I grew up in a small Gypsy colony on the edge of town — a place the world rarely noticed. Life was simple yet filled with silent pain; people saw us as outcasts, unworthy of belonging. Our families followed old traditions, worshipping idols and animals, hoping they would bring us peace. Deep down, I longed to know if there was something — someone — real beyond all this. But one summer, when I was just a little girl, a group of Christians came with Esther and her dad. They ran

I come from a Gypsy colony where people often reject and neglect us. Our community used to worship many lifeless idols and even animals, not knowing the true and living God. When I was eight years old, my life changed forever. A Christian missionary, John Chidambaram, began running a Bible camp in our colony. For the first time, I met people who truly loved and cared for us — the ones society had forgotten. At the camp, I heard the powerful message: “Love God and love your ne

My name is Meena 12 years old, and this summer I’m attending the CCI camp for the fourth time. Every week when I step onto the church grounds for the follow-up program, it feels like coming home. But it wasn’t always this way. My parents usually don’t allow me to go to Christian programs. Four years ago, I was visiting my aunt’s house during the holidays. My cousins were going to a local CCI camp and asked me to come along. I didn’t know what to expect, but that one week chan

Hi, I’m Priyanka. I am six years old, and I came to the CCI camp for the very first time from the Trichy district. My camp pastor was Pastor Steven Shive, and I liked him very much! At camp, I learned so many new things — Bible stories, fun skits, and beautiful action songs about Jesus. I also made crafts and many new friends. My favourite time was when our camp counsellor told us how much Jesus loves children like me. That was the first time I heard about Jesus, and now I lo

Hi, my name is Abhaya, and I am 13 years old. I come from a non-Christian family where we used to worship many gods and offer sacrifices at home. Every year, my parents spent a great deal of money and gave away many valuable things in the name of sacrifice. I thought that was the only way to please God. But when I came to the CCI summer camp, I heard for the first time that Jesus is the only true and living God. The camp pastors and counsellors taught us from the Bible that w

I’m Varun, a 12-year-old boy, and I still remember the first day I stepped into the CCI summer camp. I didn’t know then that one week would change the rest of my life. The camp was filled with laughter, songs, games, and stories — but more than all that, it was where I first met Jesus in a real way. Every morning, our camp pastor spoke about God’s love, and every evening, our counsellors shared stories that touched my heart. I began to see that Jesus wasn’t just someone in a

'At the camp, I learned that Jesus loves me personally and listens to my prayers. That truth stayed with me, even after I went home. Whenever I felt lonely, I would close my eyes and whisper, “Jesus, I need You,” and He would fill my heart with peace.'

SEE THE SOUTH-ASIA MINISTRY Only God knows the true impact Children’s Camps International is having on His eternal Kingdom. Since 2003, more than 4 million children have gone to CCI camps, and the children grow up to attend university, get married, and start jobs. Some are called to ministry, becoming evangelists, pastors and leaders in their respective churches. Pastor Babu Daniel In South Asia this spring, CCI co-founder Antony Samy met up with Pastor Babu Daniel who shar