
In September we resumed our trips to visit the children. Altogether this month there were four kids: two new ones—Violetta and Ignat, who are brother and sister, as well as children we’ve known since last year—Roma and Masha. As before, we spent time with them, sang Christian songs together, played various games, and discussed some Bible topics. During one of these visits, Roma shared that his greatest desire was to return home to his parents while still being able to see us.

It sounded quite funny because technically it’s impossible for Roma to be both at home with his parents and with us at the same time but it was very nice to know how much we had become important to him. The teachers told us that the children look forward to our arrival and that meeting with us is a real celebration for them.
It was a pleasure to meet Violetta and Ignat.
We tried to be friendly with them, talked with them about their lives, and found out what they would like in the future. Unfortunately, their mother has problems with alcohol, which is why they were taken away from her. Earlier, they were in another orphanage, but then they were transferred to Smilovichi. Perhaps soon they will be moved again, this time to a family-type children’s home. Fortunately, we managed to get Violetta’s contact information so that we could continue supporting communication with her. They also have a younger brother who is two years old, but due to his young age, he is placed in another institution.

Violetta mentioned that she looks forward to finishing school and entering college where she can live independently. She also spoke about her relationship with her mom and the difficulties they face. It was evident that Violetta finds this path challenging. Thank God, despite not knowing each other long, she openly shares her thoughts and feelings with us. This was especially noticeable during the Bible sessions. She said that she doesn’t believe in God, yet always listens attentively and with interest when we talk, and remembers everything well. In childhood, someone from her relatives forced her to read the Bible, so now she has negative emotions towards faith.

However, during one session, we tried to convey that believing in God isn’t foolishness but rather something reasonable and logical. Additionally, we discussed what prayer is and how to communicate with God, explaining to the children what the Bible is, why it’s unique, and why it truly deserves to be called a treasure for all humanity and personally for ourselves. The final topic of the month was “What is Church?” While covering this subject, we also mentioned its impact on our own lives and explained why it is indispensable. Throughout almost the entire month, the main thought was that God loves when we’re happy and doesn’t want anything bad for us, emphasizing that prayer, the Bible, and the church are God’s best gifts to us. This point was highlighted even more considering some of the children, including Violetta, developed the rejection of faith over time.
To sum up, September turned out to be very productive. Thanks be to God for those trips already made, and we sincerely hope to keep visiting these wonderful children, befriending them, and telling them even more about what kind of God we have.

















