How to Pray: Surprises

As most of you know, when teams from Midtown head over to Ukraine, we are going for the purpose of working with groups of orphaned children and teenagers. Our teams, during preparation, often talk about expectations of these trips. Over and over again in the time leading up to trips, we remind each other to simply allow things to happen and let God show up.

Obviously, our sole purpose is to share the Gospel with these kids. We want them to understand what this life is all about and share with them God's extravagant love for them. We spend hours talking about ways to reach out to them and how to keep them engaged and interested. Our focus is definitely on the kids as we head to camp.

But this summer, God was working in ways we never would have guessed. While we're at camp, we have an amazing group of translators that work alongside us and provide the American team with a voice to speak the Gospel and love on the kids. These translators are usually young Ukrainian adults who have studied English and have connected with the Radooga ministry to work with them for the summer at camps. One of our translators this year was Dima (center). He grew up in the tradition of the Orthodox church in Ukraine and simply came to camp this summer with a couple of his good friends that have worked with Radooga. During Dima's time at camp, he became our voice to the kids and spent his week translating countless conversations about Jesus, sin, the Gospel, and the struggles of life. The Lord was doing powerful things in Dima and at times translating conversations became a very overwhelming experience for him. After our week at orphan camp, Dima was invited to attend a youth camp the following week as a camper and as he says, "the seeds you planted grew that week." Dima became a Christian at that camp and began his new life in Christ. He now begins the difficult struggle he shares not only with the orphans, but with many in Ukraine, of living as a Christian in a society and culture that is anything but accepting. Dima enters this journey with amazing perspective, an ever positive attitude, and a clear understanding of his hope in Christ. He is currently studying law in Kiev and has the amazing opportunity to make a difference in his country through his passion for helping people, now equipped with the Love of Christ.

Dima's experience opened our eyes to the countless ways the Lord is working in Ukraine and not only with the orphans. It is obvious God is so much bigger than the expectations and plans we have for this ministry. As Dima will tell you, the Lord is all over his past, his decisions, and led him right where he needed to be this summer. His life is such an amazing picture of the beautiful story the Lord is telling in all of our lives and how He is working everything for good.

Pray this week for Dima and all the other young Christians living in Ukraine. Our team is incredibly grateful for their service to us during our time there as well as their friendships. We are all thankful the Lord has woven Midtown and Ukraine together so that we are blessed with the opportunity to have these amazing people in our lives.

How to Pray: Transition

Updates from Midtown in Ukraine have been pretty quiet lately. Unfortunately, so has life for our friends in Ukraine. The kids are currently finishing up their time at camp and boredom is prevalent. This week, there will be tons of transition happening for them as the new school year begins on September 1st. Because the group of kids we've worked with the past two years are older, most of them have finished high school or graduated in May. This transition into adulthood is simultaneously exciting and terrifying for the kids. The excitement is basically a naive one. Their excitement is usually rooted in finally living what many of them call an "independent" life. Sadly, many of them cannot grasp the reality of the lives they are about to step into. Some of them will go to various universities in Kharkov which is an incredibly difficult path for them, but one that could lead to a decent job if they are able to finish. Many of them, however, are headed to vocational schools to learn specific trades or skills. These schools are not necessarily providing them with the best education or the best jobs afterward and are often times dangerous.

For the kids still in middle school and high school, there are changes for them as well. One of the orphanages we work with is shutting down so many of the kids there are being sent to a different orphanage. They are beginning their school year in a new village, a new orphanage, a new home.

In the midst of so much transition, pray that we would be reminded that the Lord is moving in these kids' lives. That He is working all of the uncertainty out for good, even when it seems chaotic. Pray that they would be filled up with a strength and peace that only He can provide in this week of new beginnings.

Next steps?

While we were with the children this summer there was quite a bit of joy. For me personally (and many on the team) there was also a peace about our role in their lives, what we can do for them, and what we must trust God to do.

However, coupled with this peace and trust there is also conviction, and the reality that we have capabilities and resources that God may be calling us to use to do more. I think all of us on the recent team, truly anyone who's ever worked with these kids struggles with finding a balance between wanting to do more and trusting that God loves these children and ultimately will take care of them.

The realities of life in the orphanage, and what's worse, life outside it once they graduate, is so harsh it's nearly impossible to wrap your mind around. We know that God has given us the opportunity, and given you the opportunity, to play a role in their lives through prayer and for some of us, through relationship. We don't exactly know how far He's asking us to step in.

Please pray for the future of this mission from Midtown Fellowship church to this group of orphan children in Kharkov, Ukraine. We are unsure where things may go. If it's just another camp next summer and continuing to pray for them, or if it's something more. The leaders of this summer's trip are meeting today with Randy Draughon to discuss just this.

Photos from camp

Here's a link to some photos from the first few days of camp: https://picasaweb.google.com/russelljanderson/KharkovCamp2011

And if you're on Facebook, Josh Carter's photos are breathtaking: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10100322959553355.2625393.9402543

Mysterious lost blog posts...

Day 3

Today is the third day of camp. It’s hard to believe that we are already halfway through our time here. I am very confident that God is multiplying our abilities as well as our efficiancy. We are at camp during a time when kids are arriving or leaving to and from seeing their families. I am very saddened because this year, more than last, I am encountering several kids who have families yet they are in an orphanage. In speaking with them you can see in their eyes how starved they are of attention and affection. It is almost as though they are afraid to seek approval, they just want to be acknowledged, yet at at the same time many of them become shy.

Yesterday as I attempted to have a quiet time to read my Bible and write, I was pleasantly surprised by a friendly voice greeting me with ::insert Ukrainian accent:: ‘Hi!’. I looked up and saw the most adorable boy staring at me with a big smile on his face. Thus began my friendship with Andre, a fourteen year old from the Nova Vadalaga orphanage. He has been to the States four times and we were able to talk with one another easily, and talk we did. Now everytime I see him he will say hello and give me a hug, which is not exactly common for a boy his age. This is such a blessing because the majority of the kids I got close to last year have graduated or will graduate next year. And it is nice to become close to a kid who will be here a few more years. This is just one of many ways God has shown His love and grace to me on this trip.

I will close with a prayer request. Please at every moment you can, pray for the spiritual climate at the camp. It is very clear that we are fighting a battle and that Satan is trying to get a foothold with this kids.

Thank you and God bless you, Marguerite Hogue

Day 2

Today marked the third day at camp and the second full day of programs and activities. I have adjusted to the rhythm of camp life and have begun to experience some amazing interactions with some of the kids. On several occasions kids have introduced themselves to me and have generally been excited to see the team. Their smiling faces are simultaneously uplifting and heartbreaking because of the potential for happiness they reveal and because they remind me of the reality that there will be no one here to elicit those smiles and that joy when we leave.

I have heard from many kids this week how much they look forward to camp. One particular girl told me today that summer is only fun when the Americans come and that she only had five more days of fun left. There are so many similar stories that our team can tell that are all very moving. Overall we are doing well and we are learning so much about ourselves. Please continue to keep us and these kids in your prayers as the week goes along.

- Carter Henderson

Day 1

We arrived at camp yesterday safely and so far so good. Lots of time spent in prayer and orientation. A lot of rain for the past few days, so pray for some sunny days for our recreation time with the kids. We are all very excited after our first meetings with our groups, the kids are so excited to see us and a lot of them remember returning team members. Some prayer requests from all of us:

Strength for the next several days.
Continued enthusiasm.
Openness from the kids.
Spiritual protection for the entire camp.
No technical problems with the stage or with the equipment that we have.
The continued safety of all.
Health for all.
That God would be working on the hearts of these children.
That the team would be able to convey the love of Jesus Christ.
That each day would get better and better.
That we could all get out of our comfort zones and love on these kids. We all appreciate your prayers!

We love you and we can’t wait to get back and tell you all about our adventures in Ukraine!

written by Daniel Baugh

Safely home

We arrived safely Saturday afternoon around 4 pm to a great welcome from friends and family. It was great to see many of you at church yesterday.

The journey home was long but relatively easy compared to some other experiences we've had traveling. Now begins the exciting adventure of re-entry, where we fight jet lag, reverse culture shock, and the pain of leaving our friends new and old.

Please continue to pray for the team as we try and take such a rich experience and apply it to our "routine" back here, or as we struggle to find one again, or recreate it altogether based on what we've learned.

Please continue to pray for the children, as we've already heard from some of them how "boring" camp is without us (we leave, but they will still be there another month or so). Pray they'd cope with their pain in positive ways (maybe turning to the bibles we gave them?).

Also, please keep Betsy Trent in your prayers as she travels a bit through Italy, and Val Morozov, who is traveling home today after spending a couple days in England.

In Christ,
Russell Anderson

The long journey home

Sitting on the plane to amsterdam reflecting back on our experience. Working with these teens it's impossible not to mourn their circumstances. The horror stories we hear about life in the orphanage, so much of it we're not sure we can even believe. There are so many good souls in this place. When God's love shines in this place it reflects back through the children - their smiles and their joy. These kids are jaded and hardened by life, and capable of some terrible things, but when we're there, they can put that identity down, even just for a week. They can love us and each other from another place - from Christ's love.  As we despair over their situation we struggle with our response. Who will save these children? Can we not do more? Must we not? If not us, then whom? I learned this trip that working with these kids over the past two years has challenged my trust in the Lord - in His divine plan for these kids and on this earth. I think this trip I finally acknowledged that it can't be my own burden, but that it's His, and though I don't see how exactly He cares for His children, I must trust that He does. Otherwise the weight of this will crush me. His yoke is easy because it is His, not mine.  By giving it to Him I am able to celebrate the fruit we do see,  like Oleg A singing his heart out during worship, or praying with my group of ten kids because they all believe in Christ. I am not sure how in the future God will use me in the lives of these kids, but I know He is after them. We'll be home today. Please pray that God would bless our travels and our hearts on this long journey home.  - Russ Anderson

Radooga blog post 7/7/11

I have not had a chance to read the blog posts by my fellow teammates throughout this week. But now that the camp is over and we are halfway back to Kiev, I will share my perceptions of the last day or two.

First of all, God's presence has been evident in may ways as we finished camp. To each of us, He has revealed this through different situations and observations. For me personally, I have experienced God's pleasure in seeing His children worship Him. God's presence in a Ukrainian orphan camp is a very powerful thing. I believe a lot of the kids recognize it when they see it. This team has seen God push back some solid boundaries of distraction and apathy and has really communicated with kids through this team.

It is difficult to leave the kids to the situations they are in. We are tempted to feel our work is incomplete. In many ways this may be true. But I do believe we have carried out the good work God called us to for this past week and that God is using this experience to work in the hearts of the kids now and in the future. Please pray over continued communication with the kids throughout the year because writing letters in our absence often has shortfalls in the aspect of getting deep into the lives of the children.

Please also pray for good rest for the team before they leave Saturday morning. We should arrive in Kiev between 1:00 and 2:00 AM. We will spend tomorrow doing some sightseeing and return to the topic of orphans via a debriefing session in the evening. God will surely bring up a lot of emotions and challenges and lessons through this discussion.

I have enjoyed speaking on behalf of this entire Radooga team (both Americans and Ukrainians) in presenting my observations and requests.

Josh Ingram

Sent from my iPhone

These past few days at camp have far exceeded any expectations I could have dreamt up in my mind. No words can describe the sorrow. No words can describe the joy.

Day 4 at camp actually landed on July 4th (Independence day!). We all rolled out of our moist beds and headed to the cafeteria for breakfast. We were told to go straight to the auditorium after breakfast (unusual) because we needed to hear morning announcements; after a few minutes we were excused and headed to the front of the cafeteria to see if we could spend a few extra minutes with the kids. As we all  left the auditorium we could immediately hear clapping and shouting; the kids had made a huge rectangle and in the middle was a circle of kids holding our flag. One of our amazing translators, Julia Strotska, sang our national anthem for us and afterwards Robb Pring ran around with the flag. We had about 30 minutes before the start of the morning program so a few of us decided to go on an adventure to some sketchy tower just a few hundred yards from the cafeteria. We were just walking around and ran into a few of the kids at the camp; a few minutes into the conversation the subject of cigarettes and drinking came up and it was amazing to see these kids opening up to us about something they obviously try and hide from us. Our time was cut short because we had to get to the program, but it was truly miraculous to see how God turned our time-killing adventure into a glorifying experience for His Kingdom.
After program we went to our group activities, back to lunch, and after lunch it started raining- and I have to admit, I have never heard thunder like that before- it was the most breathtaking storm I have ever heard. The power went out in our building for a short time and we gathered as a group in our  common room and prayed that God's will would be done; indeed, God is truly working for the good of those who love him. The power came on within a few hours- our prayers were answered and we were still able to spend time with the kids. Our recreational time was obviously cancelled since the storm had completely flooded the field; luckily, most of us are still kids at heart and changed into some dirty clothes, grabbed a soccer ball, and headed to the field. What started out as a group of 6 quickly turned into a group of around 20. It was the funnest, most impossible game of soccer I have ever played. Everyone was sliding all over the place, splashing in the water, throwing mud...it was a beautiful thing- to see the kids actually being kids- it was such a blessing. Every muddy second of it.

Day 5 (today) was a little more emotionally draining than physically draining. A handful of kids left the camp early this morning. Even though so many kids are still here, that handful was missed today. That unspoken silence lurked around every corner. Their laughter wasn't here today. Their smiles weren't in the auditorium for morning program. They're gone, and we don't even know if we'll see them next year. Gone, just like that. And in less than two days, we'll be gone. It feels like we just got here. So many amazing things are happening; the kids at the camp, the Ukraine team and the American team have been woven together so effortlessly. This was not by chance.  
Our evening programs are closed by a short sermon from a man named Sergei; so far he has touched on sin, justice, mercy and Jesus Christ as our savior over the past few nights. Our prayers for these kids have been bold, but we know our Father hears our cry. I feel secure in knowing that God is in control. We are his saints, we are his messengers, but we are blessed in that we don't have to carry the burdens of this world on our shoulders. They have already been carried for us. The weights of this world have been lifted. What freedom we have in Christ's love. What abundant joy we have in knowing we have been lead to be a part of this beautiful story. We may be some short chapter- or maybe even part of the preface- but we are a part of a story that is happening in and around each and every one of us.

I'm currently sitting in the hallway of our building writing this. I can hear a guitar and singing down in the common room; a few people are gathered at the end of the hall talking about today. Kenton, one of the members of the American team, just came and sat by me. We chatted for a minute (he's awesome). I asked him how he was feeling about today and this is what he said, "I don't think I've ever felt more comfortable about who I am in my entire life." There's something to be said about all of the things that are happening here...and even though I can't find the words to say, I'm pretty sure they would be awesome if I could.   

-betsy trent

These past few days at camp have far exceeded any expectations I could have dreamt up in my mind. No words can describe the sorrow. No words can describe the joy.

Day 4 at camp actually landed on July 4th (Independence day!). We all rolled out of our moist beds and headed to the cafeteria for breakfast. We were told to go straight to the auditorium after breakfast (unusual) because we needed to hear morning announcements; after a few minutes we were excused and headed to the front of the cafeteria to see if we could spend a few extra minutes with the kids. As we all left the auditorium we could immediately hear clapping and shouting; the kids had made a huge rectangle and in the middle was a circle of kids holding our flag. One of our amazing translators, Julia Strotska, sang our national anthem for us and afterwards Robb Pring ran around with the flag. We had about 30 minutes before the start of the morning program so a few of us decided to go on an adventure to some sketchy tower just a few hundred yards from the cafeteria. We were just walking around and ran into a few of the kids at the camp; a few minutes into the conversation the subject of cigarettes and drinking came up and it was amazing to see these kids opening up to us about something they obviously try and hide from us. Our time was cut short because we had to get to the program, but it was truly miraculous to see how God turned our time-killing adventure into a glorifying experience for His Kingdom.
After program we went to our group activities, back to lunch, and after lunch it started raining- and I have to admit, I have never heard thunder like that before- it was the most breathtaking storm I have ever heard. The power went out in our building for a short time and we gathered as a group in our common room and prayed that God's will would be done; indeed, God is truly working for the good of those who love him. The power came on within a few hours- our prayers were answered and we were still able to spend time with the kids. Our recreational time was obviously cancelled since the storm had completely flooded the field; luckily, most of us are still kids at heart and changed into some dirty clothes, grabbed a soccer ball, and headed to the field. What started out as a group of 6 quickly turned into a group of around 20. It was the funnest, most impossible game of soccer I have ever played. Everyone was sliding all over the place, splashing in the water, throwing mud...it was a beautiful thing- to see the kids actually being kids- it was such a blessing. Every muddy second of it.

Day 5 (today) was a little more emotionally draining than physically draining. A handful of kids left the camp early this morning. Even though so many kids are still here, that handful was missed today. That unspoken silence lurked around every corner. Their laughter wasn't here today. Their smiles weren't in the auditorium for morning program. They're gone, and we don't even know if we'll see them next year. Gone, just like that. And in less than two days, we'll be gone. It feels like we just got here. So many amazing things are happening; the kids at the camp, the Ukraine team and the American team have been woven together so effortlessly. This was not by chance.
Our evening programs are closed by a short sermon from a man named Sergei; so far he has touched on sin, justice, mercy and Jesus Christ as our savior over the past few nights. Our prayers for these kids have been bold, but we know our Father hears our cry. I feel secure in knowing that God is in control. We are his saints, we are his messengers, but we are blessed in that we don't have to carry the burdens of this world on our shoulders. They have already been carried for us. The weights of this world have been lifted. What freedom we have in Christ's love. What abundant joy we have in knowing we have been lead to be a part of this beautiful story. We may be some short chapter- or maybe even part of the preface- but we are a part of a story that is happening in and around each and every one of us.

I'm currently sitting in the hallway of our building writing this. I can hear a guitar and singing down in the common room; a few people are gathered at the end of the hall talking about today. Kenton, one of the members of the American team, just came and sat by me. We chatted for a minute (he's awesome). I asked him how he was feeling about today and this is what he said, "I don't think I've ever felt more comfortable about who I am in my entire life." There's something to be said about all of the things that are happening here...and even though I can't find the words to say, I'm pretty sure they would be awesome if I could.

-betsy trent

On the road to camp

Hey everyone this is robb pring, we are on the bus now to camp. Looking forward to getting to know our translators/friends over the next 9 hrs. I'm sitting here with katya as we have just finished our morning devotion and are learning more about each other, katya says hello.

We are all really excited about seeing all of the kids and for all that we are about to experience together and with you. We really can feel your prayers for us as we prepare and travel. Thank you so much. Much love from myself and the rest of the team!

Orientation in Kiev

Kharkov Team. Orientation Posted on June 30, 2011 by admin Share Hello loving supporters: We arrived safely in Kiev yesterday around 5PM. There were no problems getting through customs and although many of us did not sleep much, we were in good spirits upon arrival. Betsy was the only team member with a lost piece of luggage, but it arrived safely here at the university today. We have met all of our translators and some of the Radooga staff, and we are excited to meet the children tomorrow. We have already felt an incredible connection with our Ukrainian brothers and sisters. Pray that our team members make no agreements with the enemy and that we continue to foster relationships with our friends. We will leave for our 8 hour bus ride to camp tomorrow. Please pray that our journey is safely in the Lord’s hands and that we reach our destination on time. Please also pray that God will provide us with rest and alertness after intense jet lag. We are so excited to start this amazing mission that God has called us to. -Midtown Team

Val's airport adventure

Well, most of the Nashville team hasn't even made it to the airport yet, but we've already hit a snag and have seen the Lord bless us through it.

Val Morozov was a late addition to our team, so we actually had him book his own travel. Val's originally from Belarus, so he speaks Russian and is a pretty savvy traveler from all the back and forth. He was scheduled to arrive only an hour or so after us in Kiev, though he was flying through London, not Amsterdam like the rest of the team. The tricky thing was that he booked his connecting ticket to Kiev separately, and had to switch airports in London (from Heathrow to Gatwick).

Well today he arrives at the airport to find that his connection through JFK had been cancelled. That's when he called and we sent out the call for prayers. The Lord answered.

They were having trouble finding any way to get him to London. Finally, the Delta guy told Val they couldn't get him to Heathrow. That's when Val suggested that they send him to Gatwick instead. No problem, he was rerouted through Atlanta.

Update 3:35 - Atlanta is still Atlanta. Val's flight out of Nashville sat on the Tarmac for an hour. Now we're not sure if he'll make his flight to London. Please pray for him! Though leaving later, he'll arrive at around the same time in London, exactly where he needs to be for his connecting flight to Kiev. No need to change airports or pay for bus fare. Praise the Lord.

It's like you're right there with us

We're now on Twitter! We'll be documenting every step of the trip that we can, until we lose internet access of course.

It's the best way to keep track of how we're doing! Follow us now: http://twitter.com/midtownukraine or @midtownukraine if you know how all that stuff works.

Meet the Team: Josh Carter

Name: Josh Carter

Age: 25

Favorite Movie: Snatch. It's a British Gangster Screwball Comedy, what's not to love?

What is your perfect day?: April 25th, because it's not too hot, not too cold. All you need is a light jacket.

If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?: Steven Spielberg, but maybe that's too much like saying Jesus.

WHY are you going???: These kids are amazing. I mean, seriously. They're talented, athletic, smart, creative people. They deserve to be loved.

Meet the Team: Val Morozov

Name: Val Morozov (center)

Age: 32

Favorite Movie: Too many :)

What is your perfect day?: Get up on Sunday morning and have waffles with a nice cup of coffee :) Go to Midtown with my family. Then, go to see my boy play football (aka "soccer"). Then, go play football myself. Come home and grill while watching a good Manchester United game on TV with the fam.

If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?: Apostle Paul

WHY are you going???: I've always liked going on mission trips because only there you realize how helpless and powerless you really are and that you have no other choice but rely fully on God and His mercy. It's a very humbling experience. After going to Ukraine last year and meeting the kids I realized that it can't be a one-time mission trip. Not only because of my experience there but also because of staying in touch with them through different social networks. But you can get so much closer to them physically, mentally and spiritually by being there. And hopefully make a difference in their lives as well as they make it in mine. And that's why I'm going back.

Prayer send-off - Thursday, June 23, 7pm Hope Center

It doesn't matter how many times I do this I still get nervous. Two weeks from now we'll be on a plane!

Please come join us next Thursday evening at the Hope Center (2415 12th Avenue S) for a special send off service for our team. We covet your prayers and take them very seriously. Make no mistake, we are about to step into a very dark place with souls that don't want us around! Add to that the physical day-to-day hardship, language barrier, and issues dealing with another culture, and we'll be striving to just maintain a good attitude, let alone preach the Gospel. We need a supernatural power to step in and change the lives of these children through us!

Please join us and support us in prayer!

- Russ Anderson

Meet the Team: Robb Pring

Name: Robb Pring (front and center)

Age: 32

Occupation: Landscaping

Favorite Movie: Fight Club

What is your perfect day?: I wake up and I can fly. After that, I can pretty much have whatever I want.

If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?: Dead- The Apostle Paul for sure and Alive- Brad Pitt because he's cool.

WHY are you going???: To encourage and to be encouraged. To share the gospel and meet new people. I wanted to go somewhere for the 4th of July and I heard that Ukraine had great fireworks.

Meet the Team: Carter Henderson

Name: Carter Henderson

Age: 28

Occupation: Prosthetics Technician

Favorite Movie: Swingers/ The Dark Night

What is your perfect day?: Coaching a basketball game and spending time with my best friends

If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?: Isaac Newton

WHY are you going???: I will know the reason for my going when I return and I say that with sincerity. I know the kids in Ukraine need people to show them that despite all the abandonment they have experienced there are people in the world who care about them and I am looking forward to doing that.

Meet the Team: Michelle Reising

Name: Michelle "Masha" Reising

Age: old enough not to disclose it here

Occupation: Graduate Student in Psychology (please don't ask me if I can read your thoughts - we're not telepathic)

Favorite Movie: anything old, especially anything with Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Katharine Hepburn, Gregory Peck, James Stewart, or Montgomery Clift, or Humphrey Bogart

What is your perfect day?: a day on the beach with everyone I love (and where I miraculously don't get sun burned)

If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?: my grandmother, Gingie, when she was in her 20s

WHY are you going???: God changed my life 3 years ago when I first went to Ukraine, albeit hesitantly, I don't know how to pass up a chance to see the kids again...and to meet new kids! I've never experienced God's love more strongly than when I have experienced his love for those kids...and how that reflects his love for me as well

Meet the Team: Kenton Gott

Name: Kenton Gott

Age: 20

Occupation: Pizza Maker (Mellow Mushroom)

Favorite Movie: Gladiator

What is your perfect day?: Play hockey until I drop, then read a good book on my back porch in some fine weather. that is all.

If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?: Sir Laurence Olivier

WHY are you going???: I heard the call to go back to Ukraine and witness to those I feel need love and affection the most.

Meet the Team: Russell Anderson

Name: Russ Anderson

Age: 29

Occupation: Entrepre-unemployed

Favorite Movie: The Santa Clause

What is your perfect day? The Titans win the Super Bowl

If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? CS Lewis

WHY are you going??? Because the Lord has really blessed the call he put on my heart several years ago to lead teams from my church. I'm thankful to Him that He's done so much with it and it's had such a great impact on my life and the lives of those around me.

Meet the Team: Heather Harris

Name: At camp: "Hezzair"

Age: 25

Occupation:Program Coordinator at Vanderbilt University

Favorite Movie: About a Boy

What is your perfect day? My perfect day would involve some of my favorite Ukrainians being able to experience some of my favorite Nashville things. So basically a large group of Ukrainian teenagers wandering down 12th South getting coffee at Frothy Monkey, popsicles at Las Paletas, and having a picnic at Sevier Park. The best of both worlds!

If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? Donald Miller

WHY are you going??? In 2009, my first trip to Ukraine affected me greatly and changed my life. A trip I assumed would be a one-time life-changing experience instead threw me into a world where Nashville was my first home and Ukraine became a close second. I am excited to go on my fourth trip to Ukraine and begin the transition from loving these kids as orphans to loving them as graduates heading out into the overwhelming world of adult life. I am thankful every single day to have these kids in my life. They remind me of our Father's incredible, doting love for us and to have an opportunity to be (an unqualified) vessel for that Love has changed me forever.

Meet the Team: Kelly Wendel

Name: Kelly Wendel

Occupation: Special Education Program Coordinator

Age: 30

Favorite Movie: Remember the Titans

What is your perfect day?: My perfect day would include playing in the sunshine, friends, homemade dessert, and

probably a spontaneous dance party.

If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?: Paula Deen (we would cook together) – great food, lots of laughs, and a life story to learn from.

WHY are you going???: This will be my fourth trip to Ukraine. When I look back to when I signed up the first time, I think it was mostly because I had always wanted to go on a mission trip and, despite my reservations, I

felt God leading me there. I certainly did not anticipate it resulting in a long-term commitment to the

orphans I met in 2009. However, I have witnessed how Jesus’ love and light are transforming lives in

such a dark and seemingly hopeless place and am grateful for every chance I have to be a part of His

movement there.

Pray for the churches in Ukraine

Like greater post-Soviet society, even the churches and believers of Ukraine don't take an active role in the lives of orphans. Old communist expectations still linger even amongst the church that care of the orphans is the government's responsibility and not their's. They tend to ignore scripture like James 1:27, that "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look afterorphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

Pray for the churches of Ukraine that there would be a sweeping change of attitude toward the needy orphans in their country. Pray that church leaders would look to actively engage in the care of orphans, and that church-goers would be compelled to step in and maybe even adopt these children and save their lives. Pray that they would stop looking to the government to address this issue but see the care of them as a way the Lord reveals a better understanding of how we all are his adopted children!

Meet the Team: Betsy Trent

Name: Betsy Trent

Age: 24

Occupation: Nanny

Favorite Movie: Nacho Libre

What is your perfect day?: I would wake up around 7 am, have a nice cup of coffee, read and write in my journal, clean my room, eat a granola bar...then go to the gym (preferably a spin class); after that I would get cleaned up, then hang out with friends at a park after we've gone to Sonic happy hour and gotten half-price drinks. By this time it would be around 5 pm and I would like to have dinner with my friends (potluck, if you will)...then we could hang out in our backyard, sit by the fire pit, play some corn hole, drink some ice cold lemonade and enjoy each others company. I would brush my teeth, wash my face, and be in bed around 10pm....and that, to me, is a perfect day.

If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?: My sister

WHY are you going???: My first trip to Ukraine was this past January. I loved every minute of it; even though there were things that took some adjusting to, those very things made the trip all the better. The kids we were able to visit with were so full of life; it was truly amazing to see them so happy to see us and so quick to warm up to us- even me, because I had never met any of them before. As big of an impact as we may make in their lives, they're making just as much of an impact in ours- whether they know that or not- and that, to me, is reason enough to go. Our Father in Heaven is watching those children, and I feel blessed to be part of such a wonderful mission. I can't wait for this summer!

Meet the Team: Lori Martin

Name: Lori Martin

Age: 30

Occupation: Care Partner at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital

Favorite Movie: tie between A River Runs Through It and The Pianist

What is your perfect day?: planting flowers or picking strawberries in the sun while drinking red wine and pondering a trip to Venice the next day...

If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?: I mean, really, I should say Jesus, right? I'd love to pick Fiona Apple's brain. Or, talk to Regina Spektor about life in Moscow vs. life in NYC and ask her what "Apres Moi" is about.

WHY are you going???: I feel such a supernatural LOVE for these kids. I see myself in many of them. God has been at work my entire life preparing me for this amazing journey. Although it can feel uncertain at times and I am an emotional sap who gets attached easily, it has become so much more than how it's affecting me. I want to stay in these kids' lives somehow and allow God to glorifiy Himself through me on their behalf and through nothing good in me save HIM.