Short-Term Missions Trips

Team Stories

Ukraine Orphan Outreach The adult short term mission trip departed October 16, 2007 for a planned outreach to the orphans, with a return date of November 6. The team had prepared all year for this trip and we were ready to hit the ground running.  On mission trips you can always figure that you will face some resistance.  This year was no exception – we certainly had more than our share.   Upon arriving in Vinnitsa , one of our team members had to return to Kiev for a 5 day stay in the hospital, and then return to America.  We had others who battled bronchitis and terrible colds and more obstacles were encountered for which were not bargained. We supported each other in daily prayer and asked the Lord for guidance, grace and favor before we went out for the new day of challenges.    No matter what happened we knew we had the power to win!

While we visited 7 orphanages we checked to see if there were any special needs.  One needed a washing machine which we provided.  We made arrangement for the October ‘08 trip, locating rooms that would be warm and large enough for 6-8 quilt frames and have the best light to work by.

 

Bratslav & Stara Prilooky were our new orphanages this year.  Doing quilts is a great teaching tool and it is also a great ice breaker.  This was a wonderful opportunity for us to learn more about the children and why they are there. We were able to minister to them during this time.

 

We have been working with a young man at Nemyriv, who has deformed arms and hands.  Any child born with a handicap is considered an outcast and put in an orphanage – most are forgotten.  This is what has happened to Ihor.  He has certainly had his struggles since we’ve know him.  With a lot of encouragement, love, and prayer this young man is coming into his own.  Everyone has seen wonderful changes in him.  Ihor has a great love for plants. He takes care of all the plants at the orphanage and one day would like to have his own business. This year we found out that Ihor’s parents live near the orphanage but have never visited him. How sad! Will you pray for Ihor? We see such potential in him as we do with so many of the other orphans. 

 

The following list is some of what we accomplished this year:

Teaching the children first aid and giving them a certificate when completed

24 hr. pray vigil for Ukraine – the Orphans and Ukraine Children’s Project

Doing building repairs and helping to replace windows with local church volunteers

On our final visit to each orphanage we left fabric & sewing supplies for school projects till our next visit

The best for last – We had at least 30 children make a commitment and ask Jesus into there heart. We could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit.  How wonderful!

 

If you like working with children come join us the October.  Don’t waste your gift from God! Remember, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few” (Mt 9:37-38).