No, I’m not one of the sweet kids. But we know them and they need our help. The 10 orphaned lost all but the clothes on their backs.
To donate, please click GIVE on our 501C3 Non-Profit Site – Missions Network
Today Broderic, Dema and I visited the school, and scene of the fire again. Cleaning was underway on the Orphanage level. They hope to have the building’s 2nd floor (school) re-opened in a couple of weeks. The living quarters on first floor however will be at least a month of reconstruction.
Three monkeys come out from their new bedroom ready to play.
We were told the kids had been moved to the nearby town of Burty. We’ve had some contact with this orphanage over the years, but not much. The orphanage in Burty is a Senior age teen orphanage and the orphanage where fire took place are the younger kids 4-13yrs old.
The clothes are their backs were saved, their shoes, but that’s about it.
Interestingly we picked up a teacher at the Burty school on the way. We prayed last night as a family for God to lead and direct us as we seek to show God’s love. Upon arriving several of the kids recognized our van, and we were able to hug all the kids. The young boys crave so desperately the affirmation of men.
This is Yura. He’s been there probably the longest of the group. He was tough to befriend at first, now gives the strongest hugs.
Anyway, we met with both orphanage directors and discuss the immediate needs. We exchanged phone numbers and plan to reconnect next week as currently it’s sort of chaos as the two sets of orphans merge. I was pleased to see a lot of smiles, and gracious staff, I believe the kids will be well cared for.
Their cozy temporary accommodations.
The problem is however that Ukraine government does not have any money. The kids lost all clothing except the ones on they were wearing. While they do have beds, it would be great to provide some fresh bedding, along with toiletries and a few things the kids could call their own.
Dema standing outside the main Burty orphanage building.
It would be one thing to hear of a need 100 miles away, without knowing any of the kids. Knowing these boys in particular, my heart goes out to them. They already have had to transition as their parents were taken away, then to be uprooted to unfamiliar territory again, and lose the most basic things like your favorite shirt.
We are going to make it a point to visit next week, and then every week at least once to provide some familiar faces – taking our kids and possibly some other Ukrainian believers to play soccer, do crafts etc.
Some tears were shed as the kids realized they were being left for the night.
As we entered the school grounds in Burty, we received some colder stares from the older teens. Reminder of how hurt turns to anger and self defense. I know inside those teens is a little boy or girl that simply wants love and acceptance. Pray for us as this opportunity to give help will open doors to perhaps reach some more kids with love. It would be really wonderful to see, out of this terrible fire, that some more of God’s people invest into lives, sacrifice their time to sow into the lives of others. We aren’t looking to do all the ‘missionary work’ here, but to walk though open doors and prayerfully connect the body of Christ. Pray our steps lead to eternal fruit.
Let’s raise $2,000! We need your help. I will oversee the spending, and ensure that it all goes to what it’s supposed to. After caring for the kids themselves, any additional funds raised will help towards materials needed for the actual orphanage, so they can return to their familiar.
We’d like to bless the orphanage workers as well somehow as they also are hurting, going to have extra expenses traveling and lost personal things as well in the fire. The average worker makes $300 per month.
Any amount will be a blessing folks, so join in! Please share this need with your friends and family.
To donate, please click GIVE on our 501C3 Non-Profit Site – Missions Network
You may also donate directly on this site, however I can’t supply a tax receipt if given from this site.
We can accept Paypal, Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover.
Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27
If you have any questions please feel free to email me at bruce@liftupyoureyes.org. If you are in Ukraine and would like to donate through bank transfer, we can arrange this if you email us.
Bruce & Deb