A huge blessing for the ministry to orphans is the support and presence of our friends from the Second Presbyterian Church of Memphis city – John and Marilyn Whittemore. This venerable couple has been coming to Ukraine for so many years to meet with children, to spend time with them, to hug and simply share their personal affection with others.
During such visits, brother John undertakes all kinds of sporting competitions with children having unnatural for his age energy. And at the same time his wife arranges for master classes on needlework. The employees of Hope to People and a small team of young volunteers visit together with this wonderful couple all the institutions, where the orphans of the Rivne region stay and study. Visiting these facilities they usually conduct classes on the education of Christian values, desperately trying to find out more about children’s needs, as well as organize humanitarian and other assistance within their means. John showed himself as a faithful and dedicated friend to the children, teenagers and teachers. John and Marilyn have committed their lives to serving the children of Ukraine.
The first months of the fall were, too, productive and fruitful in this ministry. In September, on several occasions, we were able to visit orphanages in the village of Verba, Mizoch, Tuchin. We have experienced a lot of blessings out of sharing Christ with the children there. Then, we had an opportunity to discuss the topic “The Trust of Abraham,” and after that we all got engaged in playing games. Children were eagerly making crafts, painted and read Bible stories out of the magazine “The Path.” We’re thankful to all those people who take part in the publication of this wonderful children’s magazine.
Thank God for spending time with the children from the orphanage of Tuchin. Children and teachers are always happy to see us there. While having conversation with the children, we decide to talk this time about Abraham, his life and obedience to God. The hero of faith – Abraham, 4000 years ago, went to the land of Canaan, which is the territory of modern Israel now. God gave him a promise of a son, from whom a great people will come. Actually this story contains the promise of God to us all: “… in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed because you have obeyed my voice” (Genesis 22:1-18).
While in orphanage of Verba, we talked with the children, which sounds a bit funny, of what God is unable to do: to deceive, to allow any sin to come into Heaven, not to love people and so on. God cannot overlook sin and just let it go without punishment. God cannot forgive your sin if you do not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ! Also, we shared with children a biblical account of Cain and Abel. In this story, the most critical thing is – the state of the hearts of the characters as they were sacrificing to God. Abel tried to bring the best in contrast to Cain. The selfishness of Cain, which was manifested during the worship of God, was turned into envy. Envy, in its turn, was replaced with fury. He decided to get rid of Abel once and for all… During this lesson children were able to paint the drawings and learn by heart one Bible verse. Praise God! Thanks to everyone who prays for this ministry in orphanages!
There were interesting meetings with children of the 5th, 6th, 8th grades at the orphanage of Mizoch. We also conducted some considerations on the topic: “Hero – Who Is He?” We talked about the heroes of faith. We ask you to pray for the wisdom of mentors in their communication with children on such topics. Meetings with the children of this orphanage are held on Fridays. We get together to praise God with songs, we read “The Lord’s Prayer” and fill out the exercise book. In the 5th grade, we’ve gone through the topic “Communion with God,” and in the 3rd grade we had the discussion “Excursion on the Nature.” Looking at the nature we had a good chance to study together on how God created the heavens and the earth. In the 6th grade we spoke on the theme “God Is Merciful.” Also, we visited the “Evening of Talents.” Thank God for the teaching staff, who work for God’s glory, and in doing so reveals the capacities of the children. We wish you more wisdom, success, joy, happiness and patience in your special work. May God bless you!
Dear brothers, sisters, friends! We thank God for everyone who gladly participate and contribute in the ministry to orphans, who care about the fate of children graduated from orphanages and continue their education in vocational schools or higher educational institutions, receiving education and specialty. Unfortunately, many orphans have no place to go for the winter holidays. At a difficult time for Ukraine, we’d like to organize a camp for children in the Carpathians since January 8 through 15, 2018. Our primary goal is to show that there is the One in this real life Who truly loves them and wants to have fellowship with them. And that there is a way out of trouble, and there is the hope.
Please pray that God will find people and provide everything necessary to run a Christian camp for teenagers and students who will be able to hear the Gospel all week long. We will be grateful to God and to all who can support us in this ministry!
Valentina Bondarchuk
