YIPPEE! NEW SOCKS!
While Bro. Fisk was here to preach our Soulwinning Conference, God opened the door for us to go into an orphanage we recently stumbled upon. The orphanage is located just a couple of stones' throw from the new land we are purchasing for our camp site. Because I have such a heart for orphans, I felt a big pull towards this land because of the nearby orphanage. We went there on Saturday visitation, bearing an armload of bananas as a gift, hoping to speak with someone about starting weekly Bible clubs there. Because of the bananas we had brought, the nurse on duty explained to us that on Monday (just two days later) was a holiday in Ukraine called "Day of Defense for Children." The Ukrainians that were with us had never even heard of this holiday, but the nurse explained to us that this is a big holiday for these children and their sponsors/donors. She went on to express that, if we had gifts for the children, that this would be the best day to bring them. So, we returned two days later with 72 pairs of socks to present to the children. The orphanage director even gave the microphone to David and allowed him to explain who he was and what he had brought. What an opportunity to promote our church in a good way! (Ukrainians are sometimes very skeptical of Baptists).
We found out that this orphanage only houses children ages 3-7, and there are 60 children in this home alone. I am curious to find out where the children go after they outgrow this one because I would love to keep expanding our orphanage ministry. I noticed a handful of the children with physical needs, but for the most part, they are perfectly healthy. Of course, all of them are beautiful creations of God, and it grieves me to see how many live without a mother or father.
I took many, many pictures of the children, but am only posting a few for you here. We are having those pictures printed and will take them back to the orphanage as a gift. At that time, we will inquire more about the opportunity of having Bible clubs with them. Please pray that God would continue opening this door, if that is His will.
A FEW OF THE ORPHAN BOYS (Aren't their costumes just cute?!)
SOME OF THE ORPHAN GIRLS
ORPHANAGE DIRECTOR.... WE ARE PRAYING FOR MUCH GRACE IN HER EYES!
ONE OF THE ORPHANAGE WORKERS DRESSED AS A CLOWN TO CELEBRATE WITH THE CHILDREN
Hi Jolene! I've checked out your blog a few times but never commented! I hope you don't mind I put you on my blog roll! You can check out my blog anytime too. :)
ReplyDeletePraying for you! What a perfect age to be able to work with...just coming to the understanding of the gospel. And I know that as a mother, your heart breaks and you want to take them ALL home.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's difficult to understand how those children could end up in an orphanage...one look and they captured my heart! They are so precious, and I pray the doors will be opened for you to openly witness to these boys & girls -they are SO cute!!!!
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