LOVE 4 THE CHILDREN

Hello friends. In this letter I would like to share the news and tell you about the events that took place in the Belynichi school orphanage. The school year in Belarus is over. That was a special year when we could see the joy of seeing each other after the long quarantine as well as temporary separation. After this time of being apart we have noticed the transformation in our values. We used to have such a time when all the children were not allowed to attend our meetings but now after the quarantine, we feel the difference. We are so glad that around 60-70 children constantly attend our meetings. It brings us great joy. The first thoughts that I had were about the little children with Down syndrome whether they would be able to understand that we told them about God. After a while we realized that they understand everything. It is surprising that when we come and ask what we talked about last time they are eager to raise their hands and share in their language what theyremember. In May we talked with the children about betrayal and pain that they got after being left. We mentioned that it was impossible not to think about it. We have to deal with any betrayal and eventually overcome it because the pain that overflows us can destroy our present life. There is only one way out. It is forgiveness that can bring us freedom from betrayal.  This month we have discussed dissatisfaction and anger. We could see that the children grow in such a destructive atmosphere. As a result, they have hatred toward themselves, they’re dissatisfied with their appearance, their destiny, friends, teachers, food. Therefore, when they can’t change something, they get angry, beat each other and say the words that hurt a lot. We want to transfer the culture of forgiveness and love which only God can give. God changes their hearts so the children become more reserved. More than 10 teenagers are graduating this year. They come to our meetings. We see that they are worried, many of them cry because the school was their home but now, they feel uncertain. Vadim says that if he was allowed to stay at the orphanage he would stay there. Vadim is going to the old people’s home. Igor came up to us very upset. We asked him what happened. He said he was going to the nursing home. He says ‘Dima I was dreaming to leave this place but now I am really afraid’. Igor’s mother left him. She promised him to take him back for so many times but he ended up at the orphanage. Only 6 teenagers are going to colleges to get the education and become wall painters, gardeners or tailors. Thinking about orphans we see that they need a relevant person in their lives and I am glad that we can be such people who set an example for them. We are happy to pray together with them and talk about God. We see that they grow in their faith. We are praising God that we are in the place where he wants us to be.

Friends, let’s pray for the children who stay in the orphanage that they will grow in faith and love. Please pray for the graduates that they will settle in life and find a church which will become their family. Thank you for your prayers, friends!