughter to camp.

Ljupka’s story is another testimony to the power of camp ministry. She lost her father at a young age, and her mother struggled financially. She came to camp carrying deep grief, but in a small group setting, she encountered Jesus in a personal way; she gave her life to Jesus. That moment changed everything. In 2023, she joined the full-time camp team, passionately ministering to other hurting children. She was baptized at camp in 2024, taking a bold step of faith in front of her peers.

The Power of Camp Community

Every year, young people leave camp encouraged and strengthened in their faith. Some return with friends, eager to share what they have found. Others take their first steps in leadership, serving on the full-time team that keeps the camps running. Many choose to be baptized in the lake, publicly declaring their faith in a setting where they feel truly understood and supported.

In 2024, more than 88 children attended Kids Kamp, 78 participated in Teen Kamp, and 65 joined Young Adult Camp. These numbers represent lives being touched and transformed. Some of these young people come from Muslim, Catholic, or Orthodox backgrounds; others have little to no church experience. But at camp, they encounter Jesus — sometimes for the first time, sometimes in a way that solidifies a faith they have long wrestled with.

Looking Forward

Camps are more than just a summer event — they are shaping the future of the church in BiH. The newly renovated facilities now accommodate 100 beds, allowing for larger groups and extending the camp season. With each passing year, more young people are stepping into leadership, and a few are beginning to sense a calling into full-time ministry.

The need is great. We pray for more young leaders to rise up, for churches to be planted, and for the Spirit of God to continue working in the hearts of the next generation. Camps have become a place where faith takes root, friendships form, and hope is renewed.

Will you pray with us? Pray that these camps continue to be a place where young people meet Jesus. Pray for new leaders, for resources, and for the gospel to shine brightly in a land that is hungry for truth. The seeds planted here will bear fruit for generations to come.

By Curtis Hobbs