- Update - January 2010
- Ukraine Orphanage Building Progress (Video)
- Ark Orphanage - Novovalinsk
- L'viv Theological Seminary
- Support the Ukraine Outreach
Update - January 2010
Christmas can be a very sad and lonely time for orphans. Thanks to the bible college students from the L’viv Theological Seminary this was not the case this past Christmas. More than 700 orphaned children received a small wrapped gift and heard the Good News of our Savior's birth through a special drama. These children were filled with joy as they realized they were not forgotten.For the past number of years, these ministry teams load into the van purchased through the support of our viewers and spend time with orphaned children from the state-run orphanages, showing Christ’s love. Students take time out of their busy week to read stories, play games, and even feed children who don’t have families to care for them. While visiting the centers, they offer their services to help the staff in cleaning and/or doing minor repairs and painting. When they arrive they usually have food and or small gifts for the children, letting them know they are not forgotten and that they are special to Jesus.
A young Canadian girl named “Elli Rose” had a desire to run an orphanage for Ukranian children. Unfortunately she was killed in a tragic car accident, so her parents took up the challenge to see her dream become a reality. The Ark Orphanage located in Novovovalinsk has been undergoing renovations to expand their outreach from 25 children to approximately 150 and dorms have been dedicated in memory of Elli Rose. Construction of walls, tiling of floors, electrical wiring and dry walling has been completed. Work continues on the kitchen facilities, fire safety systems and exterior building repairs. Volunteers from Canada have painted “New Testament” murals on the walls. As these children walk the halls each day, they will be reminded that Jesus loves them.
Thank you to those who have helped us in the past and we ask that you continue to remember them in your prayers. Although we have accomplished much, we are wanting to continue to send the ministry teams and finalize construction at the orphanage. Please continue to partner with us in supporting our Ukraine outreach.
Ukraine Orphanage Building Progress (Video)
Ark Orphanage - Novovalinsk
In 2006 Reynold and Kathy visited Ukraine and discovered two compassionate ministries that reach out to orphans. One group is called the "Ark Orphanage" located in Novovalinsk.At that time, the "Ark" was caring for approximately 25 children. This indigenous ministry was working hard to complete a new orphanage that would allow them to increase the number of orphans to approximately 150. The two dorm wings were dedicated in memory of "Elli-Rose" a young Canadian teenage girl who died tragically in 2005 in a car accident. It was her desire one day to marry a Ukranian man and commit her life to caring for Ukranian orphans. Her parents have taken up the challenge to honour her memory with helping to make Elli-Rose's Place a reality. Though these children come from such hurtful pasts, they are shown love and given a family at the Ark Orphanage.
This is a picture of Tammy Bartel - mother of Elli-Rose. She is standing in front of the new orphanage that is under renovation.
L'viv Theological Seminary
The other excellent work is actually a Bible college - the L'viv Theological Seminary. They have orphanage care teams going out every weekend to love on children in state run orphanages. We were greatly impressed with the love that was shown to these children. Many of these kids have severe handicaps and need consistent expressions of God's love to show them how special they are to Jesus.Kathy and I met a young man named Stephan. He does not know who is father is and his alcoholic mother rejected him when he was a toddler and signed him over to the state. He touched our hearts with his kind and gentle way. He has come to faith in Christ as a result of the L'viv Seminary students visiting him every week. He, one day, wants to attend the Seminary.
Mercedes van purchased to transport children's ministry teams to help in Ukraine orphanages. Thank you for your support!
Support the Ukraine Outreach
Please join with us and help us provide education, and special care for orphans and vulnerable children in the Ukraine. Make a donation to the Ukraine outreach.
