March was a bright and joyful month for our visits to the orphanage in Belynichi! We not only had meaningful conversations with the children but also spent some wonderful, fun-filled time together. And finally, spring arrived, bringing us warm, sunny days that made the perfect backdrop for our meetings. This month, we talked with the kids about how sin can grow, like a snowball, if we don’t stop it in time. But there’s no need to panic—there’s always a way out! And that way is 
repentance. We discussed how Jesus came into this world to show us the path to forgiveness and cleansing. It was an important conversation, full of hope and light! Additionally, we taught the children a new, catchy song, which they almost memorized right away. The song is called *”The Universe in Polka Dots”* and is about how Someone (we all know Who) scattered the stars in the sky. The kids had a blast singing it, and couldn’t help but smile, because the melody was so lighthearted and fun! 
We not only learned the lyrics and tune, but also had a great time practicing the dance moves that went along with this cheerful song. At the end of the month, the kids finished their school quarter and proudly shared their results! Some talked about their successes, while nearly everyone was eagerly looking forward to the upcoming break. After all, school days can be quite a challenge. They were excited to finally relax and enjoy some well-deserved time off. Each meeting with the children leaves a bright mark on our hearts. We’re so happy to be a part of their lives, to support and inspire them to live with kindness and light! A huge thank you to everyone who helps make these trips possible!
Archive for March 31, 2025
Hello everyone. I want to share how we went to Smilovichi in March. When we first arrived in March, there 
were only 2 kids in the shelter, Roma and Kirill, 
they are about 5-6 years old. I was glad that I could play with them, take them on my shoulders and hug them.I am glad that the children are happy when we arrive and say that they are really waiting for us when we arrive next Tuesday. We played the game “cat” with them, where the cat catches mice, the cat is blindfolded, we were cats in turn and mice too. The kids really enjoyed this game. Sasha taught the lesson and told the children about our heart and that without God it is black and dark, but with God it is in light, and using the example of a glass of water, we tried to show them how Jesus heals our heart.
Masha Varya and Artyom have already
returned from the sanatorium on our next trip. They are older, Masha is 8 years old, and Artyom and Varya are 12 years old. We played the “coin” game with them, and all the kids wanted to flip a coin and determine who won. We also sing Christian children’s songs about God with them every time, which children also love, especially when the song has movements. We held a lesson with colored markers and painted pictures, we tried to tell the children about Jesus that he is a lifering for us and discussed this topic what to do if we are spiritually drowning, then who can help us? Who should we go to for help? We also try to pray with the children and ask them questions about their understanding of the topic after the lesson to make sure that they understood our idea correctly.
The next time we came, we were holding relay races. We split into 2 teams and ran, jumped, rolled balls and all that. During the relay races, the children’s hearts were very open, and they had to be comforted, admonished, and encouraged a lot. Since they often get upset when they don’t win, they often treat each other badly if you let their team down. I think this was a good reason to remind them of God’s principles that we do not humiliate other people if we have not won because of them, and in general we should love our neighbor and not insult him.
We were teaching a lesson about God’s gift to us and whether we deserve it. We tried to talk to them about the truths of the gospel and prayed for them that God would give them understanding. We also had a crafts lesson with them this month. The guys made paper crafts on it. I am grateful to God that there are people who can contribute to this cause, and there are people who are ready to travel and play and sing and conduct lessons with children. I hope that this will be a good testimony for God, first of all, and for people. It often happens that the caregivers who are in the orphanage also hear some of our songs and see our attitude towards children and ask them to pray that we would also be a good witness for them about God, Christ and the Gospel.
I thank God for the opportunity to glorify Him through ministry to orphaned children! I’ve never thought 
before that I would ever participate in such a project, although I sometimes thought about orphans. And, apparently, for a reason! God had His own plan, which He decided to accomplish, including my life in it. For almost a year now, I have been part of a team that serves orphaned children. Being a part of such a team is not just about being a member of it, it is an opportunity to be a friend who is ready to support, talk, understand and even encourage. Every trip, which I have the privilege to participate in, is a challenge for me. After all, it’s a different thing to just go to the children and make them happy, but it’s quite another thing when you have the opportunity to talk about Christ!
Children abandoned by their parents are seemingly doomed to the worst outcome in their lives. This is one of the best opportunities to hear and understand who Christ is. But I repeat, having the privilege of being part of the team that comes to them, I felt the need to become a part of the lives of these children. To be not just a friend, but a friend who will help them get to know God. Christ said for a reason: “Therefore go to all nations and make them My disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do all that I have commanded you. And I will be with you all the time, until the end of time.”
Having received God’s approval, it would be foolish to remain silent and not share with others! One evening, while chatting with the children, we had a topic : “Jesus is a lifeline.” And in a dialogue with one of the girls, I was pleased with her desire to hear who Christ really is. Literally, her words sounded like this: “I’m finally going to find out who Jesus is!” I do not know if she received a full-fledged answer, but her desire to find out who Jesus is made me happy and brought a smile to my face. I remember my childhood moments when I was in her place, and it’s an incredibly cool feeling when you want to get to know Christ even more! And also try to understand this issue, there is nothing better and could not be! Watching these children, I understand more and more what we need to say and show them. To show not so much ourselves, but Christ through our own lives, so that they really come to realize the importance of God in their lives.
This month, we talked with the guys about sin and how it affects both earthly life and where a person will spend his eternity. But it was in the lesson “Jesus is a lifeline” that we told the children that there is a way out and it is in repentance, reconciliation with God and acceptance of Christ as their Savior. At the last meeting, the guys had a creative lesson. I tried to use this time to not only participate in the creative process of some of the guys, but also to communicate personally with the guys. They especially love such moments because each of them has their own personal story which they want to share and their personal experiences which they ask to pray for. Together with our team, I rejoice and thank God for the open doors to boarding schools and for the opportunity to serve our dear children!
LOVE 4 THE CHILDREN 