tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86721763458282310722024-03-05T08:31:23.472-08:00GRACE TO UKRAINEa Christ centered hosting and outreach program for the orphaned and impoverishedGrace to Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078856967322352518noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672176345828231072.post-71153078301367200212016-03-05T15:43:00.000-08:002016-03-05T15:52:10.163-08:00I CANNOT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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At least every 4 months or so, I get discouraged in ministry. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so I NEED these occasional trips to Ukraine to keep me focused. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Whenever I come here, I am reminded of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>WHAT I am called to do and WHO has called me to do it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class=""> As I take time to evaluate the source of my occasional discouragement, I see that it is always other people. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span class="">Sinful people, just like me. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span class=""> Just being honest here but</span></span><span class=""> I generally find that people do not live up to my expectations. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span class="">The children we serve do not disappoint me. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span class="">God certainly does not disappoint me. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span class="">But people; </span>well, they often do.</div>
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And when that happens, I begin to take on burdens I was never called to carry. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I always fail, of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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God has given us at Grace to Ukraine a specific task: take care of the spiritual and physical needs of the orphaned and poor in Ukraine. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I am doing that, there is success. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am obeying. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am fulfilling my calling, and God is glorified.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When I go beyond that, and take up a burden not given to me, I crumble beneath the weight of it all. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I simply can not insure that there are no failed adoptions. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can not guarantee that a child will not get their hopes up of being adopted and then be rejected and heart broken yet again. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can not find families for every orphaned child. I can not. I can not. <span class="">I CANNOT!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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But God CAN!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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We are broken people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All of us. Including me. I will disappoint others. And they will disappoint me. We, none of us, will ever live up to each other's expectations. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if we keep our eyes on each other, what others are doing, and not doing, then we will get discouraged. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not maybe. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not sometimes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But for certain. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Always.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKEOKOP4jz2nfn5kXwn9vswez3XvMkiFBH4dWnEBWhfjR9x-7Ms_rpq5G9EoyTwIisp7OIl5kxpNjCCsX4vIIIsp_hFqcfOZ1b3XguvFCKr749OFhIF8lBLWj28ckweZa3f9vHpn2Aqq5/s1600/12819402_1128459537165692_9004807304876936827_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKEOKOP4jz2nfn5kXwn9vswez3XvMkiFBH4dWnEBWhfjR9x-7Ms_rpq5G9EoyTwIisp7OIl5kxpNjCCsX4vIIIsp_hFqcfOZ1b3XguvFCKr749OFhIF8lBLWj28ckweZa3f9vHpn2Aqq5/s200/12819402_1128459537165692_9004807304876936827_o.jpg" width="200" /></a>And so I come to Ukraine. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I look into these eyes and I remember my calling. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember that God Himself has spoken and said: pure and undefiled religion before ME is this: visit orphans and widows in their distress, and keep yourself unstained by the world. Whoever is kind to the poor, God says, honors me.</div>
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It is here, in this far away country, that I always find my way back to God. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the failures, the disappointments, the brokenness, and the tears, I see God's strong, sure, never-ending love for these children and I am satisfied. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I give him the burdens I was not supposed to take up and once again I am free to do ONLY what HE has called me to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">It may not be much. And to the world, it may not seem to be enough. But to me, it is everything. </span></div>
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Grace to Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078856967322352518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672176345828231072.post-28446916670206729422015-09-05T06:25:00.000-07:002015-09-08T06:33:12.391-07:00It's God's Story, Not Ours<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="s1">It is a season of life with many personal challenges. It is not always easy to focus on Ukraine. And yet I am thankful for technology and the daily reminders of children longing simply for love, and families answering the call. I see God working in so many ways that I increasingly realize this is His job, not mine. In fact, my new motto this year is : “As long as God keeps working, I will keep going”. Grace to Ukraine is diligent to do what we believe God has called us to do: caring for the orphaned and poor of Ukraine. It is so clear, however, that it is God who ultimately does the work. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEW7y4RrQfcfm-Wo9BrIl8yS33fYFoZgq4Na-3zKXarzT5QZmMRyk48muL_SmXL021YgOm51hWk_Hk35ZTGKxOA6jmYKxP_8Hw_Qpl5NVyyik3RxSVMSDDvSpLa6g_Y8LylGkDRgGXi-Sn/s1600/11929962_723870137719766_1755034534_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEW7y4RrQfcfm-Wo9BrIl8yS33fYFoZgq4Na-3zKXarzT5QZmMRyk48muL_SmXL021YgOm51hWk_Hk35ZTGKxOA6jmYKxP_8Hw_Qpl5NVyyik3RxSVMSDDvSpLa6g_Y8LylGkDRgGXi-Sn/s200/11929962_723870137719766_1755034534_o.jpg" width="150" /></a><span class="s1">Several recent stories convince me of this. Dima had been hosted many times before and had said no to adoption several times. I did not intend to host him last summer but my son, his best friend, told him I would. And so we hosted Dima. Here in Alabama he met his forever family. The perfect family for him. Just this week his family finalized the process in Ukraine, making Dima, as well as Dasha, another young lady we hosted, part of their forever family. God’s ideas trump our own. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPDId11GLi4Io_vRWlM5VSjMmgpwGaX79bSTr9oKto3tZk6e7wxl19cVRWreZxmekfwCu-vWHLwO7eI-yJsQVsFtmkpa50WFJvbQV6ffAfY6gus3KZpZ0H5TL6aLCRpl0NvGRYBMjwVQ1/s1600/11230971_1008297959181851_1504113428760843404_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPDId11GLi4Io_vRWlM5VSjMmgpwGaX79bSTr9oKto3tZk6e7wxl19cVRWreZxmekfwCu-vWHLwO7eI-yJsQVsFtmkpa50WFJvbQV6ffAfY6gus3KZpZ0H5TL6aLCRpl0NvGRYBMjwVQ1/s200/11230971_1008297959181851_1504113428760843404_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="s1">And then there’s Larissa. I met her 4 years ago while hosting her in my home for a week. After that, she was placed into foster care in Ukraine even though there was a local family pursuing her for adoption. That family continued to pray for Larissa and longed to one day bring her back. It just so happened that we hosted from Larissa’s orphanage this year. And Larissa, no longer in foster care, contacted me and asked if she, too, could come to America. That family, longing and praying for her for 4 years, has been able to spend the summer with her and hope to complete the adoption process this year. God is never limited by circumstances. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6gDN2YuyOzvtocoHR90yAvT-Z1NeRY9jf02kVBGGPhoLMGYRnCKGTiIzG-Jdv1O2a_l-0ETtH6Cuptu2eRSCgYP-1BSb84mXVWWWizyjh12zSArtFxUDntV33i5H42fWJrskSLYsZxT0/s1600/11052016_10206662630431585_7507350015518675507_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6gDN2YuyOzvtocoHR90yAvT-Z1NeRY9jf02kVBGGPhoLMGYRnCKGTiIzG-Jdv1O2a_l-0ETtH6Cuptu2eRSCgYP-1BSb84mXVWWWizyjh12zSArtFxUDntV33i5H42fWJrskSLYsZxT0/s200/11052016_10206662630431585_7507350015518675507_n.jpg" width="150" /></a><span class="s1">A few years ago a woman came by our booth at a Junior League market and bought an ornament with a child’s picture . She told her daughter about GtU and gave her the ornament. Her daughter checked us out on social media; read a blog about Vova and felt God’s calling to adopt him. And he didn’t come alone; his sister came as well. A sister whose picture was on the ornament given to her that hung on the family’s Christmas tree. God is in the details. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT02eflbJxyhHY0QeubMTeSrl7MY9MsZxy-sv8KmY1f8y2EFVWn33nDcdxqai5Svt49fMP5qYQkq3y8O2PHoTu-8w6aqJavYlnO52nHHhLHTc1JNksW6MKnT3PRo9CIwxM6vdKhEJUMhst/s1600/11539071_1003707469640900_389290394633289567_o+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT02eflbJxyhHY0QeubMTeSrl7MY9MsZxy-sv8KmY1f8y2EFVWn33nDcdxqai5Svt49fMP5qYQkq3y8O2PHoTu-8w6aqJavYlnO52nHHhLHTc1JNksW6MKnT3PRo9CIwxM6vdKhEJUMhst/s200/11539071_1003707469640900_389290394633289567_o+%25281%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="s1">There is a brother and sister for whom I have advocated for several years. Luda is my daughter’s best friend. She has literally begged for a family. Frankly, I was about to give up on them. Luda turns 18 this year and Zhenya turns 16. Once November of this year rolls around, these two will be ineligible for international adoption. A family near us has stepped forward and begun the process of adopting these two teens. I am so glad God does not give up. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Oh and the sweet girl I met in the spring. She introduced herself to me and said “I want a family.” I simply cannot carry such a burden. But God can. A woman met her this summer. A woman who speaks Italian. Perfect, because this sweet Ukrainian girl has traveled many times to Italy and they were able to communicate during hosting in Italian. Only God could weave this story. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">I could go on and on. The two brothers whom we have known for many years; hosted several times; and who were evacuated from the war zone, now being pursued by a family God sought out. The FOUR siblings I thought would never have a chance (especially with one having special needs), now being loved and pursued by a family who has always wanted a LARGE family. The woman I met at a fundraiser who brought home a brother and sister in February of this year. In fact, there are 14 children we have previously hosted who are right now being pursued for adoption. </span></div>
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And while we rejoice in the adoption stories being woven, there are at least 12 other children we have previously hosted who desire to have a forever family. Some of these children can travel to America this winter and stay in host families. Then there are other children who cannot be adopted or who do not want to be adopted. Children and families impacted by the war in Ukraine. Children with special needs for whom we can make life in Ukraine more comfortable. Orphan graduates we can mentor. If you want to know more about how YOU can be a part of all their stories, please contact us by email and be ready to be amazed at what God can do! </div>
Grace to Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078856967322352518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672176345828231072.post-29617365442468549872015-06-20T10:54:00.000-07:002015-06-20T10:58:05.055-07:0048 hours and counting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In two days, 12 precious children will arrive from Ukraine and be in Alabama for 4 weeks. A lot of time, money and effort goes into this. My family makes great sacrifices, not just during the few weeks that the children are here, but for months leading up to this day. Sometimes we get tired. Sometimes I complain and say I am not sure I can do this again next year. </div>
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There is a reason that my friend, Marilyn, two years ago made me this plaque: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXtNmAJfrrw65QARQRYWEYreIS0ECbdoS_GsFmg2QlAJQYnLKUrtu8JQW_pJrDErDplQ1lRruVo9Qj1nkUbo9SXlt0CqkjYhd1o5Ec4MvA20BewJ3MT-T6pD-jCM-BTnE6Vk4dsDzDtsh/s1600/IMG_5848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXtNmAJfrrw65QARQRYWEYreIS0ECbdoS_GsFmg2QlAJQYnLKUrtu8JQW_pJrDErDplQ1lRruVo9Qj1nkUbo9SXlt0CqkjYhd1o5Ec4MvA20BewJ3MT-T6pD-jCM-BTnE6Vk4dsDzDtsh/s320/IMG_5848.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
There is a reason, in our family devotional time, God landed us right here in 1 Corinthians 2 nights ago: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9P6FB2MjqrBz5HIyiRsfotMd7NJ8so5OUsaLvyqCqAK9LHgJ-Q4Y6Rd-qIk7zzBbvKVWGyZUcn7KiKkdCVVzrqV_8AIS1LSC2XYQK-a7E8whFTJmbTdXxKnA9D5Kh-KTAdUFGPZYvx5pn/s1600/IMG_5849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9P6FB2MjqrBz5HIyiRsfotMd7NJ8so5OUsaLvyqCqAK9LHgJ-Q4Y6Rd-qIk7zzBbvKVWGyZUcn7KiKkdCVVzrqV_8AIS1LSC2XYQK-a7E8whFTJmbTdXxKnA9D5Kh-KTAdUFGPZYvx5pn/s320/IMG_5849.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If these 12 children were <i>just</i> 12 children, I think I would give up. But they are not. They are 12 children who have been orphaned. And God commands me to care for them. There are many, many ways to do that. But for now, God has given me and those who support Grace to Ukraine, the grace to care for them them in this way. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2teVwg4V_3s07ZyWLKq6mjo4ekTmtPFHYMvmES99QWLrc40fnmsaMxuMxU2ioff4MSDoGvXoC-PGLWkWB1Dttne3h2CMXqKGD_d4O9LLc0vdNGxxS9uRWOLwGaS4JmbaP6ziTxgMJ_FHN/s1600/IMG_5851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2teVwg4V_3s07ZyWLKq6mjo4ekTmtPFHYMvmES99QWLrc40fnmsaMxuMxU2ioff4MSDoGvXoC-PGLWkWB1Dttne3h2CMXqKGD_d4O9LLc0vdNGxxS9uRWOLwGaS4JmbaP6ziTxgMJ_FHN/s320/IMG_5851.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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And as I sit here this morning, looking out over the empty pool in my backyard, knowing that Tuesday it will be full of screaming, laughing, orphaned Ukrainian children, I am overwhelmed by the GOODNESS of God who allows me to do this. Not only do I get the privilege of caring for them in a tangible way: good nutrition, clothing, fun, education; I get the immeasurable honor of sharing the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ with these children. For they are also 12 souls who are lost. And they will have the opportunity to hear this Gospel of hope and take it back to their orphanage, their friends, their country. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5cIdPlS8hRRzlKowLrQPqKB3bXX7yGksIbVpJ864tAQlg_-aNnokdS198jhW-oKMrI3gaLR-HFo04XRH1U1YnfdVKB7G4a6pBS-fvZzcQ3WIqRVCDSk5tGYGPhU-mOTxninroHInfnAW/s1600/10869646_957374734274174_7959073455475770224_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5cIdPlS8hRRzlKowLrQPqKB3bXX7yGksIbVpJ864tAQlg_-aNnokdS198jhW-oKMrI3gaLR-HFo04XRH1U1YnfdVKB7G4a6pBS-fvZzcQ3WIqRVCDSk5tGYGPhU-mOTxninroHInfnAW/s200/10869646_957374734274174_7959073455475770224_o.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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The preciousness of this gift, as well as the gravity of it, lays heavily on my heart today. As I read through 2 Corinthians this morning, I am encouraged that although I am not sufficient in myself, God provides a greater sufficiency, (3:4); I am empowered by the knowledge that in the hope of the power of the Spirit, I can speak boldly (3:7-18); I am motivated to show mercy and grace because it has been shown to me (4:1-6) and I am strengthened in my tired, hard-pressed, and discouraged body to continue speaking, advocating, and pleading because I KNOW the God who has conquered death. (4:7-5:21).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2dj9EsItvYnEvO5-NnVDuaSlwnbS7MzgVFe3oxXzSnLGlf2FdvzY7ndHgzuOfNIImizgz8lnDvz7Oz_B87tVEg3-fn4WjM5HZI4yqm-3unRGj0BDT4y5hnhrL3S_TxC_r4eVPBGSWoVq/s1600/11194446_972181682793479_4350287597395577996_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2dj9EsItvYnEvO5-NnVDuaSlwnbS7MzgVFe3oxXzSnLGlf2FdvzY7ndHgzuOfNIImizgz8lnDvz7Oz_B87tVEg3-fn4WjM5HZI4yqm-3unRGj0BDT4y5hnhrL3S_TxC_r4eVPBGSWoVq/s200/11194446_972181682793479_4350287597395577996_o.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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My Christian brothers and sisters, do not look at the things which are seen; they are temporary. I urge you to look at the things which are unseen; for they are eternal. What does this have to do with your hosting program, you might ask. This: don't think about meals as a way to feed 12 hungry bellies. Don't think about trips to the water park as a waste of money. Don't judge us for focusing our efforts on Ukrainian children and not another ethnicity. Don't come to our home just to have fun and play. I urge you, see each child as a lost soul in need of salvation; see each opportunity as an act of serving up the Gospel in a beautiful, God-glorifying way. See your own obedience in caring for orphans as the true religion that it is and be encouraged, along with me, that our work is not in vain. <b>EVER</b>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Fw3pIJ75lINgIL2h0NyvkLqqSxtAt-InR1RkwHWE58ItPXuZRnOobmJxYqwjjIABLvN-Iwdc_EOLSr84n0yXeCve38py_DaD-r9UaVZDSBjw7DLWDH7H9LYviuOcFt5aVAmq5U7UjNxO/s1600/IMG_1596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Fw3pIJ75lINgIL2h0NyvkLqqSxtAt-InR1RkwHWE58ItPXuZRnOobmJxYqwjjIABLvN-Iwdc_EOLSr84n0yXeCve38py_DaD-r9UaVZDSBjw7DLWDH7H9LYviuOcFt5aVAmq5U7UjNxO/s200/IMG_1596.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="text-align: justify;"></span><br />
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I feel certain I won't blog again until these children have returned to Ukraine. In their country, most of these children are held in low esteem, discriminated against, referred to in a disparaging way as "gypsies". I recently even saw a statistic that said there were no "orphans" in western Ukraine; they all exist in eastern Ukraine. I thought "Ha! Interesting, since I am about to host 12 of those non-existent orphans." Maybe these gypsy children are even overlooked by the statistic-makers. No matter. While in my home, these 12 children shall be treated as royalty. And I, their servant. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRJtQXkCg8pJe0MzjJIcqIutnZmbmxfSn9sGy5-tjZiPRx_aAsHomu_-n3KgAGnlKzCZv13yTPZDr0ijnaHBvT5o1BZgI_a8Qs_AJ7YP7ABX0DUUVqYZesc86JnI-7MECz-hmT0RzkKj7/s1600/IMG_1560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRJtQXkCg8pJe0MzjJIcqIutnZmbmxfSn9sGy5-tjZiPRx_aAsHomu_-n3KgAGnlKzCZv13yTPZDr0ijnaHBvT5o1BZgI_a8Qs_AJ7YP7ABX0DUUVqYZesc86JnI-7MECz-hmT0RzkKj7/s200/IMG_1560.JPG" width="200" /></a>If you wish to some alongside us in any way, looking to the eternal rewards that await us, you know how to find me. And you know the God to whom you can pray.</div>
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Grace to Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078856967322352518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672176345828231072.post-91592294523011731862015-05-25T19:57:00.000-07:002015-05-25T21:45:20.346-07:00WANTED........or not<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLefipF0vbvAtkiyUf0bi7GWBow8KFtodU5SpONqQJbMnfOAtEl8dhSZ28l4i87e9QNqsAfYR0mGq3mEC5SCepAvDTdRD2CyPkHw_Aa0GVlMRbqUjT9_9mwhoOp6VQclA2pxobxCiHskNw/s1600/10363422_803437939667855_2938580182036021252_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLefipF0vbvAtkiyUf0bi7GWBow8KFtodU5SpONqQJbMnfOAtEl8dhSZ28l4i87e9QNqsAfYR0mGq3mEC5SCepAvDTdRD2CyPkHw_Aa0GVlMRbqUjT9_9mwhoOp6VQclA2pxobxCiHskNw/s320/10363422_803437939667855_2938580182036021252_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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I don't blog often. Usually not until something grabs me around the throat and won't let go. Well something, or rather someONE, has grabbed me. And her name is Luda. She is my daughter's best friend. They lived together in an orphanage in Ukraine. Luda's mother is still alive but her rights were long ago terminated. Luda has tried to initiate contact with her but her mother does not want anything to do with her; her mother DOES NOT WANT HER.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpDTWN5ArBCU3LGna_J0HLHTTlH0K4fgYRz_asBJzhrT9DHlEFN8WHya5XXIjMWGMGWVsL-Y5HdNgmGjWv2w0KP0xMVSXDl3oWTiSlVnoJpX1gKYAcz-5wgmfEjlCowH_EzsxnQH9K5_P/s1600/10452306_804518382893144_7870778836352274070_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpDTWN5ArBCU3LGna_J0HLHTTlH0K4fgYRz_asBJzhrT9DHlEFN8WHya5XXIjMWGMGWVsL-Y5HdNgmGjWv2w0KP0xMVSXDl3oWTiSlVnoJpX1gKYAcz-5wgmfEjlCowH_EzsxnQH9K5_P/s200/10452306_804518382893144_7870778836352274070_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Grace to Ukraine hosted Luda last summer along with her brother, Zhenya. They met many families while they were here, but none were "their" family. You see, Luda and Zhenya want to be adopted. They have asked every American they know "Will you please find us a family?" They WANT TO BE WANTED.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYg_0n8Zwa6ldnoqOJXQN7pU7tVLWAg5VeC-TPPip92w6tmXL_IGrb6qqrvUOajXQ3C_h9gnFzczGPdd0sJYvi8boov4MjeLw51-InYdapB-c6NM87c8S4SEun1ur1ZULHFpmKzNydG7V/s1600/10462975_804518916226424_4275058761122857595_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYg_0n8Zwa6ldnoqOJXQN7pU7tVLWAg5VeC-TPPip92w6tmXL_IGrb6qqrvUOajXQ3C_h9gnFzczGPdd0sJYvi8boov4MjeLw51-InYdapB-c6NM87c8S4SEun1ur1ZULHFpmKzNydG7V/s320/10462975_804518916226424_4275058761122857595_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Luda is 17. Zhenya is 15. In November, they will turn 18 and 16 and no longer be eligible for international adoption. Some might say that Luda and Zhenya have been their own worst enemies. When they were here last summer, Luda stuck like glue to my daughter. She let few others in. She had a chance to stay with one family but that family had one younger child and Luda and Zhenya were bored and felt they did not fit in. They were blessed to spend the rest of the summer with a family who had previously adopted a Ukrainian teen. The father stayed home and Zhenya loved hanging out with him on their farm, caring for the horses and releasing his penned up energy. But that family was already committed to adopting another older girl. When Zhenya came to America again in the winter, without Luda, he was a little more difficult. He stole some money from his host family. Money and an Ipad. "He did what?!" you ask. Yes, he stole.</div>
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My daughter talked to Luda today. She was distraught. A facilitator from another organization had recently told her "Oh I could find YOU a family, but not your bad brother. Sorry." Well, I have a few words for that facilitator. One, <span style="text-align: left;">Vova. This boy right here, with his Mama.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">We hosted Vova last summer and he stole from his host family. A few months later they went to Ukraine to make him their son. He recently spent a few days in my home. I would catch myself just staring at him in amazement at times, rejoicing in what God had done in his life. Vova was WANTED.</span></div>
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Another word for 'ya: Kostya, pictured below with <i>his </i>Mama. We hosted him 2 summers ago. He spent some time with a family. Were things perfect? By no means! And when Kostya returned to Ukraine, he appeared to be headed down the path of wrong choices. But today, he lives in America, has his driver's license, is working at McDonalds, and is still WANTED.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMssqB5g625HG1pP781H4y9b90lpC5yJBFV7S5Czvzg94wcWCJKw23z54YjOVXAqKWNyjnz66rnydRqsfA3z96qTYJsto5kGdM-Zqv7hFlxckunag1z0phTyxFVtmPi46BHOuNNnOMGwC/s1600/10408592_10205470804841118_5398614858138439287_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivMssqB5g625HG1pP781H4y9b90lpC5yJBFV7S5Czvzg94wcWCJKw23z54YjOVXAqKWNyjnz66rnydRqsfA3z96qTYJsto5kGdM-Zqv7hFlxckunag1z0phTyxFVtmPi46BHOuNNnOMGwC/s320/10408592_10205470804841118_5398614858138439287_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Might I mention some of my own children? Regarding one, I was told by the director "He is a bad boy; why would you adopt him?" "I love him" was my reply. "Then love is blind," she retorted. Regarding others I was told "thank you for taking these kids out of our orphanage". I apparently was relieving them of a great burden. These children have been pure joy to me. I WANTED THEM. No matter what they had done. Perfect? No. But who is? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Qch5l9rk6mkqyP7l-26VKYsV7r1LXNr2jIzRrRcaXQS0YvMwnUyzn1d3UCoxulr-r0zn7IqnxH1cQYZ5qh5jPKv0fasmSmZh1WaIOk3JVpmIbZR2FRw_NEcm4-B2vba2dgrPIEKMH5Sy/s1600/1044595_10200297891875384_299973145_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Qch5l9rk6mkqyP7l-26VKYsV7r1LXNr2jIzRrRcaXQS0YvMwnUyzn1d3UCoxulr-r0zn7IqnxH1cQYZ5qh5jPKv0fasmSmZh1WaIOk3JVpmIbZR2FRw_NEcm4-B2vba2dgrPIEKMH5Sy/s320/1044595_10200297891875384_299973145_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You want to hear what I did as a child, as a teenager? Stealing is the tip of the iceburg. I doubt there is anyone reading this blog who has done anything worse than me. And yet, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, reached down into my sinful, imperfect life and redeemed me. HE WANTED ME. And His love changed me.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkB5EQjfln1eXqgfAUndKpssWn2_7nOcAp7XBYZjfn9ecxPwao2KAhS09CAPcT3VKsCuQb2Cnyx_wMXxJh_vk9C57dyUt-rSJus6i48DSNjkFlA3qmNdNkGhLsCGe4nJZqTsnKiaabW5f/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-05-17+at+9.04.08+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkB5EQjfln1eXqgfAUndKpssWn2_7nOcAp7XBYZjfn9ecxPwao2KAhS09CAPcT3VKsCuQb2Cnyx_wMXxJh_vk9C57dyUt-rSJus6i48DSNjkFlA3qmNdNkGhLsCGe4nJZqTsnKiaabW5f/s200/Screen+Shot+2015-05-17+at+9.04.08+PM.png" width="145" /></a><span style="text-align: justify;"></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">So why would you want to host Luda and Zhenya? Why would you want to advocate for them a family? Luda is studious, easy going, good with younger children. Zhenya is outgoing, athletic, happy in nature. Neither has shown any violent tendencies. They are both expressive, affectionate and super smart (coming from their host family). But the real reason you should want to host them : YOU WANT THEM. If you don't, this blog is NOT for you.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">But I believe there is a family out there for Luda and Zhenya. There is someone reading this blog right now, who does not care what Zhenya has done, but they see with a redemptive eye what he can become. There is someone who will go to bed tonight and not be able to forget Luda's face. There is a father, a Dad, who wants to play soccer with Zhenya and teach him right from wrong. There is a Mom who longs to be the mother Luda has never had but so desperately wants. If that is you, contact me. Let's work together to raise their hosting fees and get them here for hosting July 8th - August 28th. If it's not you, please share this blog. Vova and Kostya found their forever families because someone shared a blog about them. The more this blog is shared, the greater the chance, "their" family will find Luda and Zhenya. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxu9NhIfIjSNnjg42tkFUypYrhCMOFr0fuqxFIoezuZhJSdF5YyNIqZ8WRY1TZfr-J2BkLGTFznEI10SAFJKRQ-Fd2dZDCCBiwdxHiq9Bt92pL8oGWvXghnv6pE0G5iqzEOVqCG_1W92kx/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-05-17+at+8.55.54+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxu9NhIfIjSNnjg42tkFUypYrhCMOFr0fuqxFIoezuZhJSdF5YyNIqZ8WRY1TZfr-J2BkLGTFznEI10SAFJKRQ-Fd2dZDCCBiwdxHiq9Bt92pL8oGWvXghnv6pE0G5iqzEOVqCG_1W92kx/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-05-17+at+8.55.54+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Grace to Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078856967322352518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672176345828231072.post-31024489880473525912015-02-25T14:02:00.000-08:002015-02-25T14:19:15.130-08:00Why Are We Here?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJiTa6jWxvYZJXjMwZ-x0jAm8okWEbKBGjIeIVMJnMq0isGTNxABBWRobxzyw4NDn43USySIriSSDpJ9_EZCmEr1Fp3BlDtYUENE2-NSVNFYTB9sBqMat3CdGFgwdiXsZ4Wdxn1GCmY9eP/s1600/rubena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJiTa6jWxvYZJXjMwZ-x0jAm8okWEbKBGjIeIVMJnMq0isGTNxABBWRobxzyw4NDn43USySIriSSDpJ9_EZCmEr1Fp3BlDtYUENE2-NSVNFYTB9sBqMat3CdGFgwdiXsZ4Wdxn1GCmY9eP/s1600/rubena.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>Change is hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Especially in ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
knew we could not go back to Lugansk; and yet it almost feels like a betrayal
to go elsewhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we felt the Lord opening a door for
us to minister in western Ukraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Far from the war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we
went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hoped to plan the summer
hosting program as well as explore opportunities for camps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Taryn, Lori and I arrived in a small village in western
Ukraine on Monday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first day
was spent with administrative type activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another difficult aspect of ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, frankly, there were moments where
we all looked at each other and asked “now why are we here?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we continued to walk in faith,
trusting that the Lord had sovereignly<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>brought us here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Near the
end of the day, the Director introduced us to a boy with downcast eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She explained he did not know much
Russian or Ukrainian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him
it was okay, I didn’t either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
almost smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God whispered:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“this is why you are here.”</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVdYLTisRof9WrN0tQ0DFFhSdOpULVIxuoVAHjJmrmJnMXpmEH7EY1L_cu1esCI_z_MvSGR8MbgpqJ-grg8SYvhXH8AinSDYA-9je5hTQxZeS5iQ7qPkXBV9i0XDl3oh4Btu5jFsyblFW/s1600/zhenishka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVdYLTisRof9WrN0tQ0DFFhSdOpULVIxuoVAHjJmrmJnMXpmEH7EY1L_cu1esCI_z_MvSGR8MbgpqJ-grg8SYvhXH8AinSDYA-9je5hTQxZeS5iQ7qPkXBV9i0XDl3oh4Btu5jFsyblFW/s1600/zhenishka.jpg" height="320" width="273" /></a>Later, we got the chance to go with some of the older children
to tour a nearby castle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got on
the bus and said hi to a 14 year old girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gave me a nod. I gave her one back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She turned her face to hide her
smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was going to be a tough
one to crack I thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked
why she was so grumpy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said
it was because she did not want to go to the castle; she had already been a
hundred times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then she asked “Am
I coming to your house this summer?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I sure hope so,” I replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then she blurted out: “I want to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to be adopted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I want a family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>FOR
LIFE!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God shouted “This is why
you are here!!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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The next day, we watched a performance by the younger
children in the orphanage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>7, 8, and 9
year olds with no parent in the crowd to beam at them or applaud their
efforts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart ached thinking
“no child this young, this beautiful, should be orphaned.” God consoled me:
“this is why you are here.”</div>
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We visited the children with mild special needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We talked to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Held them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heard their stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With few hours left in the day , I pulled Taryn and Lori away:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We still have so much to do while we
are here!”</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielNX-EmcGXHEtEbIrVoH7xrJwxIPg-9EDb4ED32yqsgZX0Plvt0rd9l8zENUgHUs-JWShgZZGo2sPupW8c42jpCzACoGGxAVmrsV09WlWculSuoj3Z6sw1iAtl6l3g5GASciJs1vKwCSW/s1600/zhenya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielNX-EmcGXHEtEbIrVoH7xrJwxIPg-9EDb4ED32yqsgZX0Plvt0rd9l8zENUgHUs-JWShgZZGo2sPupW8c42jpCzACoGGxAVmrsV09WlWculSuoj3Z6sw1iAtl6l3g5GASciJs1vKwCSW/s1600/zhenya.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>Minutes continued to slip away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Children, previously withdrawn, began to soften.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We laughed together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had tea together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strangers became friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A boy’s almost-smile became a real smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the grumpy girl on the bus burst
into tears as we drove away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s
enough now, God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know why we are
here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please don’t make me see
anymore.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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For a few moments we sat in silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Words were insufficient. Love for a new
place was blossoming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God had
given us care, concern, and even pain, where none had been a day before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then my thoughts looked ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plans to be made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Money to be raised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of us spoke what the others were
already thinking:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>how can we make
others see, care,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>help?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know the answer to that
question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But one thing I do know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must live each day asking how I can
bring these 100 children to the attention of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And not just these 100.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the 500 orphaned children in east Ukraine we have been asked
to help. Children displaced by the war; with no socks, underwear, or basic hygiene products.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now more than
ever, we need your help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> They need your help. The withdrawn boy. The grumpy girl. The orphaned. The poor. It's not easy. There is pain in the offering. But offer we must. I mean, </span>isn't that why we're here?</div>
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Grace to Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078856967322352518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672176345828231072.post-65330918225001732612014-11-07T19:12:00.002-08:002014-11-07T19:12:11.042-08:00Guest Blog: Be Brave<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">One year ago, I blogged about Vova, an older orphan. Prudence, whom I did not know at the time, read that blog and is now in process to adopt Vova and his sister. I pray at least one person will now read Prudence's blog and be brave enough to follow in her steps.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://anobedientjourney.com/be-brave/">http://anobedientjourney.com/be-brave/</a></div>
Grace to Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078856967322352518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672176345828231072.post-37113022105462962192014-09-30T20:50:00.000-07:002014-09-30T21:04:33.779-07:00Harvest time is here.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I face moments every year where I wonder if I can do this
again next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s usually
after hosting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I am tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or discouraged. Or wallowing in self-pity because something did not go as planned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year, when the moment came, my sweet daughter was there
to shake me back into reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What?!”
she exclaimed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Every year, kids
you host are adopted!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every year
God brings new people to help you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You can’t quit!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because, you see, my daughter is right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t quit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is too much at stake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now more than
ever. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The war in Ukraine brings an urgency to the mission of Grace to Ukraine that must supercede my fragile emotions. </span>God knew I would face these
feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so He gave me
Galatians 6:9:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Let us not become
weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not
give up.</i><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>And then, just for good measure, He made sure I saw this video from our friends, the Evans. They got involved with GtU for the first time this summer. They looked an orphan in the eyes; hugged him; opened their homes and hearts to him. And their lives will never be the same. I am not giving up. Harvest time is here. </div>
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Go <a href="http://evansunscripted.wordpress.com/2014/09/30/the-rest-of-our-story-so-far/" target="_blank">here</a> to read more of April and Scott's story.</div>
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Grace to Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078856967322352518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672176345828231072.post-37698847472655018002014-09-25T08:41:00.000-07:002014-09-26T09:24:59.753-07:00WE ARE COLLECTING FIRST AID SUPPLIES TO HELP VICTIMS OF THE WAR<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxhVl76PmlGhxY-G2K-P_uvZQnbq12gEHo1dwz7Kdyu21r9_8-WlAfxSrL27PZrrvhXg0F61xAE25AwHc9CGP7htbqSYyqZ7fTISIYBopNIt_JCbDc9QrNQ3S7AGI650iXOUlMr3DKVQx/s1600/krasnadon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxhVl76PmlGhxY-G2K-P_uvZQnbq12gEHo1dwz7Kdyu21r9_8-WlAfxSrL27PZrrvhXg0F61xAE25AwHc9CGP7htbqSYyqZ7fTISIYBopNIt_JCbDc9QrNQ3S7AGI650iXOUlMr3DKVQx/s1600/krasnadon.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last fall, Taryn Kilpatrick and I had the opportunity to meet with the mayor of Krasnadon to discuss our work in his region. This fall, Grace to Ukraine has the opportunity to partner with the Birmingham Sister City - Ukraine Committee in collecting medical and first-aid items for wounded soldiers and civilians in Krasnadon and other areas of Lugansk. The special needs orphanage that we have supported is located in Krasnadon; we have also hosted from there. We mourn with them over the loss of lives in their community and cherish this opportunity to minister to those wounded yet alive. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Items that are SPECIFICALLY REQUESTED by the Ukrainian Embassy are</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">➢<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>large waterproof pads</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">➢<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>large adhesive pads</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">➢<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>large sterile non-adhesive gauze bandages</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">➢<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>wound care kits</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RpRhR8GKvWLRee-IlHiELhAHJLemYbtC7-t_Pi2z6hxL79nHTWN572o5xpJVapiMx8sIdASINm6ZBUD1HUw2kyzfi01k6SDlEvANwz1uIy57D5uJAbM9h6V0DB6vkIGtMj0chGkzJoN-/s1600/sn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RpRhR8GKvWLRee-IlHiELhAHJLemYbtC7-t_Pi2z6hxL79nHTWN572o5xpJVapiMx8sIdASINm6ZBUD1HUw2kyzfi01k6SDlEvANwz1uIy57D5uJAbM9h6V0DB6vkIGtMj0chGkzJoN-/s1600/sn.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">➢<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>band-aids</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">➢<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>gauze sponges</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">➢<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>dressing gauze — “ALL SIZES”.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">➢<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>non-adherent dressing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">➢<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>medical adhesive tape</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">➢<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>hemostatic blood coagulant burn ointment</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">➢<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>bacitracin (triple antibiotic) ointment - NOTE: only small tubes available for minor/small wounds or burns.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">➢<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>painkillers, such as Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen (ADVIL), Tylenol, and Aspirin.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you would like to purchase and donate these items, and you live in Alabama, you can drop them off at the following locations:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_4">
<span class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_35" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Church at Brook Hills</span></div>
<div class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_4">
<span class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_39" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">3145 Brook Highland Parkway</span></div>
<div class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_4">
<span class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_43" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Birmingham, Alabama 35242</span></div>
<div class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_4">
<span class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_47" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">(far end of the lobby near the modulars; near Room 130)</span></div>
<div class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_4">
<span class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_51" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br class="yiv4636271440" clear="none" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_1_1411614457320_4562" /></span></div>
<div class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_4">
<span class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_54" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ridgecrest Baptist Church</span></div>
<div class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_4">
<span class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_58" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">7773 Gadsden Highway</span></div>
<div class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_4">
<span class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_62" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trussville, Alabama 35173</span></div>
<div class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_4">
<span class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_108" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br clear="none" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_1_1411614457320_7504" /></span></div>
<div class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_4">
<span class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_111" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Northwestern Mutual of Alabama</span></div>
<div class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_4">
<span class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_115" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1901 6th Avenue North</span></div>
<div class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_4">
<span class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_119" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Suite 2800</span></div>
<div class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_4">
<span class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_123" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Birmingham, Alabama 35203</span><br />
<span class="yiv4636271440" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="yiv4636271440" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crestway Baptist Church</span><br />
<span class="yiv4636271440" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6400 Crestwood Blvd</span><br />
<span class="yiv4636271440" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Birmingham, Alabama 35212</span><br />
<span class="yiv4636271440" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Mondday-Thursday, 9am - 3pm)</span></div>
<div class="yiv4636271440 yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_1_1411658682888_3360" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_4">
<span class="yiv4636271440 yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_1_1411658682888_3361" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br clear="none" /></span></div>
<div class="yiv4636271440 yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_1_1411658682888_3360" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_4">
<span class="yiv4636271440 yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_1_1411658682888_3361" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eaglepoint Baptist Church</span></div>
<div class="yiv4636271440 yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_1_1411658682888_3360" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_4">
<span class="yiv4636271440 yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_1_1411658682888_3361" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">301 Henry Road SW</span></div>
<div class="yiv4636271440 yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_1_1411658682888_3360" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_4">
<span class="yiv4636271440 yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_1_1411658682888_3361" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jacksonville, Alabama 36265</span><br />
<span class="yiv4636271440 yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_1_1411658682888_3361" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="yiv4636271440 yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_1_1411658682888_3361" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">International Services Counsel</span><br />
<span class="yiv4636271440 yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_1_1411658682888_3361" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">102 Gates Avenue</span><br />
<span class="yiv4636271440 yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_1_1411658682888_3361" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Huntsville, Alabama</span><br />
<span class="yiv4636271440 yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_1_1411658682888_3361" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Monday-Thursday 9am - 5pm)</span></div>
<div class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_4">
<span class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_131" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br clear="none" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_1_1411614457320_7618" /></span></div>
<div class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_4">
<span class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_134" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Billy Barnes Enterprises</span></div>
<div class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_4" style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c;">
<span class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_101"><span class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_6_1411614457320_98" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.3599996566772px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></div>
<table class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_1_1411614457320_6511" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #545454; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-break: break-word;"><tbody class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_1_1411614457320_6509" style="width: 822px;">
<tr class="yiv4636271440" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_1_1411614457320_6507"><td class="yiv4636271440" colspan="1" id="yiv4636271440yui_3_16_0_1_1411614457320_6505" rowspan="1" style="border-spacing: 2px; color: #222222; line-height: 1.24;" valign="top"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411658682888_6275" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1626 Alabama 21<br clear="none" />Frisco City, AL 36445<br clear="none" /><br clear="none" />Liquid Life<br clear="none" />25741 Perdido Beach Blvd.<br clear="none" />Building A<br clear="none" />Suite M<br clear="none" />Orange Beach, Alabama 36561</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you live out of state, you can send them to Grace to Ukraine at 4006 St. Charles Drive, Birmingham, Alabama 35242. If you would like to make a monetary donation please write a check payable to the Birmingham Sister Cities Committee and in the "FOR LINE" write “Ukraine Humanitarian Relief". You can mail checks to:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scotty Colson</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Honorary Consul for Ukraine to Alabama</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">P.O. Box 55761</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Birmingham, Al. 35255-5761</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We will be collecting supplies through October 12th. </span></div>
Grace to Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078856967322352518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672176345828231072.post-67579940454957168902014-07-30T07:14:00.000-07:002014-07-30T07:14:05.837-07:00Living in Two Worlds<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwzfh1YHLgHmniVC3ZR9-9xjTBRjF5sShpKbyz4QaVHK3tuRjFttjY6wejBK03ZTMgDLpCBiuxg76sepIDyLg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
This is our reality this summer: <br />
<br />
* a child many of us know (an orphan graduate) was killed by shrapnel as he innocently walked down the street<br />
<br />
*we have swam, rode horses, roller coasters and water slides<br />
<br />
*one of our guardians (a government official) has returned to Ukraine; he was shot at and a bullet grazed his head; for the last week, he has been hiding in a bomb shelter as his village was under heavy fire; he is now riding around in a tank surveying the unbelievable damage to his community and asking for humanitarian aide: medicine, food, clothing.<br />
<br />
*we have laughed, loved, and learned of the God who created us<br />
<br />
*our hosted children sat at my kitchen table and cried as they watched the video of the damage to their orphanage during battle<br />
<br />
*nine of twelve children have a family committed to them as mentors, future host families, or hopeful adoptive parents<br />
<br />
Pray for these children, and for their country.<br />
<br />
"I have told you these things so that in me, you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!" John 16:33<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Grace to Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078856967322352518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672176345828231072.post-2020505425754430222014-06-09T08:35:00.002-07:002014-06-10T14:37:00.231-07:00The Rescue<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbkg3lRf-jy6w7XesFwKqsTy_H_i1N2zVBsYzQnJyMnuRyuQewFQtk4TH-MRJ5vXQGkPhNhmwJAP6XqaDXwQYD1bqBqEOA5wGLDXbgs0MQjanC4Al3NetMHpomdjv8N8Q5GlUEyjjZ_vs/s1600/first+group+pic+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbkg3lRf-jy6w7XesFwKqsTy_H_i1N2zVBsYzQnJyMnuRyuQewFQtk4TH-MRJ5vXQGkPhNhmwJAP6XqaDXwQYD1bqBqEOA5wGLDXbgs0MQjanC4Al3NetMHpomdjv8N8Q5GlUEyjjZ_vs/s1600/first+group+pic+2014.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>We began to plan for their summer trip to Alabama even before the
protests began at Maidan, in Kyiv, in November.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>12 orphaned children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A peaceful
country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An easy road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I stood at Maidan in December, bringing my own 3 new
Ukrainian children home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something
good was happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there was
thunder in the distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> In February, a government was overthrown. And then </span>I stood
in shock with the rest of the world in March when Russia invaded Crimea.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Immediately, I began communicating with our partners in
Lugansk:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>what if this happens here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How will we get the children out?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For 3 months, text after text, email
after email, communicating through an intermediary with government officials;
talking directly with other humanitarian organizations in Ukraine; calling Embassies and Senators; coming up
with ideas that were impractical or too expensive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being told there was nothing we could do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being asked to do the impossible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Praying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Agonizing. Then in late May, hearing from the kids we
planned to host that they were hiding in the basement of the orphanage; that
they heard explosions; that they were scared they would never be able to travel
to Alabama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a doer by
nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fretted because time and
time again, I came up with the conclusion:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>there is nothing I can do.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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All I wanted was to get the children to safety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> There are 517 children in the state run orphanages in the Lugansk oblast. This was not about 12 children but 517. </span>We made the decision that if we had to
make the choice, the money we had raised for hosting would go to evacuating the
children. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We tentatively made
hosting plans even while being warned that all roads leading from the town
where our children resided were closed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No one could get in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And no
one could get out.</div>
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<br /></div>
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On June 2<sup>nd</sup>, there was a bombing in Lugansk city;
at least 5 people were killed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Things were getting worse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then
on June 3<sup>rd</sup>, I got this message:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we are in contact with the Ukrainian army and the Lugansk
People’s Republic as well as the head of the train station; all orphans in
the region will be evacuated to Odessa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“When?” I asked. “Not sure”, was the reply. This was a massive undertaking.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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On June 4<sup>th</sup> we talked to Luda, one of our hosted
kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She told us that the
director was saying that only kids going to Odessa would be leaving the next day; kids
going to America would have to wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I called Anton, our partner in Ukraine; he
agreed we had to get our 12 kids out as well; this may be their only
chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The morning of June 5<sup>th</sup>
was chaotic; our 12 kids were not prepared to leave but were now being told to
get on the bus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were now too
many kids for the bus, according to the rules.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we broke a few rules and our 12 kids joined the other 118
orphans escaping Severodonetsk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The police escorted the bus the hour and half drive to Lugansk, through
checkpoints, past armed men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
the LORD our God went before them; mighty in power; with a gentle and fatherly
love for the orphan.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Meanwhile, a train was on its way from Odessa to Lugansk to take the children to safety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several news sources reported that the
train was detained at some point by militants, insisting it return to
Odessa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not know the details; but what I do know is that eventually those 118 children plus another 384 orphans got
on that train and made it safely to Odessa and our 12 got on a train leading them to Kyiv.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Right now they are staying at a Christian camp out side of
Kyiv run by Andrew Kelly and Jeremiah’s Hope. Their visa appointment is tomorrow, June 10<sup>th</sup>;
they are scheduled to fly to Alabama on June 16<sup>th</sup>. I am overwhelmed by what happened. When I could do nothing, <b>my God did it
all</b>. My new Ukrainian daughter,
still struggling with faith, said “I began to believe more in God yesterday
when the children got out of Lugansk.”
God was on display for all to see. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yesterday at the Church at Brook Hills, the sermon was on
Psalm 91. What perfect timing:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2 I will say to the
Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>my God, in whom I trust.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">3 For he will deliver
you from the snare of the fowler<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and from the deadly
pestilence.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">4 He will cover you
with his pinions,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and under his wings you
will find refuge;<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>his faithfulness is a
shield and buckler.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">5 You will not fear
the terror of the night,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>nor the arrow that flies by
day,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">6 nor the pestilence
that stalks in darkness,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>nor the destruction that
wastes at noonday.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">7 A thousand may fall
at your side,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ten thousand at your right
hand,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but it will not come near
you.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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As our hosting date nears, and I plan for our nightly
sabrinya (Russian for "gathering" and when we have our Bible study), please
pray that these children will see that God alone is their Rescuer and that He
offers the ultimate rescue through Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I, personally, am once again humbled by that Truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
</div>
Grace to Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078856967322352518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672176345828231072.post-31291074845851761942014-04-03T06:55:00.000-07:002014-04-03T06:55:19.654-07:00Stories from the Spring Trip to Ukraine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_ra-Ee8vQjuTjWF4Uc57V9rJTALu8-JeCMYMFSJSmzYcweWqvEAer-Wkl499t0NG9_Bc5dchS2u7ZjjT26O6uY87jvK1MCqeH8EPvVpC-2jtccoGixfJrZac0rgylhUbWAcKJq2tnFoP/s1600/lucea+and+JSB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_ra-Ee8vQjuTjWF4Uc57V9rJTALu8-JeCMYMFSJSmzYcweWqvEAer-Wkl499t0NG9_Bc5dchS2u7ZjjT26O6uY87jvK1MCqeH8EPvVpC-2jtccoGixfJrZac0rgylhUbWAcKJq2tnFoP/s1600/lucea+and+JSB.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><span data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0" style="background-color: #fafbfb; color: #4e5665; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.909090995788574px; line-height: 12.799999237060547px;"><span data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$text0:0:$0:0">Today, Taryn is winding up her last days in Ukraine on behalf of Grace to Ukraine. She and her small team have visited all the orphanages where we serve. They have also made time for outreach to individuals and families in a variety of difficult situations. Every trip to Ukraine brings back hosts of stories of despair as well as encouragement. Today I want to share with you one of the more encouraging stories.</span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0" style="background-color: #fafbfb; color: #4e5665; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.909090995788574px; line-height: 12.799999237060547px;"><span data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$text0:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span>
<span data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0" style="background-color: #fafbfb; color: #4e5665; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.909090995788574px; line-height: 12.799999237060547px;"><span data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$text0:0:$0:0">For well over a year, Grace to Ukraine has been providing Jesus Storybook Bibles to the orphaned and poor in Ukraine. When someone purchases an English version of the bible from us for $20, we give a Russian version to a child in Ukraine. One of our partners in Ukraine is a young woman by the name of Lori Jackson. Lori delivers our diapers each month to the special needs orphanage, among many other things. She always takes a Jesus Storybook Bible with her. Some would question if the children there understand these stories. But today, I received this wonderful message from her about her time at the special needs orphanage with Taryn:</span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0" style="background-color: #fafbfb; color: #4e5665; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.909090995788574px; line-height: 12.799999237060547px;"><span data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$text0:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span>
<i><span data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0" style="background-color: #fafbfb; color: #4e5665; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.909090995788574px; line-height: 12.799999237060547px;"><span data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$text0:0:$0:0"> </span><a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/hovercard.php?id=1396429337&extragetparams=%7B%22hc_location%22%3A%22ufi%22%7D" data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$range0:0" dir="ltr" href="https://www.facebook.com/suzette.davie" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Suzette</a><span data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">, let me tell you...we were all in the room there at the special needs orphanage, and you know how chaotic (in a good way) it can get in there, but I'm playing ball with one kid, interpreting across the room for Taryn for another kid, trying to listen to the conver</span></span><span data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3" style="background-color: #fafbfb; color: #4e5665; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.909090995788574px; line-height: 12.799999237060547px;"><span data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">sation Terry and Anton are having behind me all at the same time. Next to me on the floor is the Jesus Story Book Bible, and one of the little boys scoots up beside me, opens it, pushes it towards me, points at the picture on the title page of Jesus surrounded by children and says "Jesus." </span><br data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$1:0" /><br data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$3:0" /><span data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$4:0">I stopped worrying about what Anton and Terry were talking about, I told Taryn what had just happened, I threw the ball to one of the other kids and turned to Danya and said "you want to read about Jesus?" and with the biggest smile on his face he nodded his head and said "DA!"</span><br data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$5:0" /><br data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$7:0" /><span data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$8:0">When I'm there I mostly play. I always take the Bible, and spend maybe five minuets out of my two hours actually sharing it's stories with the kids and even that is a minute here and a minute there with whichever kid has brought it over and sat next to me for as long as their attention will hold them, then it's onto the next thing. </span><br data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$9:0" /><br data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$11:0" /><span data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$12:0">With Danya today, it was the same, we didn't spend long looking at the pictures or talking about who God is, but what a gift for me to see that He KNOWS what's important. Mostly you just want them to know that they are LOVED, but you wonder how much they understand. Today I asked Danya who Jesus loves and he said "me." I asked him if Jesus loved me. He said yes. I asked who else He loved and he said "everyone." </span><br data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$13:0" /><br data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$15:0" /><span data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$16:0">Oh me of little faith.</span><br data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$17:0" /><br data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$19:0" /><span data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$20:0">What a gift today to get a glimpse of what He is doing! So thankful for those who came before me and for every person who has held a child there and told them that they are loved.</span><br data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$21:0" /><br data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$23:0" /><span data-reactid=".3t.1:3:1:$comment10201968629962792_62179506:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$24:0">Glory to God.</span></span></span></i></div>
Grace to Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078856967322352518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672176345828231072.post-54118112945654611602014-03-05T11:19:00.000-08:002014-03-05T11:19:31.604-08:00No Turning Back<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Ukraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
have turned on your TV lately, you have heard about this little country, about
the size of Texas, situated between Russia and Europe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love Ukraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More than half of my family is made up
of Ukrainians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Out of 10 Davie children,
6 of them began their lives in Ukraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have family and friends there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We travel there several times a year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I just returned from there 3
days before Christmas with our three newest children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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The protests in Kyiv were still in their infancy when were
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We visited Maidan and I was
moved by the peaceful nature of those in attendance; inspired by their
patriotism and respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of my
children speak Russian as do most people that we know in Ukraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In all my visits there, this one
included, I never felt any prejudice or ill will toward Russian speakers or
even Russians for that matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No.
The people of Ukraine simply wanted to escape the oppression and corruption of
their own government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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That is why today I shake my head in disbelief that there is
a real threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, especially in far east Ukraine
on the Russian border, where 5 of my children are from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Daily we read the news reports and talk
to friends and family there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
are all OK; but some of them believe the Russian propaganda that says the US is
to blame for everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
children don’t understand the politics of it all; they ask if they will still
be Ukrainian if their country is taken over by Russia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>wonder if Ukraine will become “a part of Europe” or cease to
exist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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I am very thankful that I got all of my children out of
Ukraine before this crisis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, my heart breaks for the orphaned children I know that remain
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am President of an
organization called Grace to Ukraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Each summer we bring orphaned Ukrainian children to Alabama to introduce
them to a new culture, a new language, a new way of thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We introduce them to hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then visit these children in
Ukraine, taking them winter coats, hats and socks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also provide a monthly supply of disposable diapers to a
special needs orphanage in east Ukraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have been doing this for over a year and the quality of life there
has greatly improved just by this simple gesture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are innocent children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Orphaned through no fault of their
own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And now caught up in a
political struggle they don’t understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One that will either pull them westward toward more help and more hope;
or eastward toward a country that has halted adoptions and is renown for its substandard
care of the orphaned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Often people ask me and my husband, Gabe, why we chose
Ukraine. I like to respond to this question by asking “why not Ukraine?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are licensed foster care
parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have adopted a child
domestically.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have helped build
orphanages in Haiti and supported the care of the poor and orphaned in
Uganda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But God, through a series
of circumstances,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>gave us
children from Ukraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would
not have rejected them based upon their nationality and we will not now turn
our backs on their home country and the people we love that are still
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Likewise, Grace to Ukraine, cannot turn back from its
mission there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, our
mission there has become all the more urgent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ukraine is in financial ruin; robbed by its own elected
officials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Services to the poor,
already a low priority, will suffer even more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As long as we are allowed to do so, we will go; we will
help; we will endeavor to bring hope and love to children whom society has
ridiculed and shunned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We plan to
bring 10 orphaned children to Alabama the first three weeks of June and we look
to our neighbors to help feed them, clothe them, and expose them to Alabama
culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If God closes that door
due to the political situation, we will look for new ways to help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
We have been blessed in such a way, that the question boils
down to one of “why would we not help the children of Ukraine?” And even “why
would we not add to our family when we can?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in telling our story, I don’t want to bring attention to
what we have done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather, I hope
to inspire you to begin to look at your world through different eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps you are not called to go to
Ukraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there are 195 other
countries in this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many with
impoverished and orphaned children. Some estimates say there are as many as 143
million.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t help them all;
but maybe you can help one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grace to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ukraine is one avenue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are many, many others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I welcome the opportunity to speak to churches and civic groups
about<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the various ways to get
involved with orphan care and can be reached through our website, <a href="http://www.gracetoukraine.net/">www.gracetoukraine.net</a>. </div>
</div>
Grace to Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078856967322352518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672176345828231072.post-14264654859505544992013-11-29T15:20:00.001-08:002013-11-30T13:00:14.646-08:00I can only do so much<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkP2f91kL2bcZHrKBqdaniNFpQG51PAY4fOsxzLhdc220Rh1lAf_jfNHbz4Bg9SHd611_lnBDI7ozr5N38C6Zo27qnCRFn57owaIW4EnFzDZRfz6pmxdnAH2eiWx7yhVrIUR4E48fMO3f/s1600/IMG_0418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkP2f91kL2bcZHrKBqdaniNFpQG51PAY4fOsxzLhdc220Rh1lAf_jfNHbz4Bg9SHd611_lnBDI7ozr5N38C6Zo27qnCRFn57owaIW4EnFzDZRfz6pmxdnAH2eiWx7yhVrIUR4E48fMO3f/s320/IMG_0418.jpg" width="205" /></a>One of the down sides of ministry is that you have to accept
that you can only do so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
mean like when 2 other women and I take a trip to Ukraine for 10 days, we
simply cannot talk to every individual child in each orphanage that we
visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish we could but it is
simply impossible.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Having said that, however, I do believe that God places
certain people before you whom he has planned that you touch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God did that with Vova.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see, I had visited the orphanage in
Shotova twice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had hosted groups
of children from there twice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
I had never noticed Vova.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I met him
briefly last summer when I visited the camp where he was spending the summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew that I wanted to host him because he was a friend of our son-to-be but we didn’t really talk or establish
a repoire, he was just "there". </div>
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Then one day in early October, I really noticed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband and I had gone to initiate
the adoption of Lewis, Bella and Sam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were at Vova’s orphanage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was quiet, kept to himself; he certainly did not talk to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so I didn’t notice his smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or his beautiful eyes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or his sense of humor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what I did notice one day was his feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Snowing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
Vova was wearing flip flops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With
no socks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> And </span>so I simply asked
him, “If I buy you some shoes, will you wear them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its cold.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes,
he replied.</div>
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The next day I took him some shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He quietly took them from me and said
thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that was that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or so I thought.</div>
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The next day, I arrived at the orphanage to visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And a 14 year old boy ran, smiling and
laughing, into my arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told me hi and showed me his shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was dressed in blue jeans and a nice shirt instead of the shorts he had been
wearing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His eyes were no longer
downcast and I noticed how beautiful they were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could this be Vova?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Suffice it to say, he was not the same child as the day before.</div>
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<br /></div>
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What had happened to Vova?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is what I think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Somebody loved Vova.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
not changed because he now had new shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He wasn’t hoping for more stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No, Vova suddenly knew that someone cared about him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone cared that his feet were
cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone took the time to
notice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone brought him
shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> And so he opened the door of his heart and invited me to come in. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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After that, Vova became my constant companion at the
orphanage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We played battleship and he taught me the Russian words for hit and miss. He hugged me when I arrived and held the door open for me. </span>And he has been my
constant companion since we arrived to complete our adoption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I told him yesterday that he was such a good boy. He said "no, I am not." Yes, you are Vova. Maybe no one has ever told you that. But you are. And you are beautiful. Created in the image of a beautiful God.</span><br />
<br />
There are so many other “Vovas” in the
orphanage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Children for whom no
one has ever cared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Children who
have never heard, “you are such a good boy”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Children whose expressions and downcast eyes simply reflect
the shoes that they are wearing, or the lack thereof.</div>
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I cannot reach them all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grace to Ukraine cannot reach them all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we can reach Vova.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grace to Ukraine will host Vova in
Alabama in the summer of 2014.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
has a 16 year old sister who lives at another orphanage and I am going to try
to bring her too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> They will hear the gospel. They will learn many new and wonderful things about life. And </span>I want Vova and
his sister to find a family. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I say
over and over that adoption is not the point of Grace to Ukraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I want Vova and his sister to find
a family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_F4_2rKQ5Kjp-wug8PJlNRwg4vpmb2MF8sVev8zDrfZUtbpihaWlcDd65z-C4kkJ-2pCGBoxw_2qJJYl3UawrrSWEDL-87YCjD_cdU7x6XleYJMFhdd83Ue-dg55VjDcOQqCjyW8s8-f/s1600/IMG_4785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_F4_2rKQ5Kjp-wug8PJlNRwg4vpmb2MF8sVev8zDrfZUtbpihaWlcDd65z-C4kkJ-2pCGBoxw_2qJJYl3UawrrSWEDL-87YCjD_cdU7x6XleYJMFhdd83Ue-dg55VjDcOQqCjyW8s8-f/s320/IMG_4785.JPG" width="320" /></a>The happiness I am relishing in at the moment, taking my
kids away from the orphanage in 6 days, is infused with a deep sadness<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for those that must be left
behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are others who have
touched me deeply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Some we have already hosted and who still have not been adopted. Some we plan to host next summer. </span>I long for
each of them to find families as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
will pray and ask God to rescue them as he rescued Lewis, Bella and Sam
Davie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It is overwhelming at times. I start to cry but then I decide it is better to blog. Better to visit. Better to buy candy and shoes. Anything but cry. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can only do so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what I can do, I WILL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will you? </div>
</div>
Grace to Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078856967322352518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672176345828231072.post-61218214201389329582013-11-13T12:21:00.001-08:002013-11-13T12:21:34.564-08:00So Very Close<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgun289g34urw2cmco7OtElhJnOiFRlD3TOcBOkZQKSpg8bAGm_kA2sVHHVOliEXG6OsuLYMKEm1lvXvMvyY0ebZspXRACpdWz_PDI6LDQghlREK0KFzrRaikVYA3qDrZCtX66vkTZYia5X/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-11-13+at+2.06.45+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgun289g34urw2cmco7OtElhJnOiFRlD3TOcBOkZQKSpg8bAGm_kA2sVHHVOliEXG6OsuLYMKEm1lvXvMvyY0ebZspXRACpdWz_PDI6LDQghlREK0KFzrRaikVYA3qDrZCtX66vkTZYia5X/s200/Screen+Shot+2013-11-13+at+2.06.45+PM.png" width="165" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">It
is National Adoption Awareness Month.
So I want to talk about adoption.
Specifically today about a 14 year old girl named Liza whom I have never
met. Here is her story, with names changed, because of the delicate situation:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Liza
came to America once with another hosting program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her host family loved her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mom, Ann, said:, “she was the
best kid I ever met. She's quiet, unassuming, she tends to stay close to the
family when in party type circumstances, she's willing to bond; she really
watches what you do and then anticipates your needs, she's great with little
ones, idolizes teenagers, is kind, not selfish, likes poetry and mermaids;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>she has learned quite a good bit of
English in her desire to communicate with us, shows willingness to go to school
and learn; can phonetically sound out our alphabet; sh</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">e is willing to please and be happy,
isn't into boys; s</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">he's
bright, honest, intelligent, helps with chores, isn't a smart alek kind of kid.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sounds
like a child a family would love to adopt right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The host family thought so, too, and began the process to
bring Liza home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their dossier was
approved by the SDA in Ukraine and they traveled to Ukraine to adopt her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had a successful SDA appointment;
they got their referral and traveled to her region and reunited with her. S<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333;">he
has a brother who has already aged out and he wrote his consent to her being
adopted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the paperwork
in the region was accomplished and sent back to the SDA in Kyiv for approval
before court.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The girl was
ecstatic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wrote Ann: "
thank u for saving me, can u believe the people who give me life do not care if
I live or die". <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But then the unthinkable happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The SDA said no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The family was not allowed to go
forward with the adoption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
had nothing to do with Liza.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
was an issue with the family’s paperwork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The assistant director was
given the task of informing Liza why her new family would not be back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently she blamed Liza for it and
now Liza is blaming herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ann
talked to Liza; she is depressed and is desperate to get out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #333333;">The family’s initial reaction was not
uncommon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Maybe someone will
adopt her and bring her home to us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But they knew this was not the right thing to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Home now for several weeks, Ann said to me “</span>We are all still standing here like
someone died of a sudden heart attack.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yet, even in her pain, this mom knows what is best for this child:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I would love it if another family
adopted her; anything, just that she's out of there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its like she’s drowning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t care WHO saves her.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And so I pose this
question to you, reader:</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Could you
be the one called to save Liza?</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Will you pray and ask God if he would want to use you to help bind up
the wounds inflicted upon this 14 year old girl?</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">She was so close to being rescued.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">So. Very.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Close.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I pray that she will
get another chance.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
Grace to Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078856967322352518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672176345828231072.post-83419300192337202292013-10-31T15:03:00.001-07:002013-10-31T15:03:55.009-07:00God is at Work Part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to give you an update on some of
the children we hosted last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> As many of you know, my family met Lena when we hosted her in 2012. We hosted her brother, Sasha, in 2013, and later met their older brother, Alosha. We have court on November 28th and will make these 3 a permanent part of the Davie family. But there are others as well.</span><br />
<br />
The Laws are a family from
Colorado.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were working with Lifeline, an agency here in Birmingham to adopt from Ukraine. Lifeline suggested they come down to visit during our hosting program in July.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> They did and felt drawn to 2 children in particular. </span>They returned home in September
with Sergey and Kristina. Thank you, Lord, for leading the Laws
to these 2 precious children.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While the children were passing through Kyiv on their way to
Alabama last summer they stayed at the home of <a href="http://malonesinukraine.com/" target="_blank">the Malones</a>, missionaries to Ukraine, and adoptive parents themselves. A family was staying with the Malones in
October who was about to go the SDA for a blind referral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Malones remembered Tanya and Yura,
whom we had hosted, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and told the
Higbies about them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This family
also “happened” to be friends with the Laws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(see paragraph number one).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Higbies just had court this week, giving Tanya and Yura
a Mama and Papa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you loving
how God weaves His way in and through His people?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, there’s more.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In March, I met Kostya; about to turn 16.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided to add him to our hosting
list at the last minute and blogged about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Torvinens read <a href="http://grace2ukraine.blogspot.com/2013/03/tossing-and-turning.html" target="_blank">the blog</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they recognized him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, Brandy had Kostya’s picture taped to her computer
so she could be reminded to pray for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She had first read about him through another hosting organization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Torvinens came to Alabama and met
Kostya.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They filed their paperwork
before his 16<sup>th</sup> birthday, as is required.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they have <a href="https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/cdBq2?fb_action_ids=10201653994103235&fb_action_types=fundrazr%253Astory_update&fb_ref=og__614470&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582" target="_blank">an appointment</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>November 26<sup>th</sup> to begin the adoption process of
Kostya in Ukraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God is at work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He uses hosting programs, blogs, facebook, random meetings, and He
glorifies Himself in them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has
a special love for the orphan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
gives us, His Bride, the amazing opportunity to be a vessel of that love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes I feel<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>like a spectator; or, at best, a
participant carried along on a wave over which I have no control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would encourage every reader of this
blog, every supporter of GtU, every follower of Christ, to open your eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Behold your God at work around
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As my pastor, David Platt,
often says, give God a blank check with no strings attached and see what He
leads you to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever it is,
you can be assured, that it is God Himself who goes before you and He will
accomplish all that He purposes to accomplish. God is at work. Won't you join him?</div>
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Grace to Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078856967322352518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672176345828231072.post-68874146752870735502013-07-26T07:26:00.000-07:002013-07-26T07:27:09.657-07:00Due Season<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Thursday, Anton took me and Taryn to the original Camp
Druzhba (Druzhba is the Russian word for Friendship).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now we are having camp at the orphanage
because the scope of having it at the official camp was larger than GtU can
manage at the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having gone there
yesterday, however, I am so motivated to move the camp back to its original
location. We are putting together a video about camp and its importance to this
region.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We interviewed Anton while at
the camp site and toured the new dorms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many improvements have been made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What was sad, however, was that when the last missionary who was leading
camp left Ukraine, the coal mine, who owns the camp site, took down all signs
of previous Christian influence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
stage painting of Jesus welcoming little children had been replaced with a
painting of a lion and a turtle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
sign outside the gate touting Camp Druzhba as a Christian camp for children had
been taken down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Fortunately, however, Christianity is not about signs and
paintings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The evidences of Christian
influence at Camp Druzhba continue in more profound and meaningful ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anton, himself, attended camp there; became a
Christ follower through translating and is now the camp organizer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of our interpreters here now attended
Camp Druzhba over the years; learned English; heard the gospel and are now
following Christ and sharing the gospel with the next generation of
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of our campers are here
because they have attended previously or they heard about us over the
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since 1998, seeds of the gospel
have been planted at Camp Druzhba and we are privileged to see the fruit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This encourages me greatly and I can tell you
that GtU is not about to leave this place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Certainly, if God were to call us to go elsewhere, we would be
obedient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But right now, we are firmly
planted here and will do all we can, by God’s grace, to continue to water the
seeds planted over the years.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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God continues to move here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Children are hungry to know the Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Relationships have been built over the years that we must continue to
nourish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see kids everyday that we
met 6, 7, or 8 years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The community
benefits financially as well as spiritually from our presence here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been on TV, and we try to take advantage
of that notoriety, all for the glory of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The people here are entrenched in legalism and superstition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most cannot begin to comprehend the grace of
God that saves them and keeps them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
then again, neither did I for many years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please pray for these people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For GtU and its
team to have wisdom, discernment and perseverance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hear stories daily from orphans and other
children that are gut wrenching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
weight of it all can be staggering as we try to accept that we cannot fix every
problem or save every child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must
simply be obedient to God’s call to be here; to share the Gospel, and trust
that He is doing things we cannot yet see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just like those before us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Grace to Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078856967322352518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672176345828231072.post-78057939312082201182013-07-23T11:44:00.001-07:002013-07-23T11:44:49.361-07:00God is at Work<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are only in the third day of the second Bible camp, but
already we see God at work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes a
picture is worth a thousand words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
in this instance, the pictures cannot begin to convey what is going on in the
hearts of our campers and workers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This morning, the older girls’ 45 minute Bible Study, last
over an hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The girl’s were asking
questions about sin, the Holy Spirit, how to hear from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday these same girls listened intently
as Alexandra told them they were made in the image of God and they explored
ways in which that should effect how they live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Alexandra said it was obvious they had not heard these things before.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each night, the Bible study leaders go to the children’s
dorms right before bedtime, to pray and have a short devotional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last night, the older boys were still talking
after an hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They, too, had serious
spiritual questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One wanted to know
why our beliefs were so different from the beliefs of many professing
Christians in their village and why our beliefs seemed “better”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kyle and Blaine patiently shared with them
into the night, opening the Scriptures and praying for wisdom and discernment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One 14 year old boy who goes to school in Lugansk explained
to me that he got many invitations to summer camps but he chooses to come this
camp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and his twin brother started
attending when the camp was lead by Shane and Marilyn Duke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has a hunger for the word and is eager to
share it with others.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dorm parents are asking questions, moving from skepticism to
real interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Team members and
interpreters sit in the hallway of our dorm at all hours of the day and night,
reading the Word and sharing their testimonies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Prayer requests are moving from the simple “pray that I play soccer
better” to the more serious “pray that I can share my faith in school”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Each of us on this team has come to Ukraine believing this
is where God called us to be this summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our team members are young adults, 19-21, except for me and Taryn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We each raised our own support to get here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are from different churches, different
cities and states; no one church or organization has sent us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are doing nothing grand; nothing fancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are simply here, the Body of Christ,
brought together by a common desire to share the Gospel in a place that is
“white for harvest”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is doing a
work, often times in spite of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please
pray with us and for us, that the Gospel seeds that we are planting will bear
fruit and that the Glory of our God will spread though the village of
Belaroschenska, Ukraine and beyond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Grace to Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078856967322352518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672176345828231072.post-32359549048285957222013-07-17T01:51:00.001-07:002013-07-17T01:51:01.871-07:00Bible Camp in Ukraine
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first Bible camp ended 4 days ago and the second camp
will start 4 days from today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Words just
cannot do justice to the blessings we have experienced while serving here in
far east Ukraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This camp is not specifically for orphans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Children from this village and surrounding
villages are invited to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of
these children are impoverished; many live in difficult situations; some are
children of local taxi drivers or businessmen. All of them need to hear the
gospel of Jesus Christ and that is why we come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The last night of camp we asked the children to tell their
Bible study leaders what they believed about Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some said he was the Healer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some said he was God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many said “He is my Deliverer”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These words were sweet to our ears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One older girl said the one thing that she
remembered most from our Bible studies was the Jesus could calm the storm simply
by speaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am thankful to our team
who conveyed these precious truths and thankful to In Lumine Media for the
Russian translation of the Jesus Storybook Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was exciting to see kids sitting around in
the afternoon reading their Bibles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Encouraging
when, after reading the next to last story in small group, an older girl asked
if they could read the last story so they could know what happens next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I first met with our worship leader for camp, I was not
sure we were going to work smoothly together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He conveyed to me that the songs I had chosen for the children to learn
were too deep; he thought the children would not understand the meaning of the
lyrics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How precious to watch the
children’s faces as they sang “I’m running to your arms, the riches of your
love will always be enough, nothing compares to your embrace…..”; but also to
see Maxim’s excitement grow daily as he taught them about worship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maxim turned out to be one of the strongest
leaders at camp and he and I were always on the same page as we lead the
children deeper into the word.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am honored to serve alongside all these believers, both
American and Ukrainian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I cannot end
this blog without mentioning my friend and partner, Taryn Kilpatrick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Taryn sees a need and with a fierce
determination, seeks to meet that need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She saw that we had food leftover after each meal; so she began taking
food to the handicapped, the poor, even the intoxicated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She serves the Lord with reckless abandon in
this and so many ways and I love her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please like our facebook page and check out all the pictures
if you have not already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will be
blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you to all who give to
make our ministry to the orphaned and poor of Ukraine possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hosting, Bible camp, special needs ministry,
bibles; we could do none of this without your prayers and financial support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is certainly being glorified through it
all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Grace to Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078856967322352518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672176345828231072.post-36954004978408978862013-06-25T13:54:00.001-07:002013-06-25T22:19:45.026-07:00Memories<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8hx_xyAM34VnnfHdcLmEJsTj7XExSpJA0KmOCM3rhvUZ0R8Edgn2g0-SI5nkpHPovQFyoU3YfsFJiPhTZ2fjTqLy_oijG5q8W88BCXXJDbIg6XUCgAxp373hUQJTSx_qSIun5HZXf5GC/s1600/sabraniye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8hx_xyAM34VnnfHdcLmEJsTj7XExSpJA0KmOCM3rhvUZ0R8Edgn2g0-SI5nkpHPovQFyoU3YfsFJiPhTZ2fjTqLy_oijG5q8W88BCXXJDbIg6XUCgAxp373hUQJTSx_qSIun5HZXf5GC/s320/sabraniye.jpg" width="320" /></a>Another hosting program comes to an end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pool towels are folded and stored
away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beds are stripped and sheets are
being washed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kitchen is clean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yet the quiet is deafening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The emptiness is strange and
uncomfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The memories, sweet and
yet raw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will attempt to share a few random memories that I hope capture the spirit of our annual hosting of Ukrainian children,
orphaned and alone, through no fault of their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first few days the children were here, they were quiet
during sabraniye; staring at me with unfamiliar eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Sabraniye is Russian for “gathering” and is
what we call our nightly Bible study time. The photo above is of our last sabraniye).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It did not take long before the children began interacting: sharing prayer
requests, asking questions, joking, speaking longingly of their hopes and
dreams. At one point my heart overflowed with joy when one boy, who had
previously said he did not believe in God, asked for a Bible to read along
during the lesson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I delighted in their
retention of what was begin taught; and I laughed on the last night when a
previously shy boy sat in my chair and began conducting his own sabraniye, complete with my usual comments and questions. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One night we talked about treasures here on earth and how
they did not compare to the treasure of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I started this discussion by asking what they longed for in this world
more than anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of these
impoverished children said money, cars, or fame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They wished only for a family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband and I are blessed
financially.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If money could make them
happy; satisfy their deepest desire, then I could, and would, give it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I can’t provide them all a family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only God can do that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And only God can reveal to them that even a
family will not ultimately satisfy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
need Christ. And yet my heart aches that they must return to a place where
there is no one to lead them there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of our translators who lives here in America is an
orphan who has a student visa and is in college in the US.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After spending a few days around me and Jay,
she remarked “I wish I could be a kid again (pause).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A kid with a family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It must be so nice just to say ‘Mom, I need
something’ and you are right there.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
take for granted all the many blessings we have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A home. A family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was asking one of our boys about his
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He focused in on how long he had
been in the orphanage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is 15.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has been in the orphanage for 9
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“longer than anyone else” he
pointed out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told me how long each of
the other kids had been there; repeated he had been there the longest, and then
he laid his head on the table, covering his face with his arms. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One Sunday,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a young
man adopted from Ukraine about 6 years ago, shared his testimony with the
kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was not a dry eye among the
Americans or the Ukrainian children as he shared about his life in Ukraine; his
problems after adoption; and his recent transformation by Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The children hung on his every word and in
the end, I pray, found hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t do statistics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But right here in our little group, whether it be with the kids
themselves or their friends and extended families back in Ukraine, we see teen
pregnancy, cutting, abuse, prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sin
has ruined our world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has ruined the
lives of these 19 children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Ukraine,
America, Africa, Haiti, the harvest is plentiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thank God for the few harvesters He has
sent into my home these last 21 days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These children have experienced love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And each of them has heard the gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They have been hugged, fed,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>pampered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am thankful for
visitors from Iowa, Mississippi, and Colorado.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I appreciate the churches and businesses who have sponsored meals and
activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yet sometimes I cry
because of the greatness of the harvest and the scarcity of workers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yet in all these things, I know that we
are more than conquerors through Christ who loved us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
In 2 days, a team of 13 of us, most of whom just spent the
last 21 days with GtU, will board a plane to spend a month in Ukraine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While there, we will share the love of Christ
with impoverished village children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
will once again play, hug, laugh and share what it means to follow Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then, as is always the case, we will tearfully
say goodbye, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>longing in our hearts for
the day when sadness, poverty, alcoholism, and orphanages will all cease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord Jesus, come quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Grace to Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078856967322352518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672176345828231072.post-65082777264265222782013-04-06T14:11:00.001-07:002013-04-06T20:55:13.268-07:00A Blog of Two WorldsThis world. Sitting in the dugout at a tee ball game amongst irrelevance. One mom screaming at her 5 year old to get his hand out of his mouth and pay attention. One dad continuously making trips into the dugout to scold his 6 year old son for running too slow. <br />
<br />
The other world. Children living in a government orphanage. Either abused or abandoned by their parents or without living parents. Unwanted. <br />
<br />
I straddle the two worlds. Watching the game while chatting on my phone with a family seeking to obey God's command to care for orphans. They share that they are going to pursue the adoption of 2 children I know. <br />
<br />
I stare out into left field and cry. Tears of joy because 2 more children in that other world are wanted. Yet gripped with a sort of surreal sadness in the midst of people blind to what is truly relevant. <br />
<br />
Two worlds. Distant and yet I exist in both. Unable to reconcile them, but thankful when they collide. Grace to Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078856967322352518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672176345828231072.post-11117264263781504272013-04-02T21:53:00.004-07:002013-04-03T14:33:26.498-07:00Searching for Peace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4cslBlvRIH3SDAwcNcdIrZnRlPSfr4krcXaMVyobYqD5PBCBiM54U_NHgYETvIe2g9XCR0YxPEc0FrSMe6z8p7zm7lrG0GlvMlh7tfmm6Jz2iHqoujGn2S8QmBamuap2GyH1of3osInI/s1600/zhenya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4cslBlvRIH3SDAwcNcdIrZnRlPSfr4krcXaMVyobYqD5PBCBiM54U_NHgYETvIe2g9XCR0YxPEc0FrSMe6z8p7zm7lrG0GlvMlh7tfmm6Jz2iHqoujGn2S8QmBamuap2GyH1of3osInI/s400/zhenya.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I correspond regularly with one of my Ukrainian son's brother. He was too old to be adopted when we adopted our son. I spend time with him every time I go to Ukraine. I grieve for him because I know he wishes he could be here with us. He has no one. No parents. No grandparents. No siblings other than my son. His eyes are always so sad and it breaks my heart. I can't even try to bring him here on any sort of visa due to paperwork issues that won't get resolved for a few more years. Today he told me about a nice girl he had met. I told him how much I wanted the best for him and I prayed he would find love and happiness. He thanked me but explained there were just so few "good people" in his world. He asked me to write him more often because it makes him feel more peaceful. He calls me Mommy. I call him son.<br />
<br />
He does not want to become a statistic. He is only 23. He works. He has a roof over his head. He is not an alcoholic. But his life is empty and he is alone. I know that I am not the answer. I know I cannot fill the void in his heart. I can continue to love him. Share Christ with him. And do what I can to prevent others from sharing his fate. Grace to Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078856967322352518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672176345828231072.post-62910870891724107332013-03-24T20:27:00.004-07:002013-03-24T20:27:45.070-07:009 Weeks to Go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9h3Lw5lh3LyAAjTh5V3mx-ymz0ju3x2B5znsgzM4m9GL2jhRGfIWObwIAq-Wa9xIB1SlOLrAppzPIzvPeXDgW0M679zB2Gg32JM8TTk80Y3wG2cid1DBHQKoNuc_V8GyYk5YhCdzT5HA/s1600/2013+flyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9h3Lw5lh3LyAAjTh5V3mx-ymz0ju3x2B5znsgzM4m9GL2jhRGfIWObwIAq-Wa9xIB1SlOLrAppzPIzvPeXDgW0M679zB2Gg32JM8TTk80Y3wG2cid1DBHQKoNuc_V8GyYk5YhCdzT5HA/s640/2013+flyer.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
<br />Grace to Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078856967322352518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672176345828231072.post-12911607768907139652013-03-20T13:51:00.002-07:002013-03-20T13:51:24.106-07:0019 CHILDREN!!! YAY!! and YIKES!!!!In a previous post, I wrote about 4 children from Bela who thought they were coming in June but could not due to paperwork issues. I left Ukraine, giving Anton instructions to find out what was going on. For various reasons, it was just not clear to me what the status of their paperwork was. If nothing else, I was determined to get their paperwork in order so that the children could come next year. Well, Anton just informed me that if we were willing, three of these children can come in June! Say what?! "Do you want to add them?" he asked? There is a new rule in Ukraine that hosted children have to have "orphan status". These particular children were in various stages of paperwork but for 3 of them, Anton was able to accomplish 2 months of paperwork in about 2 days. Unfortunately, one of the children has not yet been to court for termination of parental rights so it was impossible for her to come. As for the other 3, do you think I could say no?!<br />
<br />
Is this too many kids? Yes! Have we bitten off more than we can chew yet again? Yes! Do we now need to raise more money? Yes! Are these 3 children going to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and know that they are loved and cared for? Know that we went to bat for them when we didn't have to? Know that to someone they are important? Yes, yes yes!!!!! So praise the Lord once again that we are insufficient for the task before us but our God is quite up to the job. And please, please, pray for the 4th child as well as another 16 year old girl in this same orphanage, both of whom live there without "orphan status", cannot be hosted or adopted, and who need our love and compassion as well. May God show us how we can reach them also with the news that are, indeed, loved.Grace to Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078856967322352518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672176345828231072.post-61150829497380955802013-03-17T16:00:00.000-07:002013-03-17T16:08:57.619-07:00Insufficient for the TaskIt is easy to get discouraged after a mission trip. You see the extent of the need before you and feel hopeless to meet it. I feel this way especially right now in regard to the special needs orphanage that we support. The dates for hosting and Camp Friendship are getting close. The SN orphanage needs more diapers as well as wipes and Qtips. I think "Have we bitten off more than we can chew?" "Why didn't we just stick with a simple hosting program as originally planned?" "How will we ever fund all three projects?"<br />
<br />
I am thankful for friends who remind me to put my focus back on Christ, not on the circumstances. My God owns the cattle on a thousand hills and will provide if He wills. There is a song we often sing at the Church at Brook Hills. If any song were to ever become the theme song for Grace to Ukraine, this would have to be it. The song is <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXB8ihepUpE&list=HL1363560226">"By Faith"</a> by Keith and Kristyn Getty.<br />
<br />
"By faith the church was called to go in the power of the Spirit to the lost, to deliver captives and to preach good news in every corner of the earth." I feel like I visited empty corners last week. Corners of the earth in which there was no gospel presence. No grace. Corners of hopelessness and despair. We may not be successful in penetrating these corners but we must not give up. It is not my job to be successful; only to be faithful.<br />
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"We will stand as children of the promise. We will fix our eyes on Him, our soul's reward. Till the race is finished and the work is done, we'll walk by faith and not by sight." And so I turn my eyes away from the despair I saw last week; the poverty; the cutting; the alcoholism; the foolishness; the darkness; the forgotten and I look to Christ, for He alone is my reward. <br />
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I saw a quote by John Piper earlier this week: "If you are sufficient for your task, it is too small." Perhaps we have bitten off more than we can chew. Perhaps we need God for the task before us. Perhaps that is what I need to learn most of all. <br />
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<br />Grace to Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078856967322352518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8672176345828231072.post-9635797487226679872013-03-13T05:18:00.002-07:002013-03-13T05:18:30.596-07:00Somebody Tell ThemHere is a video of some of the children we met on our recent tript to Ukraine. It is our prayer and our our goal to tell each of them of their worth and their hope in Christ.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="720" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DalG6t2wpbg?rel=0" width="960"></iframe>Grace to Ukrainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09078856967322352518noreply@blogger.com0