Lead Purposeful Lives

Who is BEYM?

By Example Youth Missions (BEYM) is a response to God’s call to change the future of an entire nation in the middle of Europe. A mission that started over a decade ago, as a remarkable result of God’s hand moving in Ukraine. Bibles were introduced into the Ukrainian Schools as teaching materials to build a stronger moral ethic for the country. Eastern European Mission (EEM) was then invited to join the Ukranian National Youth Camp Organization in 2006, to bring the same Bibles to the camps, along with volunteers to teach the character traits God wants us all to live by. By Example Youth Missions is fulfilling the ongoing mission to spread the Gospel and plant the seeds of salvation in nations hungry for the truth.

BEYM is a volunteer-led, nonprofit organization dedicated to continuing the mission of teaching God’s word through principles for the daily lives of children in a fun, relaxed camp environment. Indeed, this is yet another testament to God’s faithfulness and grace—and another opportunity to show His transformative love to youth who are in need of hope and spiritual awakening.

In 2017, EEM passed the baton to the camp team leaders, who formed BEYM, a nonprofit organization dedicated to continuing the mission of teaching God’s word and principles in the daily lives of children in a fun, relaxed camp environment. Indeed, this is yet another testament to God’s faithfulness and grace—and another opportunity to show His transformative love to youth who are in need of hope and spiritual awakening.

What are BEYM Youth Camps like?

Have you ever been to summer camp? Did you stay in a cabin or room filled with your friends? You may have spent the day in activities planned by the camps.

These camps are the same. The Ukrainian Youth Camps are long-established camps that have cared for children every summer for decades. They are maintained by amazing people dedicated to the care and growth of children in their communities. The camps have government guidance with private supporters. The programs are planned by dedicated educators, who have allowed us to join their programs. How amazing that another country is allowed into the Ukrainian camp program to aid their teachings!

The Youth Camps are generally set in the clean air of the Ukrainian forests away from the pollution of the cities. These camps were designed for restoring the health of the children: to give rest to the physical self, intrigue for the mental self, and challenge the physical self, but now they are allowing a beautiful addition to these purposes.

They are allowing the strengthening of the moral being. We have seen this in action, we have seen changes in children during a camp session. We watch them grow in body, character, and in kindness from one year to the next. With our collective whole heart, we believe in this work.

Team leaders from the BEYM Youth Camp Program have come together with a focused mission. Teams of Christians attend established secular camps, working closely with the Ukrainian camp directors and selected interpreters. It is By Example we live the love of Christ within the day-to-day summer camp life.

How do we live and love? —By Example !!

By example of Christ’s love, we also extend this service into the orphanages and churches in the communities we visit. Each team maintains an active involvement in the camps, while also endeavoring to allow God to use each group of believers “to go beyond” the normal boundaries and serve as Christ served by His example:

To glorify God by sharing God’s love with Eastern European children and families
To model Christ’s character in attitude and actions
To teach God’s Love in youth camps
To seek new opportunities to serve

“Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop,

a hundred times more than was sown.”

When he said this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” LUKE 8:8

Take the Word

Teach the Word

Live the Word

… a HUNDRED times more than was sown.

Take the Word: Each year the youth camp teams distribute Bibles to every person in camp. Bibles are going into homes that may not have ever held a Bible. These families are gaining the message God intended for everyone, everywhere. With your help.

Teach the Word: These teams are asked to teach character traits that build a stronger future for Ukraine. These lessons come from stories God provided in His Word. It does not stop there.

Live the Word: The teams demonstrate those lessons openly by living, teaching, and connecting with children, counselors, and adult staff in the camps. By Example. The teams exemplify the love of God through their lives – living the Love of God “out loud” for all to see.

Teach the Word: These teams are asked to teach character traits that build a stronger future for Ukraine. These lessons come from stories God provided in His Word. It does not stop there.

Did you know: Bibles are already used in the schools of many Ukrainian Oblasts (states). Bibles are in schools, let that sink in a moment. But the Bibles stay in the schools as study guides. Through our distribution of Bibles in camp, a bag of Bibles and workbooks go home with the children to take into their families, so that God’s word may dwell within their homes for all to share and know. The children often ask for more Bibles to give to their friends and neighbors.

These Bibles are being shared. The children are learning how these stories fit into apply to their lives. God’s Word is for them, personally. Lessons are designed to ensure that each person realizes that everyone is special, loved by a gracious Father and important in making our world a better place. Transforming messages are taught in seemingly simple ways. But God intended it this way. He gave us His word to read – cover to cover – to gain His plan. That plan is for everyone. Help us deliver it to them in Word and By Example.

Can you imagine 30 ten year olds at camp listening intently to how the life of Joseph can apply to them? Intently. Connecting a child to the power of God’s Word is an amazing role we get to play, whether near or far.

Connection and relationships melt the miles. Add the power of God as the foundation for these camps and watch amazing changes in everyone involved: kids, counselors, staff, and us.