LOVE 4 THE CHILDREN

December trips to the children were especially joyful. Every Wednesday we prepared lessons that revealed the true meaning of Christmas and gave answers to many important questions: Why did Jesus come into this world? Why did God choose to be born as an ordinary human being? How did the birth of Jesus Christ change humanity? It is encouraging to see that the number of children is growing. We also see new children who have recently arrived at the school, and they especially need support. We are grateful that our Wednesday team now consists of ten committed members, which means there is enough attention and prayer for every child. Very often the children ask for more team members to come. We tell them, “Pray, and God will answer your prayers.” And it is such a joy to see how God answers them. The children say, “Faith is not something we invented — it is something that truly works.” One evening at the school, Ilya shared about how Jesus brought joy to everyone — a joy that does not depend on circumstances, new purchases, or what we own. This joy flows from our hearts and from a personal relationship with God. To live in this joy, it is very important to forgive those who have hurt us, to ask forgiveness if we ourselves caused pain, and to repent of our sins. We do all of this so that space can be freed in our hearts for true and genuine joy, because our hearts are often filled with pain, hatred, jealousy, and other darkness.

The children responded to this message, and we prayed together. They sincerely asked forgiveness from their Heavenly Father, opening their hearts to Him and confessing their sins and wounds. Sasha, a 16-year-old boy, came up and apologized for his behavior and for often being disruptive during our meetings. Already the following week, he was attentive and very obedient. It brings us great joy to see how the Lord heals their hearts and transforms their lives! What inspires us to continue serving these children is their hunger for God’s Word and prayer. This year, without exception, all the children come to the meetings and genuinely desire change in their lives. Glory to God!

I taught a Bible lesson on the topic: Jesus was born to bring us Light, and that our choices determine how we live — in the light, joy, and His love, or in the darkness of sin, offense, and harmful habits. I shared my personal testimony about how for a long time I blamed my parents and did not want to take responsibility before God or confess my own sins. It was clear that a personal example sparks interest and helps the children see how to practically apply what they learn during our meetings. Testimonies give them confidence that with God they can experience freedom from addictions and unforgiveness, and that His unconditional love will heal their wounded hearts. On the last Wednesday of December, we answered all the children’s questions about Christmas and once again shared the full biblical story of the birth of the Savior. This was especially important for children who had recently arrived at the orphanage, because many believe that Christmas is simply the birthday of Santa Claus or just the New Year celebration.

When they heard the truth, their eyes were filled with hope and faith that only Jesus can help, that only Jesus can fill their lives with love and meaning. When we asked the children, “What gift do you think Jesus would like to receive?” they excitedly answered: friendship with us, more joy, and some said health. One teenager, Sasha, said, “Our attention and deep faith.” We are grateful that the children and teenagers came to this understanding on their own. Dear brothers and sisters, we thank God for the opportunity to serve Him and to be a light where it is so deeply needed. Please pray that in the new year even more children’s lives will be transformed, and that each one may experience God’s love. Thank you for your prayers and support. May God bless you!