Our mission team has been home for quite some time but thoughts of Ukraine and our kids are still with us at all times. The orphans are in our prayers constantly. We pray they know God is still with them even though we have gone home. We pray they understand that Jesus chose them to be on His "team" (one of the points we really tried to drive home). We wanted these children to know, without a doubt, that Jesus loves them, chose them, and will never leave them.
God answered our prayer about ministering at Fontanka. We were not real sure we were going to be able to go there. Igor made a few phone calls to the director and, because of their close relationship and because the director desires for these boys to hear the Word of God, we were allowed to go. The 2nd week our team was in Ukraine, we were able to go to Fontanka. We had only a few days to go there before we had to leave Odessa.
Time at Fontanka was precious. Last year there were 20 boys and this year there were 40. We made new friends and all of us who were together last year were very happy to see each other again. Every day we did relays, played games, taught our Bible story through skits or puppets and sang lots of songs. One of the boys, Viktor, even got up and led the group in "The wise man built his house upon a rock". I was so proud of him. These boys have been really learning and understand the Bible. Igor and Lela have been teaching these boys about God's love for the last few years. The director has even gone to the government and received permission to teach Christian principles at this detention center. He cares about these boys.
The kids love craft time and loved making balloon creations. They look us right in the eye and give us the biggest smile. They are full of love yet they are full of uncertainty and fear. Most of them have had a very hard start in life. Many were homeless and brought in off the streets. The streets are hard...they have to do what ever it takes to survive, so many have committed crimes and many had to have help with their drug and alcohol addictions. They are so young and still look very innocent. This life was not their choice. They need hope and they need help.
Our teenagers and adults saw them as the children of God that they are and were full of love for these boys. We loved hugging them and playing games with them. We gave them clothes that our friends, churches, and families donated. They couldn't say thank you enough.
We also left all our craft supplies with their art teacher. She was thrilled to receive this gift. She took us to their art room and showed us a huge display of things the boys have created. They are going to sell them in a craft show.
They also have a little orchestra now, which is new. They gave us a little concert before we left on our last day and we were so blessed. We bought a guitar to use while we were there so we gladly donated it as well.
We know God is moving in this this orphanage. He has plans for these boys and many of these boys have accepted Him as their savior and king. The one's who were saved last year still had His light shining in their eyes. Salvation is real and Jesus IS with them. They have His joy even in their circumstance. God loves them and we love sharing this love with them.
I will be posting some slide shows eventually. Until then, feel free to go to the Picasa web page where you'll see more pictures than you dare look at! As you look at them, allow God to speak to your heart about what He would like you to do for His children. He commands us to take care of them. Should we adopt? Should we give financially to missions? Should we go? Should we pray? I know God will speak to us. We just have to listen.
http://picasaweb.google.com/PamDeFrees
