Thorny and wonderful path...

 It is sometimes difficult to understand why God allows trials and hardship. Awful pain, many tears, helplessness, confusion, many questions "Why?"... But no matter how hard the Lord is always there! He knows the pain of our heart. He never leaves, but supports and shows His hand! It is important to learn to see these blessings in difficult times and thank the Lord. But it could have been worse! The three youths Shadrach, Meshach and Abdenago were on Furnace of fire. But the fourth was with them - the Lord! The Lord is always there in fiery trials! 

  Two and a half years ago, little Elijah fell ill with Rassmussen's encephalitis. Elijah spent almost a year in the hospital. Every day he got worse and the doctors gave disappointing forecasts. We were told  it was necessary to operate on the baby and remove part of the brain to save life. It was unbearably painful and terrible! We found the only neurosurgeon in Ukraine who performs such surgeries. We raised the necessary funds. But something constantly prevented the surgery! Elijah's frequent illnesses, measles in the hospital, doctor's trips abroad and other factors. All we could do was entrust the Lord with the life of a baby. We could not do anything and felt helpless ... Time passed ... Elijah was melting before our eyes and slowly leaving ... It was scary and terribly painful. It is scary that the kid was innocent of anything and so much pain from the loss ... We will never forget the time and words when all the hospital staff told him only a few days left to live ... We counted the hours of his living to the Lord ... Elijah was the first baby in our region with such a diagnosis. Doctors were scared, some nurses were afraid to help seeing how the baby was suffering. They did everything they could ... We prepared for the worst. But Elijah continued to live! 

   Last summer the BOM team was preparing for a trip to the United States, to give a report and meet with sponsors and dear friends. Everything was going so great and smooth! Many were waiting for us! We saw many blessings and were confident that this was the will of God! Our joy and delight knew no bounds! It remains only to get a visa for Pastor and BOM Director Misha. And what was our surprise when he was refused a visa! God, how is that ?! You started to bless... We have not seen the slightest obstacle! And here is such a surprise! It was somehow strange ... We saw how God blessed absolutely everything! And here is a bright "No"! And you know what ?! In the midst of this incomprehensible situation, God gave us peace in our hearts! 

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.(Phil.4^6-7)

We could not understand and only trusted Christ. So, God had a different plan. 

  We understood when 3 weeks later, our Brother in Christ was admitted to the hospital due to poor health and was preparing for a surgery. A doctor said that he did not give a chance for improvement and even for a life! Exactly one month later, we learned and understand what relatives and friends feel when they hear the word "Cancer"... To be continued...

How you can touch the heart of an orphan

  I am soooo excited and it seems that my heart will now jump out of happiness and that joy that overwhelms me!!!

  Now weekends, holidays in schools are coming to an end in Ukraine. Everyone is trying to go out of town somewhere and rest, spend time with family or close friends. So, why don`t spend time with those who don`t have family or have trouble parents???

 "Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. 
 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: 
 And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just." KJV (Luke 14:12-14)

It is a great opportunity to gather orphaned children and spend time together as a big and loving family and touch their precious souls!!!

 Teenagers often suffer and do not know what to do on weekends or holidays and this can lead to sin or undesirable consequences. Unfortunately, graduates of orphanages do not know how to manage their time and often roam the streets without knowing what to do. It’s very difficult to find a job for a 17 year old.

 Imagine. You are alone, abandoned by your parents, spent your childhood in 4 walls of an orphanage without ever leaving the institution and not seeing anything. With pain in the heart, experiencing bitterness, tears, disappointment, without a future and hope. And now you have holidays. You don`t know what to do, where to go because no funds. It`s barelly enough for food. :( They suffer emotionally a lot from this! Sometimes this leads to depression and even suicide...

 A week ago, 17 souls together with the BOM team were able to spend time almost a week! All 5 days we lived together, read the Gospel, sang, prayed. Also we celebrated the birthday of 2 beautiful young ladies, played board games, skated, ate pizza(they LOVE pizza :))) and ate at McDonalds, walked in the beautiful park and walked the streets of the city seeing amazing lights, fed cute squirrels and little birds, saw the most beautiful and breathtaking sunset, had fun and just had a great time! Most importantly, we were able to share the love of Christ showing the care and attention. ♥ It was AMAZING time!!! Kids were thrilled! You would see their eyes! ;)

These words warm my heart ♥
 "I really loved these 5 days that we spent together! They were incredible! Park, cars, skates. Everything was great and a lot of fun! The most important thing is that we were together and I hope that this will continue in the future. Thank you for this opportunity!" Sveta S.

"It was the best start to this year! These days were filled with positive and great joy. We were finally able to come and meet with you. I hope that we can meet more often. And as always, these are the best days when we meet together!" Maxim S.

 Naday, part of our team. She is not only a great Bible teacher and mentor for young people, but also a great cook! Twice a day, she cooked for such a huge crowd! It were mountains of food! :) Undoubtedly, the children were delighted, especially those who often go hungry as they receive a scholarship of 500 UAH($22.00) per month.

And here is a short video of our incredible days!

   

  Thank you VERY MUCH to those who made this possible! Thank you for touching the precious souls of these orphans! Thank you for touching the hearts! You give these sweet children the opportunity to feel special, loved and amazing! That they are not alone and many people around the world love and care for them! Thank you for your incredible love and generosity! You are amazing! Thank you so much for giving the opportunity to share the love of Christ! Thank you so much to making these days so VERY special!!!

If this is your first time reading our blog and you would like to touch the heart of an orphan, you can become part of his/her life sending your gift of love HERE. Or if you are a prayer warrior and would like to become a part of our spiritual battle for the salvation of souls, you can send us an email to find out prayer requests. May God bless you!!!

Unconditional love

  "Why are you doing this? Why? I can not understand..." I heard a trembling voice on the other side of the phone. I could see tears, disappointment, pain, betrayal, bewilderment and misunderstanding. Misunderstanding of how strangers who barely knew me want to help and get me out of the pit of loneliness, pain and tears.

  Dear Friends, God is doing something amazing and beautiful!!! Almost 2 months ago I was in fasting and prayer for my lovely girls. On the same day in the evening I received a call from the Social Service for children's rights with an invitation to the office. Honestly, I was scared. I understood that something had to happen in the life of two girls. But what, Lord? It was scary. It is terrible to hear a decision that could cripple the lives of girls even more. The girls had no where to go! If the eldest could settle in a student dormitory since she will be soon 18 years old. Although we did not like this decision very much, to be honest. Because there are children without control and a lot of terrible things are happening. We felt that was not right desidion. But young 16-year-old girl simply did not have where to go! The house in the village was destroyed, her grandmother called me and asked me to take care of her granddaughter because she was not able to. The girls were scared and confused. They begged me not to leave them. Our hearts were broken. I cried a lot and prayed. The situation was very difficult. I just could not leave them on the street! I was ready to fight for the girls to the end! I was ready for the worst ... If Social Services forbids me to take care of the girls so that they continue to live with me. I was ready to defend their rights!!! I was determined to defend them decisively and fight for them to the end, whatever it would cost me!!!

Do you remember when Jesus Christ appeared to the disciples and they were afraid ?! 

 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. (Luke 24:36-39)KJV

 

It happened the same with us! Jesus Christ Himself appeared and it was God's plan to save and reunite this sweet family!Wow!
When we were at a special meeting where the commission met and decided the fate of the children. As I told before Children's Affairs Service wanted to deprive of parental rights their mother and appoint me the guardian. I saw and felt that this is NOT what the Lord wants from me...

When we saw everything happening at the meeting, we realized that God has a different plan. We did not know what would come of it! But having faith and desire, we decided to help the family reunite!

The Social Service for Children's Rights gave the mother 2 weeks to find housing and work. We took full responsibility in the search for housing and everything else. It was a step of faith and hope on both sides.

The next day I received a call. "Why are you doing this? Why? I can not understand...How can you pay housing barely knowing me? I have only 50 grivnas($2.00) in my pocket. I don’t have food, I can’t pay for accommodation if you find. I will be ashamed to live in the same city with you because of my lifestyle and so on..."

It was difficult for a woman to trust other people. Our hearts were broken. The woman was undoubtedly confused and scared to move to another city. I promissed to be able to help walk her through this. I promissed to support her and to be near. Humans may let down, but He never will! We prayed and prayed for God`s miracle for this sweet family.

   The woman has never experienced unconditional love from anyone before...She was going to experiencing the goodness of God through His children for the first time in her life. It's not 'natural' for people to be so giving and loving to people they barely know, but that's what we as Christians are supposed to do. Don`t we? ;)

We needed it urgently and we were looking for any housing just to save the family! Very soon we found a dorm room! Then the woman found a job. The girls moved and started a new life. Honestly, it was emotionally difficult for us all. For a year and a half of life you quickly get used to a person. Girls took a special place in my heart and it was hard for me to let them go. I cried and begged the Lord to help me to let the girls go out of my heart to their mother. They should be with their loving mom. We are very attached to each other. There has been a lot of hurt in that family. Those girl's hearts have to heal.

Thanks to your willing hearts, care and love we managed to raise the necessary amount and buy the most necessary things and furniture so that the family could live!

Couch before

and after

Kitchen cabinet before

and after

 This is not the end of this beautiful story. :) The girls have a brother who had no where to come for the weekend or vacation to visit his family. He is also a former graduate of the orphanage but lives on his own.  Today he having holidays spending them with his beautiful family for several weeks now. In addition to the girls with his mother, he also attends our church where they hear the word of God! We all became wonderful friends! A young woman longs to hear the Word of God! We see the Lord touching her heart! She longs for fellowship with us and we have a great time together! The girls are very happy that their whole family is together! They have moved physically but not emotionally. The young ladies know that we walk along side all of them and make sure they are doing well and it gives them added reassurance.We see each other every day. Young ladies come to learn lessons when they don’t have internet, use a computer, use a washine machine, take a shower (there are no conditions in the dorm) or just chat. 

I admire the mercy and grace of God! How great and amazing is our Lord God! How marvellous and wonderful! My heart rejoices and sings! I am in awe of the miracles and actions of God!!! I cry with happiness ... and praise God for His mighty and greatness!!! 

Thank you all VERY MUCH for your participation in this beautiful story! Thank you for your fervent prayers and donations! Thank you for being there. Thank you for being part of this wonderful family reunion and part of the unconditional love for these beautiful souls!!! ♥♥♥ Please, remember Fodor family in your prayers. Pray for their salvation, for the healing of their precious hearts.

Share the amazing story of God`s grace and His unconditional love! ;)