Orphans


What comes to your mind when you read or hear the word...
 " Orphan"... Many times, not much registers. Unless you've personally encountered orphans first hand, they are out of sight, and thus out of mind. No one likes to think about a child growing up without parents, in big group homes, some loved, most are not. We do not like to think about children suffering, longing for affection and a hug. In Ukraine alone there are over 100,000 orphans and foster children, and statistics suggest that only 10% are orphaned because their parents die, most are orphaned because their parents are imprisoned, or abuse alcohol and drugs (http://www.worldorphanproject.com/statistics.html). 

The Bible however, tells us... "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."James 1:27... 

If we close our eyes, or to choose to ignore the hurt in the world, it does not mean that pain does not exist. Our eyes need to be open, we have to see that God wants us to care for those in need. No matter where we are in the world. We are to bring light to those in darkness, especially to children, who had no hand in the darkness they've been placed in... let your heart break. Feel something, and let that feeling drive you to a desire to help! Pray, without ceasing! And if it is God's will, join me in prayer for the Orphans of Ukraine.  I hope that this Sunday you will observe "Orphan Sunday"
Maybe God would lead you to adopt, be a foster parent? Maybe he has in store for you to be a missionary yourself to bring hope to children around the world? And maybe he has it planned for you to partner with me... Whatever he has in store, Be Radical. Be active in finding ways to bless others, serve others and share God's love. "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other." John 13:34


Here are some pictures from Yesterday at the Orphanage in Zhovtantsi... It is a special place for my family. It has been five years since our last visit there. And it was the place my mom felt the call to missions, which is why my whole family went on a mission trip in 2003 to Ukraine, which is way we moved to Lviv in 2005 and ultimately I returned September 8th, 2011 because again God has plans for me to work there! 
Blessings and love!



Ed asked this little boy if he wanted to sit in his lap, hesitant the little boy did,
Ed asked him his name, and the little boy just threw his arms around his neck and gave Ed
the biggest hug... it was a precious moment!
We did a craft to go along with the story, " God Loves You"
Then we were able to pass out blankets to every child and worker. They were so happy! And we used it as an opportunity to let these kids know, that there are people praying for them (the ladies who knitted the blankets and donated them to us prayed over each one!) but also that God loves them and that blanket will always be a reminder of that
     In this Orphanage there are 48 kids at the moment, ranging in all ages.



Thanks as always for reading this blog! Thanks for the donated blankets! Thanks for your prayers!
Thanks for your donations! 

If you have more questions on how you can be involved, click the website tab above!



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