Pictures of ABC Kids and Caregivers

Dasha sent me some pictures of the precious ABC Children and their caregivers. Thanks to all our sponsors who donate so that we can provide for the daily needs of these children. Please pray for the children and their caregivers, especially that the children will find their "fovever families."

Abandoned Babies and Children

We currently have 25 children we are providing for at Hospital #2 in Gorlovka, Ukraine. They range in age from newborns to toddlers. While the Payne's are in the United States, Dasha is in charge of purchasing and delivering the supplies needed each month for the children. Dasha is doing a great job and learning a lot as well. Please keep the children in your prayers, especially that they will find "forever families."

Passing On the Faith

On August 20, 2005 Valentina, one of the babushka's in our church family, was baptized into Christ. She had been attending classes and worship for several years when she decided to give her life to Jesus. Less than six months later Valentina and her husband moved to Russia to be closer to their children. While she was excited to be closer to family, she hated to leave her church family. Recently she visited with us while in Gorlovka. She met with the babushkas at class on Wednesday and shared an interesting story. These are her words through translation...

"When I moved I missed my spiritual family so much. I sat and cried for many days. For almost a year I was sad and feeling depressed because I missed my church family and I could not find another one in the city where I now live. Then it occurred to me, I can start a spiritual family. So I talked with several of my neighbors and invited them to my flat for a Bible study and for tea. Now we have about five ladies who gather every week, just like we did in Gorlovka."

She asked me if I could give her some resources to help her lead the studies with these ladies, which I was glad to provide for her. Please be praying for Valentina and her group of students. I am reminded of the passage in Acts that says, "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went." (Acts 8:4)

The photos are of Valentina with Katya and Valentina (far right) with six other ladies who were baptized on the same day.

The ABC Children

This week I bought pampers for the Baby Hospital and took pictures of some of the children. For those who have never bought pampers for more than 30 children at a time, I included a couple of pictures of my car with the pampers loaded. Please keep the children in your prayers that they will be healthy and that they will soon have forever families.

Church Family New Years Eve Party

Our Annual New Years Eve Party was Sunday evening December 30th. The Sunday School class enacted the Nativity Story for us to enjoy. We had a talent show, a great meal and played "Dirty Santa" (a perennial favorite here!). We had a great evening of fun, food and fellowship.

Singing with the Children

Today our Sunday School classes visited several elderly people in our neighborhood to sing carols and give them a bag of candy. The kids had a great time and the babushka's were grateful for the attention from the children.

Work is continuing at Sasha's Home. With each passing week it looks more like the welcoming environment that we envision for the precious children abandoned in Ukraine. The balconies are being tiled, the breezeway is almost entirely sheet rocked, the ceilings are having the crown moulding installed and then painted, and the bathrooms are being completed. It is truly amazing how this building is being transformed into a wonderful apartment community for the children. Please continue to pray for the project and our workers. Also remember that all donations are welcomed - and matched!