Pray that we would remember to reach out

This was actually last week's request, being added to the blog a bit late:

Pray that we would remember to reach out

One really bright development over these last two trips is that we've found ways to maintain contact with the children throughout the year when we're not in Ukraine through writing letters, the Russian equivalent of Facebook, and even Skype. Maintaining this contact is crucial to developing relationships, and we've been amazed at how significant our letters to them are (they keep them forever).

The problem for all of us is taking the time to do it. Its obviously pretty easy for us to make excuses and forget to take the time to do it, but I think there is also a spiritual battle going on. The enemy certainly doesn't want us to feel like our contact with them could really mean anything to them, and tempts us to put it way down on our priority list.

That's why I would ask that you would seriously pray for all of us who have been on teams to visit these kids, that we would find and make the time to reach out to them and write them letters. I would also like to invite you to take part in this process as well. If you would like to write a letter to the child you're praying for, please do so. Then, if you can get it to me or another team member, we will work with our contacts in Ukraine to get it translated and mailed to your child. You can even simply email it to me if you'd like.

You have no idea the kind of impact it could have!

A Letter

From one of the girls we visited this January to Lindsay Anderson, who she met for the first time.

"time is flying and these 2 days that we spent with you are over and it is a pity you have to leave tonight. We had a lot of fun together. You are very funny and positive. I am very thankful to God that He gave us such an opportunity to get to know each other. Thank you all for so many bright and funny moments. After i had acquainted with you and your team i could saw the sense of life and i have my dream now.

Well, these 2 days were the most wonderful days for me, but unfortunately it is time to say good-bye. I will miss you a lot.

2 years ago i started to write poems and i would like to dedicate this poem to you.

Live and know
That life is beautiful
It doesn't matter how smart you are
Don't judge people in vain
Learn to love and wish the goodness.


Merry Christmas!
I love you, but Jesus loves you more."

Pray that they would apply themselves in school

On this recent trip we got a glimpse of the day to day life of the children we've been working with for two years.  We got to see with our own eyes where they call home, and where they go to school (its the same place).  For the most part we were encouraged by the condition of the facilities at both orphanages we visited.  They seemed to be in very good shape.

However, its just another example that for these kids, their physical needs are met, but there is still a huge void in regard to their emotional and spiritual needs.

That's why this week we're asking you to pray that they would apply themselves when it comes to their school. I've spoken before about the difficulties that will face these children once they leave the orphanage, but such difficulties are only made worse if they leave uneducated.

Now, imagine being back in middle school and high school, without parents encouraging you to do your homework or to pay attention in class. I know most of us would not have freely chosen to give our best without such encouragement. But for these children, learning is crucial. Please pray that they would supernaturally find the spirit to study, learn, and develop!

Trip Recap - Betsy Trent

Here's a great recap of our recent trip from Midtowner Betsy Trent. Betsy was only introduced to this mission back in November when we asked you all to begin to pray for these kids. She was able to go with us and meet the boy she committed to pray for. Here's what she had to say:

"Going to Ukraine and spending a few days with the kids in the orphanages was an amazing way to start the year. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I had no clue what the group of people from Midtown would be like, nor did I know anything about the Radooga team in Ukraine, and more than anything I had no idea what to expect from the orphanages upon our arrival. We had been told it might take a while for the kids to warm up to us, to trust us, and to realize we were there for them, not out to get them. On top of that we had the language barrier, new city, and different culture- it felt as if anything could happen. One of my prayers before going, and even while we were there, was to be in the moment. What a blessing that turned out to be.

The first orphanage we were able to visit, Nova Vadalaga, was absolutely amazing. For the most part, the kids were so excited to see us. They would run up and hug us or hold our hands, without even knowing our names. Within a few minutes of being there, it was painfully obvious how much love and affection these children need. I had prepared myself to get the cold shoulder from them, but in fact it was the opposite. There were times when it became difficult to divide my attention evenly, as I'm sure many others felt, but what a beautiful thing. Knowing these orphans, because of their trust built with Radooga's ministry, felt comfortable enough to come up to strangers (like me) and become vulnerable. Those moments will not be forgotten.

The second orphanage, Zeleny Gai, was a similar mixture of emotions. The kids were ecstatic to have visitors and activities for the day, even though some of them might have been a little stand-offish in the beginning. At first they were a little more skeptical of some of our activities- especially making icing and putting it on some cookies- but they ended up loving the icing and going to get extra spoons so they could eat it straight from the bowl. And yes, they did double...quadruple dip. What a wonderful thing, though, to see them engage in something together, and especially with us. Trusting us, warming up to us, and becoming more and more vulnerable as the day went on

I still cannot believe how fast the week flew by. The Radooga staff was so helpful; from the translating every minute of the day to making sure we had blankets on the bus, snacks when we were hungry, and chocolate to spoil us after almost every meal. We were given far more than we needed to be comfortable, but more than anything, I am so grateful to have met the individuals who were with us that week. I am so thankful and I feel so blessed to have been a part of the trip, and I thank the Radooga staff and everyone from Midtown for being a part of it as well. It is truly amazing how sharing a week like that with everyone can bond us all together in the hope that our common goal, as Jesus is our Savior, will be reflected through our own words and actions. I pray those moments will not so quickly be forgotten."

Pray for their past

Here is how I would ask you all to pray this week:

Pray for how they deal with their past

One of the greatest things about this trip was that we were able to converse with these kids in ways we never could have imagined possible two years ago.  At one point we broke them up into discussion groups to talk about some serious topics, and we were blown away by how willing they were to open up and speak in front of their peers.

As great as that was, some of the stories they told us were equally devastating.  We all knew that these children have experienced abuse in the past, but it is another thing to hear about the specifics.

The most troubling of all is to learn about how this past abuse has shaped their current worldview.  We all have heard that abuse is cyclical, and that's because, for these kids, they don't know a world any different.  Their past informs how they treat their own bodies and the bodies of others in terrible, terrible ways

That's why I am asking you to pray for how they deal with their past. Pray that they would see abuse for what it is, abuse, and not how normal life is or should be.  Pray that they would strive for better in their own lives and relationships, and that they would regain respect for themselves and for others around them.  Pray that the truth of Christ would be a part of that.  Pray that our time spent with them, and the interactions they witnessed between us, would better shape how they think about themselves and other people.

I can tell you with renewed confidence that your prayers for these children and this mission are effective.  We have witnessed it first hand this past week.  Thank you for being a part of this mission.

Christmas Gifts - Thank you!

Thanks to everyone who helped us deliver sweatshirts and candy to these children!  They LOVED it.  Merry Christmas!

Here are a few of them from Zeleny Gai orphanage.

Stuck in transit

just a short note from charles de gaulle airport in paris.  apparently you folks in nashville will be getting some weather, and that has meant a redirection to new york city for us.  we are not booked on a flight back to nash until tomorrow the tenth.  please pray we dont get further delayed!