The Last Bell

Yesterday was a Last Bell in the orphanages. This means that the children went home to relatives or summer camps. It was painful to watch graduates... because they are still children... Where will they go? What awaits them? Where will they be in a few years?.. That`s sad and our hearts are broken for them...

And at the same time it was joyful. We again had the opportunity to see each other and show that they are not alone. Give one more hug and to show and tell that they are loved by God, their Heavenly Father.

Brother Misha had the opportunity to say a valedictory speech.Many tears were shed...

We came not only to say goodbye to graduates but also brought small wonderful gifts.

We collected all the photos of their childhood and made photo albums. Children were delighted!!!

Look, how small I was! This was often heard. :) It was so great to see their joy and delight! ♥

Sounds the last bell for graduates ...

This year we managed to attend the ceremony of the Last Bell in two orphanages. Because they were at different times.That was great!

These little ones were so cute! ♥

One more valedictory speech of bro.Misha in other orphanage

I think that picture is a small gift but dear to the heart. :)

It was so sweet to see the joy of the children ♥♥♥

We hope that these pictures will remind them of the wonderful moments in their life and will remain in their precious hearts forever.

Even, if the children are on summer vacation, our ministry does not stop. There is a lot of work and many other orphanages, where many precious souls are waiting for us :)

Pip Ivan

Here is one of the incredible parts of our wonderful retreat with young people.
In the past blog post I mentioned what the retreat does for young souls. Here I would like to tell you about one amazing day.

One day we hiked to one of the highest mountains in Ukraine, Pip Ivan. We had to walk on uncharted paths 20 km. We were morally ready for difficulties, heat or cold, thirst, hunger, fatigue, when your legs do not listen you and there is no strength to go further, but the incredible charm of nature draws you farther and farther... An incredible desire to see what is going on there, gives the desire to go forward without turning back.

When we arrived in the nearest village of Dzembronya(West of Ukraine) from where we had to start our journey. We were shocked that there was not a single sign where to start the path! OK. This is Ukraine, as we always say. :) Well. How to be? Where to start the way? I rushed around the village trying to find people to ask the way. And you know what? There were no people, not a single person! This village is very small. In my heart, I began to pray that God would show us the way to begin. We knew the way forward, but it was hard to find a beginning. After a while I saw a group of foreigners and among them several Ukrainians. :) It was easy to distinguish. I approached the Ukrainians in the hope they can know the beginning. What was my surprise that they were all going to go to the same mountain at that moment! And showed the way where to start. Where there was not a single sign and I would never have guessed in my life that you need to open the gate and enter the private property where the path to the mountain begins! I ran happily to our group to share the joyful news! And so we started the journey together! I was so happy that God sent this group of people! I thanked God hundreds of times for bringing us at the right time! If we arrived a few minutes later who knows how much longer we were looking for the beginning of the road. Every minute was precious to us. We had to return home before dark.

It reminded me. Often in life at some point, in some area of ​​life, we do not know where to start, perhaps we are feel  lost and confused in life's problems and experiences and do not know the right way. Where there are no signs that would tell us where to go. But there is someone, who will always direct the right path. Jesus is the Way of Truth and Life! He will direct you to people, who know exactly and tell you the right road in life, where you walk along this road you never be lost and enjoy the beauties and delights of life that only God can give. If we are confused, lost, Jesus will definitely show the right way! If we really want to know His will, He will guide us.

When we were halfway through, a cold and piercing wind began. And here we decided who returns, and who will continue the path. Dressed warmer and the bravest and hardy, decided to continue the journey. :)

We were ready for everything but not for the snow on the path!  Honestly, it was the most terrible moment. The snow was very slippery and on a large slope of the mountain. One wrong step and you're downstairs ... It was scary.

Here is a short video of our adventures.
                                

Young people were delighted and amazed with this trip! For many of them it was the first hike! One lady was so very excited and overjoyed that after 20km on the mountains she did not feel tired at all! We did not believe our eyes! For many, it was an excellent experience to experience the cold in the mountains, fatigue, fear, courage, fun, mutual help, what they can do or test themself, inspiration, beauty of God's creation from which breathtaking and as well as for the good of their own souls.

We are so very grateful to all, who made it possible and bless young people with such amazing journey and incredible retreat! They had a blast!!! Thank you very much! Million times thank you!!!! You not only touch precious hearts but it helps in their spiritual healing and restoration!!! ♥ May God bless you!!!

P.S. Young adults often ask me when we are going to mountains again? ;) 

What a retreat does for the young souls?

This unexpected kiss was an invaluable gift! I love all our kiddies in the church and BOM community and it's such a great joy to see them growing along with loving parents warmed by tenderness and care. After all, they all could be in the baby house! But instead they are protected not abandoned by their fathers and mothers!♥♥♥

During three years of public ministry, Jesus would sometimes invite His disciples to 

" Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat." (Mark6:31) These were days of retreat.

Little Edik(the older one) prayed all year that God gave the opportunity to go to the Carpathians again!It humbled my heart, when his parents let me know. We did not know, if it will be possible? What God`s plans? Will God give the opportunity again? The two brothers were so happy that God answered the prayers and they kissed me with happiness! Perhaps this trip was made possible by the prayer of this toddle?! ;)

And so, we managed to do it with God's help few months ago!Young adults along with several church members were able to go to Carpathian mountains for retreat!We all are so grateful to everyone who presented such an amazing gift for these beautiful souls!!! ♥All glory to the alive and almighty God!!!

When we first arrived on the first day everyone was tired, but everyone was delighted that it was done!

 God provided such a beautiful and perfect weather.Every day we did something new that was often very rewarding!

• For the good of the Church we got away for a few days to rekindle relationship with Christ and deepen friendship with Him.

It was such a great blessing to see the young people reading and meditating on the word of God together!How much good it does for the soul!

 We also had the opportunity to hold a church service with several unbelieving souls and even masters of the house! All of them have never seen how the church meetings take place, where the Gospel preaching sounds! God was there! This was evident when some souls shed tears while listening to the Word of God.
"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

•  A retreat acts as an escape to some degree. So, young people escaped from daily routine and their troubles for a few days.

Aren't they cute? Edick, Andrew and Sophia?

•  The young adults could just be themself and lose the fear! 

• Get Inspired and learn something new!Olga was so happy to catch the fish that kissed it! Ha ha! It's a little sad that we did not make a video how she was overjoyed and thrilled! :)))

•  They are motivated to make more positive change and help others.

• It was really difficult physically driving on bikes in mountains but so rewarding to see this breathtaking beauty! ;) It was healing souls and brought so much inspiration and joyful emotions!

• They could allow themself to be free!

Everyone was delighted, when we went to a small mountain with young children!

• They are inspired for anything new!

So Lovely! ♥

• By experiencing new things the young souls change for a good!

This retreat was beautiful, great and amazing! To be continued...Come back soon to find out the second part! ;) 

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Thanksgiving at church

Yesterday our local Bible Baptist Church Charity had a Thanksgiving. It was such a lovely and beautiful day!

In Ukraine, it is also called the Harvest. But our Church celebrates Thanksgiving but not harvest. Everyone in our church thanks and share a testimony of what God has done for a year in his life. Mainly Protestant churches celebrate this day in Ukraine and every Church decides itself, when to celebrate this special day.

It was so fun to prepare and decorate with the young people, who are great helpers!

Preaching of our Pastor Misha was great that touch the hearts of many. The songs, testimonies of young people and their gratitude to the Lord melted and warmed the heart...

The hall was full and there were no seats. Awesome blessing!

The corridor was filled with childrens trolleys, so we had to find a new "parking" for the youngest newborns. Ha ha!

Every year is special. So this year was special also. So, we are grateful to God for the many new young people and many children :)

For those, who have returned to the Lord.

For those that you see how life changes. And many, many other wonderful and amazing blessings! I wish I would have a time to share about all!

Zhenya become such a beautiful young lady! Precious smile. ♥

 We are so thankful to bro. Kevin, who sent us new tables from U.S., what help us in many ways. :)

And paper plates, napkins sent from U.S.  made desks look very pretty as well. Everyone loved it!

 After the church service, we had a lunch or supper of love, where everyone can fill their bellies as well as the hearts. :) Our church consist somewhere 70% of the former orphans. Basically, all malnourished ... So for many it was a special time. 

Every Sunday our church feeds the hungry orphans. But during the holidays more food than usual :)

 "Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? "

(Isaiah 58:7)

Everyone had a lovely and beautiful day. Outside was cold but inside was warm and sweet. No, we do not have heating yet. It is very cold in buildings now! But it was warm because of sweet and lovely spirit. In the end, all former orphans receive food, fruits and veggies. All were happy :)

But again. We would NOT have so many wonderful blessings without your precious love and generous support! So, we THANK you ALL for your astonishing God`s love, tender care and fervent prayers!!! Thank you VERY MUCH!!! Much love to all! ♥

Fun, fun, fun!

Several weeks ago God gave us opportunity take the young people to a zoo near Kiev. This new zoo opened about 2 years ago. The young adults were soooo very excited and delighted! As most of them never been in zoo!Such a big crowd had such a wonderful time!

A little more than 2 months ago 5 beautiful baby lions were born in this zoo.

 All left their mark making a huge postcard congratulation. The kids were amused.

A worker zoo saw a huge crowd of curious, he bring out baby lion of the cell.

Everyone was overjoyed to admire, touch his hair and pet him! There was so much excitement and admiration!!! Oh, my!!! Baby lion is soooo very cute and lovable! Is not it?

We were surprised but this day could be free to eat watermelon.

All happily enjoyed. Oh, poor woman did not have time to cut a watermelon for such a huge crowd. Ha ha!

In the zoo more than a hundred animals!Many of the animals we saw for the first time in life!It was awesome time!

Cute!

Never seen a white kangaroo!

Oh how beautiful jaguar! Look at the pattern it! The spots are evenly spaced and look like flowers. Amazing!

Beautiful big cat!

Oh, look the white lion!!! Look at its mane.

White lioness beautiful and graceful...

Lots of different monkeys

I love Sophia`s expression! :)

I like monkey forelock . It's so cute. :)

There you can feed the animals with food purchased on the territory of the zoo.This is so exciting!

All looked with interest camel

Oh, I love long ostrich lashes. So pretty! ;)

Flamingos, black and white swans swimming on a beautiful lake. Where on the coast is a nice castle. The administration tried to liken to  Disney castle.

Stately and friendly rhinoceros. Everyone wants to touch his horn.

The territory has a free trampoline for children, where they can jump even all day long. That is nice.Thus our little monkeys jumped enough. :)))

The territory has a small farm where you can closely communicate with animals to stroke and feed them.

All the children were delighted! They shouted and rejoiced! Besides Sofia. She was scared for a some reason.

This picture makes me laugh for a some reason. Ha ha! Brother Misha loves all animals and always find an approach to them so that all the animals are running to him and communicate with him. Maybe he has to work in a zoo? lol

Yasya felt like the heavens because the small goat licked her! Apparently thanked Yasya that fed her. :)

Oh, so very small and so cute horse!

Pelicans are so huge and gorgeous! Wow!

This pelican thought that the camera is something to eat. Pelican tasting and turned a funny photo.

Oh, my look at this sooooo gorgeous tiger! Makes me speechless. His eyes are simply amazing... Drowning them like in the bottomless ocean... White tiger is amazingly beautiful!

Just great that the territory made such a nice playground.

Our kids had fun.

But the most amazing thing is that everyone really loved the giraffes.They are suitable stretches its long neck and you can get a closer view of them.

The most cool thing is that they can be fed with a hand! Wow!

All children and adults have been like in seventh heaven! Ha-ha! Everyone was overjoyed that could feed the giraffes! Joy and delight knew no bounds!

                            

Having so many wonderful and joyful emotions, all the happy back home. Young people were so grateful for this wonderful and beautiful day! They were thrilled!!! Everyone thanked and said that it was the most amazing day. They received so many stunning emotions! They and little kids will remember this special day for a long time :) ♥

Our special thanks to a sweet lady from the United States who presented this special day in the lives of young people. Thanks to the generosity, love and care, the  young people were so happy and asked to thank those, who made this possible. ;) Thank you very much! Enormous thank you for your kindness and love to these precious souls! You are amazing! ♥♥♥