LOVE 4 THE CHILDREN

Greetings, brothers and sisters! We are glad that God gives an opportunity to serve orphaned children! We are glad that orphanages are open, and we can serve children! We haven’t seen the children for a while. The first February visit to Rudensk took place on the 3rd. When we arrived many children did not believe that we will hold meetings with them. Because of the pandemic they were often forbidden to gather together even within the orphanage and ofcourse they weren’t allowed to gather with other classes or to receive guests. So the meeting started and when I asked who wanted to pray Peter said, ” I want to pray and thank God.” His prayer was a thanksgiving to God for our arrival and for the fact that the disease is losing its power, so the children can finally meet with friends. Then Pauline also prayed. She prayed for her family and friends: “God, I do not know where they are now, but please keep my family from the virus! Thank you so much for the team coming! Be with us”! I was surprised by the atmosphere that was in that place. It is usually difficult for teenagers to pray in front of other teenagers. But this time, no one was laughing, and there was silence. We’ve been talking about a lot of things over the last month, but the main point is: “THE TIME HAS COME”! We understand that many teenagers have already known a lot about God. The topics during our meetings have become a challeng for them and have encouraged them to take concrete and open actions. The topic “Time to help” – we talked about how Jesus helped on earth and that God wants us to follow His example in daily life, helping others. The topic “Time to love”. We asked what  prevents us from loving? It’s hard to forgive your parents, it’s hard to forgive your friends who betrayed you, it’s hard to forgive yourself, to forgive God. “So unforgiveness is the main barrier that prevents you from loving ?” we said. ” Yes, that’s right!” they replied.  “Then let us pray that God will help us to forgive those who have caused us to feel much pain.” Such lessons are not just theory, but practice. We move from words to deeds only by practicing our faith and beliefs. Simple tips, but a difficult decision.  “We know that we have to live this way and we want to do what is right  but we don’t have strength to do this. What should we do?” they say.  It’s so great that we’re moving to another level of depth! Hearing such questions and thoughts makes us understand that our teenagers are on the right track. We help them come to the answer themselves by thinking with them because then there is a chance that the guys will apply it to their lives. Prayers, the participation of children, and answers to the questions  indicate that children’s confidence in faith and hope in God grow. The task of our team is to pass the faith in God, as well as to help children cope with low self-esteem through the knowledge of God. And you know, I think we can do it! Thank you friends for praying with us! Because the prayer of the righteous can do much!