One more soul

  The part of our ministry consists in that to help graduates of orphanages on how many as we can. We share with them our food, help with clothes or footwear. We share our houses, with those who stayed on the street. We help them to solve questions that to us under force, or simply we give advice. We help and teach life skills how to wash clothes, iron, how to cook and much more.

  In orphanages children are often left and not taught important life skills. When they finish orphanage and begin "adult" independent life. They don't know from what to begin, also what to decide, where to go and to whom even to turn to a simple council. They a lot of things be afraid to begin or do. Feel uncertain and unsure. In the social environment them often neglect and humiliate. If an orphan are with special needs, a work it is impossible to find.It means those orphans who receive school education at orphanages.Orphanages where children with special needs are very different. And as a result, the broken life, loneliness, emptiness, fear, emptiness that turns over time into indifference and disbelief by all and to all. As a result life on the street or where they find a place to live...

   Here is only little part of life former street boy, without special needs.You can imagine how it`s more heavy for orphans with special needs...It`s scary.

But here I would like to share with you our huge joy. We are so excited and so extremely happy!!!

  Once at the cold night, one of graduates of an orphanage stayed simply on the street.

 Imagine, one at night on street, very cold, you have to remember how cold was last winter and how many homeless people died...
This orphaned girl had no place to go, with worries and fear in heart.Tears, lonely, unloved, hungry, unprotected... Where to go? Where to live? What to do? to whom to address for the help? Hundred questions were twirled in the head during this moment.What could she feel during this moment if she simply stayed on the street???

God loves and cares about orphans, as He promised in His word.

"Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless." (Psalm 10:14)

 This cold night when we learned about this girl, by name of Valya. We found a temporal place of dwelling for her and helped her how many could and how many it was in our forces...She lived in home of Christian sisters.

  So, a week ago Valya expressed desire to ask Jesus to become her personal Lord and the Savior!Wow!What a great blessing!We were so thrilled!

  This is not all. The same day when she asked Jesus to saved her and to change life. Someone called and authorized to live her in a social hostel or dormitory. Valya was so happy that she takes place where to live! She cried out the whole time: "This is miracle!It`s miracle! Only God was able to do it!"

 This is small hostel on 4 rooms for poor people. Where in each room there can live 3-4 persons only 3 months. This rule of a hostel.

Dear and sweet friends, this real miracle! Because it is very difficult to get to this hostel and not each poor person accept.

We are so grateful one more soul is saved!We are so happy one more soul found a peace and calm, love and protecting in Jesus Christ.We are so thrilled one more soul found a hope and sureness, Father and Saviour in Jesus Christ!We, so rejoice that one more soul wasn't lost in this world.We are so extremely happy!!!

We would be so thankful if you remember Valya in your prayers.She has so many physical and spiritual needs.Thank you so much!

I`m going share with you one more huge blessing. Coming back soon! :))) Thank you!

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!

Shoes and clothes

With big burden and sadness i`m writing this post. I told you about orphans in camp before but not all... Because i was going to tell you about that in this special post and it is not only about orphans in camp but about ALL orphans we minister.

We saw the big need of orphans have with shoes and clothes. It is terrible what shoes/sandals they wear!
 Same is with clothes. But i would like to stop here and say about shoes.
Their shoes too big 2-3 sizes more or too small.Also it is broken, worn out much, it hurts their foot or soles, makes callosity or wounds on feets. Boys wear girls sandals and girls wear boy`s.Because they have not other shoes.They wear what they have. Some of them generally have not shoes and they wear shoes of their friends or classmates.

Here are few pictures

 Can you imagine yourself in shoes like these?

Would you like wear sandals like this? Me, no.

Can you imagine yourself in their shoes just in a moment? Imagine they have to wear these shoes all time, because they do not have a choice.They can not buy, they have not parents or relatives or friends who can present a new shoes for them.They just do not have no one, nothing...They can not run and walk in cold or wet weather.They have to suffer and bite the bullet. It is terrible!

An one girl shared with me her little story that she does not have a shoes and she wears shoes of her friend.Her shoes she can not wear because it is already worn out and unfit.Can you imagine you wear shoes of your friend?..

Just in moment I recalled myself  when i was in orphanage. I was about 14-15 years old in this time, the same age as this girl(sorry have not her picture). I was talking with her and did not think to make a picture.
An one person stole my winter boots.It was winter and was very cold. For several weeks I had to wear slippers, because I had nothing. Yes, it was snow outside and frost but I did not have a choice.It was good that buildings is close one to another and I just did run or walked very fast to them. But I could not to play outside at this time.

You may ask but where was caretaker?

Do you know who stole your shoes?
Yes

Did you tell about that your caretaker?
No
 
Why?
I was afraid

Did caregiver see you did not have boots and needed it?
Well. I can not answer on this question, saw she it or no.I do not know.

 Did you tell her about that?
 No.

But why?
I was afraid.

Why?
I was afraid to tell everyone about my this need and others.I was afraid to ask any one to help or ask something.And I was afraid to tell her who stole my shoes.I was frighten very much.Because my mom beat me up often in childhood.

After that I was afraid everything.I was hidden all pain and suffers inside of my soul.This caregiver did beat children also.I was afraid to tell her that I have not boots or shoes.I thought she start to scream and beat me because of that.I remember it very clear like today.Sadly that some moments of our life we can not forget...So, I suffered physical and emotional in this time.

But praise God my aunt gave me autumn shoes for me.Yes, it was several sizes bigger than mine and I looked funny. :) Yes, it was cold in my foots and I knew I should to give back her it when season will finish but I was glad.

This is just very simple example.But i`m sure there are many children who suffer much more.There are many children who have not parents or relatives who can help them.Even they have relatives, they do not take care about these poor kids.These children are abandoned, neglect and forgotten...

We ask you to help in this need.Please...We are Church of Christ, we are Christians we should to show the God`s love and care to these children.

These children like this sweet kitten, who need food, care, attention and love.And these children are beautiful like this sweet girl.Let`s together will not let suffer these precious children!

 Lately I like these verses and love to read it again and again.


"Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. 
Here I think can be children with special needs, who can not speak
Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31:8-9
 And second verse without comments.

So, we open our mouth in our prayers before the Lord and plead Jesus to help orphans, these poor kids in their needs, clothes and shoes. 

And please,we ask you to help.Probably you, your children have clothes or shoes which you not wear. Need sizes 4-35 years old, for small boys and girls, teens and adults(in mental institutions).

If you, your family have not it.Please, tell your friends, relatives, neighbours, even Church will  help orphans in Ukraine.It even can be used clothes or shoes but good.

Please, will you help us to show these kids God`s love and His care? Please, will you open your mouth in prayer together with us before the Lord about need of these orphans?With heavy heart we plead you to help.We appreciate any little step in it. Thank you! God bless you!

Visiting orphans in camp

I`m soooo sorry could not post earlier and made you wait to know what we did in camp with kids last Thursday. I could not do it because of circumstances here and i was sick. Now is little better, thanks God.

So, as i told before, God has blessed much and we had amazing day! The weather was beautiful!

When we just came to the camp and children saw us, they started to run. We even did not expect they will be so glad of our meeting again!What a blessing!Many of them huged members of team so much that it was painful. :))) When we told them about that, they just laughed.They are so funny.

 The program with children was very good too, only children made noise little.In this camp are 130 orphans. I think we had not smaller than 100 kids maybe more and it was little hard with them. But we are happy, even much happy that God has blessed our fellowship! The time was amazing and we rejoicing by this blessing!

You may ask what we did there with children?

We sang several songs what they know, what we learned with them last time and learned one more again. They just love to sing!Our director Misha plays on guitar very well and kids just LOVE it much!

For smallest ones we had puppet show.

Before Bible story Nadya and Lyuba showed object lesson about faith.

Here sisters told Bible story about Daniel. Several boys helped in it and played acts.They were exciting of that!

After that we have played games with kids.

As children LOVE balloons, we decided to play this game with them. Inside of each balloon were hidden words of Bible verse, which children needed to find out and learn.

When a child found out a word, he/she needed to read it aloud and Lyuba wrote words on blackboard.

And in the end we learned the Bible verse. "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;..."  Isaiah 41:10 Children did it real good!

 

Also we have played a game "Pin the tail on the lion".
Children were soooo excited by games and many wanted to play! Sometimes it was hard to chose a child. :)
They pulled their hands up and asked to chose for game.We had a rule, who is sitting quiet will be play in game.

Director Misha gave last words of exhortation to children. Also it was a blessing about 7-9 adults could to hear the Gospel. After program some members of team could to witness to some adults more about God. We are glad God gave us opportunity of that! Praise the Lord!

In the end of our meeting we gave to each kiddoes 1 chocolate candy and 1 banana.They were glad very much to get it! This is not all. They were much surprised when we told that we brought sport games for them. Oh how they were glad, my goodness! It is amazing! WOW!!!We were so glad to see how their eyes seemed shined!

We gave these games to their caretakers and leaders. It was little bit sadly that was not enough games. But it was real blessing to see how children were happy by this joy! Several leaders were glad to let us know.That they are glad by that too, because often they did not know what to do with children, make them busy.We are happy God did it just in time!

When leaders got games, immediately children did run up to their leaders and asked these games!

Here some pictures of playing kids.The team could to play with children also.It was amazing and funny time with kids!

 

Also we could to pass out Gospel tracts to children.

We noticed as in every orphanage children here are thirsty of fellowship as in hot wilderness of water. Really they soooo much HAPPY when anyone come to them and spend time, showing the love and care. Many of them have very sad eyes which are upset and do not have a hope.Many of them have own bad family story.Many of them do not want to speak about their parents, some kids let us know, they dream some one will adopt them.They dream to be in family, in place where they will see and feel all love, protection, hope and future. Ah, it is heartbreaking to know and understand that we can not help in it...It is so sad...Please, pray for these children, God will protect them, give hope and future...

This is not all yet.By the way we decided to go an orphanage where we dyed playground to see and inquire do they need our help more. But really we did not know can we will help them to dye or no.As i said before, we already have schedule for other orphanages. In one of them we are going to come back soon and help again because there not enough workers who can do some work and especially for men.

When we came to the orphanage we were surprised! They finished almost all work! The playground was nice! All benches, floor in classes and in buildings, windows were dyed.We were glad by that! The administration of orphanage was glad to see us and thanked again for paint we bought. But we know it would not be happened without our Lord Jesus who cares about orphans and without all of you, who shows your love to these abandoned and poor kids!Thank you! Just BIG thank you for your help, love and kindness!God bless you!!!

 

Everything is nice!

 

For those who do not know.In Ukraine you can buy fruits or any vegetables in villages by the way on roads. Pensioners( grandmothers -babushka and grandfathers-dedushka)  have a low pension what government pays. So often they sell all they have in their garden, to make money. Also it can be milk, cottage-cheese, eggs, any berries,in autumn -mushrooms etc.Sometimes it is real good!