LOVE 4 THE CHILDREN

In April, together with our team we visited a opharanage in Rudensk. This month we had a series of talks about David. We talked with the children about fears; about how God looked at the heart; about how David also made mistakes in his life, but whatever happened he came to God; we talked about jealousy and the consequences it can lead to; we also talked about friendship, using the example of the relationship between David and Jonathan; we also talked about Easter and we discussed the history of the holiday, its significance in our day and traditions. In order to bring the information to the kids as clear as possible, we prepared auxiliary materials such as video clips, slide shows, thematic games and visual examples. In addition to the breakdown of the topics, we were able to talk with many of the kids in person. On one of the topics we discussed was fears, Sasha suggested that the children think about the fears that are keeping them from living. As well he offer to stay longer those kids who would like us to pray for them personally. There were stayed about 10 kids, whom we divided among all the team members. I prayed for the two girls. I was surprised to know that both of them are named Sveta). Immediately we tried to figure out what fears they would like to pray for. One of the girls had difficulty expressing her thoughts, but we were able to find out that she was afraid of insects and would like to be less afraid of them. The second girl said that she was ridiculed and called names in class because she wanted to do well in school and get good grades. It is difficult for her to be in class and communicate with children who hurt her. I prayed for them and so did the rest of our team. Also this month we started not just praying for the kids, but teaching them to be more conscious of prayer, teaching them to address God in prayer, to bring their fears and problems to Him. We suggested that the kids not just listen to our prayer, when someone from the team prayed for them, but that everyone who wanted to join in repeatedly pray with someone from the team. Almost all of the kids are praying with us in this way. I’d also like to note that most of the children are well aware of the Bible stories we studied, they quickly and accurately answer our questions, reflect, ask interesting and deep questions. In addition to fellowship, games, and organizational moments, every time I try to give one of the children a hug, like when we are listening to a lesson or watching a video. It’s noticeable how much these kids miss that kind of attention. I see how these children come to life, how they come to me on my next visits and hug me, give me their attention, share their worries and try to stay with me longer. I hope that I manage to give them a little bit of warmth. On one visit I noticed one boy who greeted us, came to meet us, and then left and only came for a topic breakdown. He missed the time when we were socializing with the kids, playing, singing songs. After the meeting I asked him why he did that – he said he didn’t know. I told him that we weren’t just coming to tell them a Bible story, that it was important for us to spend time with the kids in person, that we all noticed and felt that we would like to spend more time together with them. At the following meetings this boy never left again. Last week we brought small gifts of various stationery to the children who were at our meeting and I was really touched by the reaction of one of the boys when he opened his gift. It was such sincere and great joy for such mundane things! It made me step back and look at my life from different perspective and thank God for what I have!