This is a wonderful story from Karen, our worker in Ukraine. She works at special camps that Orphan's Promise provides for teens and kids who have aged out of the orphanage at age 16. These kids are so vulnerable and easily go astray as most have no training, job skills or any sense of who God is.
Karen writes-
Working with Orphan's Promise in Ukraine, we have put on many camps over the years. Each summer we greet familiar and new faces alike and each summer we strive to love orphans of all ages and point them to their Heavenly Father. We sing songs, we create and we have lessons- it's always a very exciting week! However, it's not all fun and games. The children we work with come from very broken homes, and have stories to tell which are often difficult to listen to. Some of these kids are very challenging to reach. The walls that they have built around their heart leave little room for the outside world.
In spite of the hopelessness that one can often feel when hearing their stories- there were three faces that gave me hope this summer at one of our OP camps.
The faces of Yasha, Nadia and Sergei this year – what a difference
 These three young people were at our camp last year. These were 3 very rough individuals. All three grew up in the orphanage, all three have heartbreaking stories to tell, and yet by the grace of God, all three are currently walking out their own process of redemption. This is how the boys looked when they came to us last year – |
 I think you'll agree, the difference in their faces and demeanor last year, is dramatic. |
They came to our camp this year as 'helpers'-- perhaps not yet mature enough to be leaders themselves, yet they were given responsibility far above what they'd been given before. It was inspiring to watch them shine in these roles- to see them getting excited about being in charge of things and helping create games and knowing that they were being depended on.
During one of the morning sessions, with tears in his eyes, Yasha shared a piece of his testimony to a room full of captive listeners. He shared about how Jesus was changing him. Choking back tears he shared about who he would have become had he not met Christians who came along side him and introduced him to his Heavenly Father. Through his relationship with Jesus he was given hope that he could change, hope that he wouldn't have to end up like his parents or his brother.
It is all too easy to focus on the magnitude of the needs of orphans in Ukraine and end up feeling helpless to make a real difference. However, when I remember the stories like those of Yasha, Nadia and Sergei I can choose to focus on what God IS doing in this nation, how He is speaking to the hearts of his children and how He is using those who are willing to follow Him.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
Terry –
What a blessing to see the changes in these chilren's lives. Now they have a hope for a future and a knowledge that God loves them and has a plan and a purpose for their lives. Thank you for helping to make this happen!
