ABC Kids

Thanks to all our donors who make it possible for us to provide Pampers, wipes, food, clothes and medicine for the abandoned children living at the Baby Hospital in Gorlovka. We are so thankful to have Dr. Sergei Korotya and Dr. Masha Sverdlova, both members of our church family, working with these precious children. We have provided help for literally hundreds of kids since January 2000! Thanks again donors, your generosity is changing lives in Gorlovka!

New Class Progress

In September I was asked by three young girls (around 9 or 10 years old) to start a class for their age group. We began that class about six weeks ago and last Friday we had 14 kids (plus me, the translator and one kid from the Sparrow's Hope program)! I was especially excited because there were nine boys present. I hope you enjoy the pictures. Thanks to all our donors who make it possible for us to teach this generation of kids in Gorlovka.

Classes and Sparrow's Hope Kids

Our classes are going well and are very well attended. Lora had 17 kids at her kids class last Saturday. We are averaging more than 25 kids at our weekend classes and every day the office is open we have around 20 kids coming. Yesterday I finished the shower and laundry room so the boys are showering and doing their laundry at the office now. I also let them ride our bikes yesterday - you would have thought I gave them a million bucks! They had such a great time riding the bikes (several of them put bikes on their "dream list" but the orphanage director said no bikes at the orphanage). It is amazing how grateful these kids are for the things we do for them. The ladies in our church are providing daily food for the boys who do not have cafeteria privileges at their institute. Thanks to all our sponsors who make it possible to work with these kids and teach them of the love Jesus has for them.

Sparrow's Hope Kids Update

The orphanage closed on the last day of August and all the kids have moved to their new homes. On Sunday, September 4, we hosted a picnic for them at the Worship Room followed by a concert with our friends Pasha, Ignat and Artem who make up the band Unbelievable. The kids had a great time. Out of 30 kids living in dormitories and in foster care in the city we had about 25 attend events that weekend. We open the Worship Room from 3 to 7 PM everyday but Monday and they are attending pretty well.

There are seven boys who live in a dorm without showers (if you can imagine that!)and who also do not have cafeteria privileges! Right now Lora and the ladies from our church are feeding them a meal everyday and I give them care packages containing ramen noodles, instant mashed potatoes, cookies, tea, etc. Thanks to our sponsors who make it possible to help these young men. We also give them the opprotunity to shower regularly. They really appreciate the help that we give them. They are also attending our Bible Classes and Game Night each weekend. Please keep the kids in your prayers.

ABC Kids...

Dima and I just got back from purchasing and delivering pampers and supplies to the Baby Hospital. We currently have 17 kids - lots of them are toddlers! It has been a while since we had so many toddlers and they are FUN. When we were there they were just waking up from their naps and they were ready to play! Thanks to all our sponsors who make it possible to provide the things needed for these precious children. Your generosity is changing little lives!

Travel Prayers

Cross Culture family,

I had a great visit to the United States. Enrolled Leanna at Faulkner University, completed the 2011 Annual Report for Cross Culture, Inc. (be watching your mailbox), and completed several other pressing projects. Tomorrow morning at 9 AM I begin my journey back to Gorlovka. Please keep me in your prayers and my luggage, too! Thanks for being such faithful ministry partners.

Update and Prayer Request

We have had a great and eventful summer. All our classes are going well and we have had a blast doing Friday Fun Day including the younger kids. Our teens have done a good job helping out and serving the children.

Tomorrow morning Leanna and I begin travelling to the United States. She will begin her freshmen year at Faulkner University soon and I will be helping her get settled in. It seems like a short time ago that she was seven years old and we were moving to Gorlovka. Right now we have a house full of kids spending their last few hours together with Leanna.

Today Dima and I delivered Pampers and supplies to the Baby Hospital. Dr. Masha Sverdlova, who grew up in our youth group, showed us around and told us some sad stories about the abandoned children. I have never gotten used to seeing these precious children and hearing their stories without it touching my heart deeply.

Please be praying for Kenny and Leanna as they travel, for Lora, Dima and Lexi as they remain in Gorlovka and continue working with the church family and kids. Thanks for being such faithful ministry partners.

Berdyansk Retreat

Last week we took 29 people to Berdyansk for our annual teen retreat. Our theme was "No Ordinary Love" and in morning and afternoon classes we explored the teachings of Jesus and many of his parables concerning the love we should have for one another and for God. We played group games each morning and had "Minute To Win It" games in the evenings. We also had our nightly campfire devotionals and, of course, the talent show on Friday night. Thanks to Lora, we also ate well three times each day! Enjoy the pictures...

More Friday Fun

Every day I am asked by kids in the playground - "Are we having class on Friday?" They are so eager to attend Friday Fun Day. It is a joy to teach these kids and see them learning to grow in their love for God and one another. Last week we did not have Friday Fun Day because we were on the teen retreat in Berdyansk, but the little kids were all gathered around when we drove up from the retreat on Saturday evening and they immediately began cheering and clapping their hands! We love that kind of welcome home celebration.

Friday FUN Day!

This summer we changed up Friday FUN Day to include our younger children. This is giving our teens a chance to learn about teaching children and serving others. Each week we are focusing on a different characteristic of love, working on our scrap books, doing a craft associated with the lesson, and haviing a special fun activity. The kids are having a blast. Hope you enjoy the pictures.