My Journey to Vinogradov by M. Winston Snyder

October 3, 2013

Being of service to Sabbath-keeping Christians and young people in Ukraine was nothing short of a life-changing experience this summer. I have wanted to go to Vinogradov ever since my sister, Cassity, went on this trip back when she was my current age of 16. I had first heard about LifeNets and these projects through my father and mother, Michael and Jamie Snyder. My interest with LifeNets first peaked when I heard about LifeNets helping people who were harmed by the Chernobyl nuclear meltdown. That’s when I started looking into LifeNets and seeing what they were about.

Winston Snyder

When I learned that this opportunity might be available through LifeNets, I was very excited - I wanted to step outside the comfort zone here in America and see what the world is really like. The fact that I might be able to help teach young people and children to speak some English and serve at a camp in the Ukraine was doubly exciting. The fact that it was a Christian camp that focused on biblical principles that included Sabbath-keeping was amazing. It was equally amazing that LifeNets could help people like this from across the globe.

Through this LifeNets connection I was able to achieve many things during my time in Europe. I saw what this part of the world is really like and it made me think how blessed I am for what I have. At camp, one of those blessings was to have the privilege to help teach young people some English. By the time our time at camp was completed, the Ukrainian campers were able to ask simple questions in conversation, such as: “What is this” or “How do you say this”? It was inspiring to me that they just loved to learn. It was amazing and inspiring.

As a teenager who had never been to a former Soviet Bloc country, it initially seemed a bit daunting. However, I am learning how to depend on God’s will and help, so going through and experiencing of what some might consider to be rough parts of Europe was illuminating. Seeing what Soviet Communism once did to kind and loving people really shook me. It made me think: “How they could be so happy when they live in a world where they had little freedom?” But they still seemed happy, despite what they had gone through. That really baffled me, given my American background. In a sense, it inspired me. I found that you can find happiness anywhere.

One of the sad bits that I learned was that some of the boys at the Ukrainian camp lacked a father, In a number of cases, the young person’s father was working in Kiev (about 400 miles away) and was gone frequently, or the father had a drinking problem and wasn’t there physically, emotionally or spiritually for their son (or daughter). I pondered about that situation late at night while I was trying to sleep on my bed (which was really a large couch). It really did affect me. I am truly thankful to have a father who loves me.

I saw where some on the trip had served at the Vinogradov camp more than once. I certainly can now understand why! It was a great opportunity to serve and be among Christians in a much different culture than what I typically experience in America. I would absolutely love to go back, as others have. I think what LifeNets is doing around the world is magnificent! I hope that the work of LifeNets can spread to all the corners of the earth and help many others.