I have been praying to find you

We are sooo excited these days and praising God for His goodness and astonishing love!

Do you see a precious girl in pink sweater? Her name is Anya. The picture was made in 2007. She was about 10 years old at this time.

She was in very and very poor orphanage, which BOM visited on a regular basis. It was so fun to watch pictures made many years ago... Such a good memory! :)

Anya in red sweater. I think, we were talking about Jesus with girls :)

The orphanage was closed in 2009 because of financial problems and kids were transferred to other orphanages.We did not know for a long time where these kids and how they are doing... But something incredible has happened these days!

Lena was at hospital with her beautiful Sophia. She met Anya at hospital and they became friends. Once, Lena showed her family pictures to her new friend.  When Sophia was born, when we took her out from hospital and so on. And when Anya saw the pictures, she pointed on BOM staff and cried out, "Oh, my! I know! I know these people!"

Very soon Oksana received a message, "I have been praying to find you all! How I can meet you? I have been praying for years." Wow! We were so deeply impressed!

Through few exchanged sentences we have read the next... "I want to accept Jesus Christ but do not know how to do it... Please, help me!" What?! Wow! It was something incredible to hear!!! 

The very next day we met Anya and she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour! We had such a sweet meeting and wonderful fellowship! Later the young lady said, you even can not imagine how I`m happy that find you again! :) Awesome blessing! This is not about us. But about the almighty and merciful God, who answered the prayer of orphaned girl, who prayed so long! Praise God!!!! He is soooooo very good!!!!!

After graduating orphanage and trade school Anya met a young man, fell in love and became pregnant. The 8 months ago she gave birth a sweet little boy Dima. But several months ago the young man left his family. So, the young mother forced to grow her son by herself... 

Our Heavenly Father soooo miraculously answered the prayer of this precious orphaned girl!Amazing!!!

This reminds me a place of Scripture in Bible. Acts 10

10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, 
10:2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. 
10:3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. 

 10:4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. 
10:5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: 

10:6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. 
10:23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him
10:24 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. 
10:30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 
10:31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. 
10:32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. 
10:33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God...

This is such a great encouragement for us that our visits of kids in orphanages are not vain! These seeds of God`s word planted in their precious children's heart bring fruits of Spirit in His time :) God is soooo very good and doing incredible and miraculous things!!! Praise Him!!!

Lots of experiences for a day and wonderful blessing

Yesterday in the evening an one young orphaned guy called me.
-How are you? I asked.
-Very bad.
-Something happened?
-No. I just do not want to live anymore and want commit suicide.With sureness said guy.
-Does anyone know about your decision? with great concern I asked again.
 -No. Only you.
I read as many as could Bible verses and said that is not good idea, Jesus loves him, he is not alone. God has a perfect plan for his life. In my head always was place of scripture (Jeremiah 29:11) "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end". 

After phone conversation I understood we must to do something and immediately!We were greatly concerned and felt helpless.We prayed all church and thank you very much all our friends who prayed for this guy.

So, went to him.At 9.30PM we all BOM team were speaking already with this guy trying comfort him and find out the reason. It was terrible that NO ONE did not know about his decision, no friends, no caretakers of orphanage. He is not talkative and never share his thoughts and feelings with anyone.This kid is quiet and never got in troubles. 

But depressions does not leave him, feeling alone, fear. He graduated orphanage this year and tomorrow will start independent life.He has absolutely nobody to support and help him during first time of his "adult" life!I can only imagine what felt this poor boy.

After private conversation we decided take him and his siblings orphanage out, make if only a little brightly and rainbow-tinted  their day.

So, next day, today Sasha and his siblings Grisha and Valya spent all day with us.Do you remember our "flower girl"?Yes, it was Sasha, her brother, such a young guy, who in a week will turn 19 years old. It is a heartbreaking and scary. It`s a very sad reality...

Kids were so glad to be out orphanage!At the beginning we dressed them. Can you believe all clothes you see on them it`s clothes of their friends? Their own they had only underwear. Poor kids. Thank you who sends clothes. It was so helpful!

Sneakers and sandals Valya had, they took borrow at their friends too.In the morning was VERY cold and rainy today!Brr!Can you imagine this beautiful girl in rainy cold day +12С( 53.6 F) in sandals?When Valya had put on sneakers. Oh, it is so warm, she said.She especially was happy having shoes.

But have not found shoes for Grisha. So, we went to bazar  buy something for him and few more things for Sasha and Valyusha.

We learned that Sasha does not have autumn and winter jacket. We bought today a wind jacket. We plan help him to get some more few clothes, warm sweater, autumn and winter coat, winter boots. If you have a desire to help this poor guy. You are very welcome! Just leave a note sending gift of love for clothes for Sasha. Thank you!

Then all got hungry. We wanted take them to McDonalds as they never been there. But today was so many people!So, we went to a cafe, as everyone was very hungry.
They get used to eat same food at orphanage always. So, they started to buy much food all kinds. I think they just wanted to try something new and bought lots of food :) Poor kids.

Then we went to a entertainment center.They first time ever went on the escalator. Valyusha all the time was afraid. Oh, I'm going to fall down. Oh, how it's not fall down. ;)

We showed them a pet store. They have been amazed to see lots of different animals.

Lots of different beautiful fish, snake, spider, chameleon, turtles and many more

 The most funny. Valya said, I never thought you can buy a cat! Funny girl. Well. In Ukraine you can see lots of running cats and dogs on street, everywhere. You can pick up any, if it does not have owner of course. Many cats and dogs are in orphanages and children feed them. Valya was greatly surprised, why you need go to a store and buy cat, if there on streets lots of free of charge :)

But the most precious teens LOVED a big supermarket! Honestly, we were surprised.
Wow!It is huge! You can buy so many food?!they said amazingly. :)))
So, we showed and taught them how to buy food, what choose etc.

 For some food you need use the weight. We showed and taught how to use it.

 Then was a practice. They took few bananas.

Valya used weight. She was a good student. Sweetheart learned fast and was so excited! :)

"Oh, that's a lot of chocolate! I never seen so many chocolate!" They were blown away! :)
For a long time they could not choose which chocolate they wish.Sweet kids.

When we walked this precious girl was so greatly impressed and asked. Do the store has ice-cream? When I will graduate orphanage(next year), I will come here to buy ice-cream.

Oh, darling you do not need wait a year to buy ice-cream!They were sooooo happy to get some! ;)

Grisha got lost seeing lots of ice-cream, was so impressed that could not choose. Precious kid.

Then they learned how pay for food at cashdesk. "Now I know how to do lots of things in a store, said Sasha. I do not afraid go a store any more." He was so happy!

So, these sweet kids have been AMAZED to be at store! Trust me. Just go to a store buy something it was something very special for them all. They always were greatly impressed by something or overjoyed.

I'm typing teary. Only a little thing can make happy an orphan. Just a simple thing can bring such a great joy to a precious soul, who deprived and has absolutely nothing own. Only something little what for us is ordinary and daily...

Spending all day with them we talked about Jesus answering their questions. When we were ready said good-bye, Sasha said. "I want to be with Jesus in the Heaven". Wow! Amazing! So, two brothers, Sasha and Grisha asked Jesus save them and change their lives. Oh, my!Can be a better blessing?! We were thrilled glorified and magnified God for such unexpected awesome blessing!

Yesterday we did not know how to help him, only comforted through the Bible and pray.Yesterday Sasha did not want to live but today he has a future!Oh, my! I still can not believe!

Please, remember him in your prayers. On Saturday he will go to a trade school, where is lots of criminal, alcohol, drugs. We worry about him. Pray God keep him away from evil and sin. Pray for all 3 kids  they grow spiritually, will come to know God more and He will become so real to them and they become new creations in Him. Pray for them as they have lots of emotional issues.Thank you!Thank you so much for your prayers and support!God is good!!!!

Angels sing a praise!

If you follow our blog a year already. Looking at this photo, I think you can guess already which project we had recently :)

I`m so and so excited to share with what awesome blessings we have!

God has been so good to us, as always and miraculously blessed our project to graduates.Our previous weeks were very busy!

We had meetings with these teenagers before and spoken about many things that to warn them. Knowing that we see them for the last time and these kids think they receive freedom leaving orphanages.We spoken about friendship of boys and girls, love and marriage.The most favorite subject of all teens in whole world :)

We sang songs praising Jesus and played games.

But most important, we having read and learned to use Bible.

What this Book of Life saying about all these important things.

Brother Misha is teaching some Biblical teaching.He likes to draw that explain better to children.

Teens learned to build a home.Just as at house construction in the beginning there is a base, then walls and at the end a roof. Same as and at family creation. At first the friendship between the guy and the girl, then the love and only then comes intimate relations in the marriage. Often teenagers start building their vital house from a roof that involves many consequences.

Also we had a moment.When some guys in turns bit apple.They liked it!

But then Nadya asked everybody, what apple everyone would choose.The whole and nice or bitten already?Would you take bitten apple?Everyone cried out that they would chose nice and whole apple. But Why? Of course, everyone gave the right answer. :) 

Then we explained, whole apple represents a girl, who kept herself for beloved one to be happy in marriage.The bitten apple, is a girl who had not kept herself and had let to "bite" her everyone. Same is with guys.

Same was with rose.Everyone likes nice and whole rose but not without petals.

We remind to these young adults that everyone of them are beautiful and special but for one, for beloved one, whom God already prepared, they have just to wait and be careful.

In all 4 orphanages, all teens loved this subject! We had such great time! Many of them said, they learned many new things.It was such a blessing to hear it.We very hope it will help them in future not make mistakes and keep from a sin.

In the end we gave beautiful gifts, kitchen utensils and blankets, what we could buy thanks to your generously and sincere donations. The kids were amazed that they have their own things! :)

But most, we are happy that we could provide them  Bibles!

In the end as always telling goodbye and many sweet hugs.I ready to cry now...

Beautiful blessings to more orphans

once more blessings in another orphanage

and a lots of sweet souls with awesome blessings!

One of orphanages now has not 9, but 10 classes already. Such way some children, from same orphanage went to the 10th class. They still have gifts that we presented them last year. Therefore, that not to leave them without a gift, we presented to them big "candies". So we called the wrapped up big bathing towels, always the necessary thing which orphans have not after leaving orphanages. Wow! they told having seen a gift. Children very much rejoiced and thanked that they didn't remain unnoticed also.

Such precious souls

Some teens did not want to leave and continued the conversation.Such sweet young men.Our hearts aches knowing they stay alone without support.
PLEASE, remember all orphans, who "age out". Most of them fear to leave orphanages, their "homes", where they felt protected, if it can be so said...

But most AMAZING and unexpected blessing during these visitations we have...That these precious souls asked Jesus saved them and changed their lives!!!Wow!

And these souls in next orphanage!

And these sweet young adults!

And this young lady!Wow!Wow!Wow!Praise God!!!

 "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance." (Luke15:7)

Over 20 dear and beloved young lovies bowed their hearts in prayer to Jesus! We are so excited and praise Jesus!Angels sang a praise, these previous weeks and the Heaven rejoiced!So and so awesome!God is SO good!

"Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." (Luke 15:10)

With humbled hearts we praise and thank Jesus.We absolutely did NOT expect God would bless so miraculously!Oh, my!I do not have enough words to describe you what I feel and have such a pure joy. We are overjoyed! :)))

We are so very grateful everyone of you, who took part in this awesome project! Many thanks for your help and care of these souls.Thanks a lot for your wonderful gifts, what helped to make it real.But most we are so grateful for your prayers! As you can see the result of it. ;)

Please, please, keep pray for these all teenagers.Each of them has their own heartbreaking story. It is so sad...They have so many troubles in their lives...Thank you!

The family is saved!

Look at this precious baby and beautiful mommy!They are saved from street life!We are so excited and soooo happy for them!

 This such young family has hope, future, joy and faith.Oh, my goodness!Can you believe that they have a roof over heads?They feel and see astonished God`s love and His tender care.

These teens not  afraid more and don't think, where they will spend the next night. They in the safe and nice and snug apartment. They are so happy that they have hot water and a place where to sleep!Sasha and Olya are so thankful that you helped them in renting  this beautiful apartment and saved them.They LOVE this apartment and so excited!

We are so thrilled that 3 dear souls are saved from the street life and nightmares!

We are SO grateful to all for your prayers and donations!We are so thankful to taking a part in their lives and to rescued them from horrible and stressful days.Thank you!Thank you!Thank you so much!Thank you to open your such kindness hearts and showing to them, WHAT God can do through His wonderful and amazing love!!!You are awesome!

We have one more wonderful blessing that is connected with this sweet family.Yesterday Sasha said at church, that he would like to be saved from hell, to be child of God and become Christian.We were so surprised to hear that!Wow! How amazing is our Lord Jesus!

I believe, Friends, that your great kindness and surprised God`s love, helped him become a Christian.Through your care, he saw Jesus Christ. :)

Sasha and Olechka are so young family, mother and father, wife and husband.They both stay as children ABSOLUTELY NOT prepared for adult life.They both are so young Christians and it is necessary to learn so many, and so many and so many life skills.Please, remember them in your prayers.Also pray, we can raise enough for renting of their the apartment.As we are far away from our goal yet.Thanks a lot!

I`m rejoice!

I`m rejoice and praise the Lord!I`m happy very much! I Excited and  thrilling!What awesome God we serve!

Let me start this post by saying what a wonderful Saviour we serve! He is so good! He gives us love, strength, peace, power, grace, wisdom, encouragement and joy! He gives us friendship and such wonderful and dear friends!
I want to say thank you SO much for reading updates of blog, sending e-mails and for praying for us in these very hard days in our lives with my beloved sister.It`s such a blessing reading your lovely and warmly e-mails.It melts our hearts because of your Christ love. And brings us encouragement and gives strength to serve the Lord on His field.

No, the trouble with burned house of our mom having not decided yet.It will take many months or even a year or more...Depends how Lord will lead and bless. 

But I`m ok, thankfully of your many prayers.It`s such a blessing to know how many wonderful and loving brothers and sisters in Christ, praying today with us.What a blessing to know that not only in Ukraine but in other countries many Christians lift up their voices to the Lord Jesus.Thank you very much for your prayers!We appreciate it VERY much! 

Here I would love to share with you about a great and many blessings we had today!God is so good!I have not shared yet with you about visits of orphans we had last week.I just had not time.I very hope soon to do that.There is as blessings and heartbreaking moments also.

I will begin in stages.

In the morning, when we prepared for a trip to an orphanage, the calorifier(what gives us a hot water) has ceased to work and as a result there was not hot water. That it is interesting at first worked, and then has suddenly stoped. We with the sister, began it twisted, twirled, tried to repair as that. Nothing helped. At the wrong time. I should wash hair. I wasn't ready to a trip. Again attacks of a Satan? Again obstacles? We with Oksana have smiled, as was a little ridiculous that some days ago we have one trouble, now the next headache. I have started to think. Oh, no! I have not time already. And now also the calorifier it is necessary to be engaged, cause the service-man that would look and has repaired. But when? What day? We have started to pray for that to the Lord. Have gone have tried to make something. Do you know what? It has worked! What a blessing! Yes, certainly we were late for the bus by which usually we reach in this orphanage and have arrived after the usual, probably 40-50 minutes later. But it wasn't a problem. We rejoiced that the calorifier works, we have a hot water and we had enough time to be with kids! The glory to the Lord that He hears prayers!

Next blessing.Some kiddies already had a nap, as we have arrived later.But a teacher had let us take some kids to Bible lesson.When they have seen Nadya, they began to cry because of joy, huged and kissed her.They dressed just in moment! :)

Today meeting was very unusual.

Children asked many times why we haven't arrived last Friday. We weren't here, because of weather.It was very much and very cold. Oh, how we have been surprised when they have told that cried for us because so very much wanted to see us! Also they spoke that pray for us every day. Really, it overwhelms and melts heart.I wanted to cry at this moment.Those, who are left by the parents, those who need a love, a consolation and prayers, they pray for us.Isn`t a blessing to know how they love?How you can not love these God`s treasures?It`s so sweet.They are so precious!

 The next.An One girl the moment later has come and has called me to a corridor.She strongly having huged me, has told that very much has missed. Also she has told, that looks every day at a picture where I am with her and she loves me. It has melted my heart absolutely and my eyes were filled with tears. Certainly having huged her in the answer to her, I also have told that I love her very much and I pray for her.

 The problem consists in that almost 9 months ago when we gave gifts to graduates of an orphanage and had with them last meeting. I have noticed that Nastya sat aside and cried. Having approached to her, I have asked what happened. And she has told to me that at this day she found out that her father doesn't want to take away her on vacation to home and he has left her for ever. Having let know to the director, let does with her what he wants. He doesn't want more to see her and to her destiny he is indifferent.The mom she didn't see many years and she doesn't know where she is.Also Nastya has some brothers and sisters who are in different orphanages now too.What do you think, what she felt at this moment? Listening to her family situation, tears have acted at me in eyes. It was very heavy and heartbreaking to listen to it. My heart was squeezed from it. How? What for? Why? How I can help?

When summer vacations have begun, she has been sent to hospital to live there some time because in the orphanage  would be nobody that will take care of her. Having learned that she is in hospital. I spoke with the director that to take her to my home. He has told that when she will stay at my home and I will return her  back in some time, it will be still bigger stress for her. So in the beginning of summer, some times I visited her in hospital. And our sisters visited her also. The director cared of her that she wasn't on the street. So throughout summer she was in several different places. Such, as this lovely girl Nastya, hundreds and thousand children in orphanages. They go home on vacation, but they aren't waited there, also they aren't desired there. Therefore many children escape from the homes, in search of something better...

 Here is I with Nastya at first day her being in hospital. When I just arrived to her.She has let me know.That she cried all day and prayed that I will come to her.I was so surprised to hear that and God answered her prayer!What a miracle!

Also today Nastya has expressed desire that Jesus has saved her and has changed her life.WOW!What a joy and blessing!I`m so happy for her!

She is 14 years old.In several years she will graduate this orphanage.But where she will go, I have no idea...Please, pray for Nastya and so many same kids, as she is...

There is more. In the beginning of our meeting several children have asked us about something (do not remember) and our conversation was about soul salvation, about a meeting with the Lord etc. Children was concentrated, sat so silently and so attentively listened more than ever in life! Even the most disobedient prankishes sat very silently and the behavior was wonderful.We were surprised so very much! I felt, as the Lord conducted and as if words come out  from my lips, as if it was told not by me. I have understood that the Lord conducts this meeting and the fine moment what to make an invitation to children about soul salvation. Children have started to pray and ask that the Lord has saved them and has changed their life. What it was a joy and such great blessing when we have learned that 15 more children asked Jesus to rescue them!We were soooo happy!It seemed that we are in the Heaven already!What a blessing!!!

This lesson was a bit unusual, that we have made a craft in the beginning. It was also good object lesson.They were very excited to make their own crown. :)

A boy with Birthday gift.We had 2 birthday kids at this time.They loved their gifts!

 Especially children liked to make crown because they could to adorn by glitter.They loved it so very much!

 Aren`t they sweet and lovely?

 Kids enjoyed their own crowns very much.They said all time: "I`m king!" or "I`m queen!"They were so proud of themselves!It was funny. :)

As we speak about the first kings of Israel. Children spoke, well when we already learn who was the third king?

So, they were ready to listen a Bible story.And it was perfect!I was glad to hear they were interested to know about third king.We spoke about king Solomon and about his wisdom.They loved this story very much and listened very attentively!

We used here these figures.

 As I wouldn't want that figures simply stood. It would be desirable to make something unusual. Thanks to the computer, the printer and brads. I have made so the soldier hand can move. In the history when king Solomon has told to split the child on two parts to learn, where the real mother of the kid. I have raised a hand of soldier there with the kid that he was already ready to make an command of the king. Before the hand of the soldier has been hidden behind his back.Children liked it very much.

 But they were more AMAZED when have seen a house of the Lord which built Solomon!Wow!Let us to see!What is that?

They wanted to touch, consider what inside and asked tens questions. They wanted to view each detail there. "It`s  something great! And it was constructed by Solomon?"- children asked.They were excited and amazed VERY much!

When we have learned with them a new song The wise man built his house upon the rock, we played game on fastening. Nadya asked questions on story which they listened. Those who has answered correctly, had the right to attach a puzzle of our big picture. We named this game, "Help to construct to Solomon the house of the Lord". As children very much love puzzles. This game for them was excellent.They enjoyed this game very much and answered on questions correctly.And we were very glad!

In the end we had this picture.

Also in the end we gave them candies.Oh, how they were excited!You know how kids love sweets. :)

We were so happy by this meeting with these precious kids and our hearts were full of joy, so many blessings and sweet moments!!!

But when we came back home, we prayed strongly in our hearts. Because a driver was seemed drunk, also the bus get here and there. It seemed that the bus somewhere will move down aside or will turn over. Now very strong frosts in Ukraine. And for this purpose that to be warmed, many people drink vodka that as a result costs to life of other people. Pray please for our trips and that the Lord would send warm weather because many people suffer because of these frosts and die.But thanks God we got to homes, safely.Praise the Lord!