LOVE 4 THE CHILDREN

Grace and peace to you from God!

I cannot stop giving thanks to the Lord for His mission in my life — the ministry to orphaned children. This month I spent much time visiting the children in Smilovichi, and the first thing I must say is: they are truly wonderful! All month long they amazed me with their openness, quick minds, and genuine hearts. We began November with cartoons and tea. Since it was school holiday time, we decided to keep the lesson light: meaningful cartoons and some treats to help the children relax. Yet I was astonished when I asked, “Would you like to watch one more cartoon, or spend more time talking with us?” They unanimously chose conversation.

That moment touched me deeply, because children usually love cartoons so much that it’s hard to pull them away from the screen. Instead, we had a warm and thoughtful discussion — each child shared impressions about the stories, the characters, and the lessons they had learned. The following visits were less unusual in format, but no less inspiring. The lessons were a joy! Katya’s teaching on obedience stirred strong emotions, especially as the children shared their own difficult experiences. Violetta, for example, told us how her parents used to send her to buy cigarettes — echoing Katya’s story of her own childhood struggles. She explained that she couldn’t refuse, because they were her parents whom she valued so much. Together we prayed for wisdom, that the children would learn to discern between those who truly wish them good and those who bring harm.

Sasha’s lesson on friendship was equally moving. The children showed remarkable sensitivity. When asked to describe a good friend, they named the simplest yet most profound things: kindness, respect, and the absence of bullying. The games were lively and full of joy. Many were reaction-based, and we noticed that some children showed a little slowness. It reminded us how valuable such games are for their development. What impressed me most was their ability to encourage and support one another. Truly, they are incredible! I pray that we will continue visiting these children, planting the Word of God in their hearts, and teaching them to rejoice in life’s smallest blessings. Blessings to all!

In October, I visited a orphanage in Smilovichi. There were children who had already been there for a long time — Roma and Masha. And there were also two new children who had just arrived — Violetta and Vadim. I was struck by how different these children were — and at the same time, how similar!Masha and Roma are so open and free — they run to meet you, hug you, try to show themselves, to stand out, to say something.

And then there are Violetta and Vadim — so closed off. Violetta avoids eye contact, shies away from touch, and feels very tense in a new situation. It seems that it’s a little easier for Vadim, but only until you start talking with him. We were reflecting on the topic of good and bad thoughts. And it turned out that all the children’s thoughts were about one thing — going back home. These children are here because life at home was very difficult for them. But despite everything, they want to be with their mother — they want to give her flowers, to hug her, to help her. They love her and miss her deeply. Lord, please preserve this genuine childlike love in their hearts for their whole lives! May it be stronger than all human hurts. Heal their wounds. May they never be orphans, because of knowing a loving and caring God the Father! Amen.

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.

In May we continued our trips to visit the dear children in Smilovichi. Some of the kids were known to us, but the new ones joined as well. Some of the kids were taken home. For example Nastya, who had only been in the orphanage for about three weeks, went back to her parents. Miraculously, during our last meeting, she wanted to exchage contacts with us. So now we can send messages to each other and stay in touch. Nastya comes from a difficult family and has some development problems but she still reaches out to us. 

Closer to the end of May, Kostya was also taken home. He is a very smart and attentive boy who listened very carefully to what we told them. What’s even more encouraging is that he was very fond of us. He hadn’t spent a lot of time in the orhanage —just a couple of months — and we hope that what he heard from us will stay with him for a long time. In May, new children arrived: Ignat, who is 2 years old, and his older sister Alina, who is 6. At first, they were very reserved and didn’t interact much with us, though they were present at the meeting. But over time, they began to open up more and more. During our last visit in May, they were actively engaging with us and even asked to take them up in our arms. It’s so joyful to see such changes. The kids who were already familiar with us continue to be our friends. The caregivers say that the kids wait every Tuesday for what they call “the guests” to arrive. 

During the Bible lessons, the older children actively – and often competitively – answer our questions. Artyom reads the Bible, which we once left for them, on his own. Sometimes it’s surprising how well the younger kids remember and answer our questions, like Roma, who sometimes does better than the older children. Of course, some of the little ones struggle  with remembering biblical stories, like Kirill, who has developmental challenges. Despite this he’s always with us, eager to connect, and waits for us just as much as the others. In May  we had a series of lessons about the life of Joseph. The kids learned about his story and the vital role of God in it.

We also discussed how they could apply these lessons to their own lives. Additionally, we encourage them to read the Bible by themselves. We hope that the vivid story of Joseph, which most of them remembered very well will leave a deep impact on their hearts.  We didn’t forget about the songs they’ve already come to love. They have their favorites, which they sing enthusiastically, knowing the words by heart and performing the motions even better than we do. What’s especially encouraging is that these are the songs with good Christian messages, using simple, child-friendly language to remind of important truths. Glory to God, Who has made possible these wonderful meetings with the kids.  With God’s help we hope to continue serving these diverse, fascinating, and wonderful children.

Another month has passed. I recently realized that I have been visiting my children for almost the entire school year. It’s surprising – time is running fast. When I analyze, I want to see the results of these trips, and I do. Recently, a guy I know asked me how I understand unconditional love. To what extent are we humans capable of experiencing such love, or is it available only to God? I told him that this is exactly what I feel for the children we visit. It doesn’t matter how they behave, we still love them, tolerate them, and admire their successes so much. But, of course, the children’s attitude towards us is also pleasant. They look forward to seeing us again, show interest to our lives, notice the little things, and say goodbye every time as if it was for the last time. 

I am very pleased that they not only participate in what we offer them, but also ask questions, it is clear that they are interested in the stories from the Bible that they hear, they are happy to learn new songs with us, come up with games, etc. It is impossible not to notice the transformation of children. For example the boy Kostya, who had only recently arrived at the orphanage and was at our meeting for the first time, he was so emotionless, like frozen. He seemed to be in contact with us and kept up the conversation, but it felt like his thoughts were in his life’s tragedy and he hadn’t adjusted yet. We have seen a similar situation with many other children who have just arrived. But over time, the ice melts, and the child becomes himself again. I want to believe that the Lord also changes them, and they become better, kinder, more honest. Because talking about good and bad deeds, about Christ’s sacrifice, about His victory over sin, and many others cannot go in vain.

 By the way, we celebrated Easter in April and raised all these topics with the children. In honor of the holiday, I baked cupcakes and we took them to the orphanage, which the children were delighted with, although, of course, we explained that Easter is not about cakes and colored eggs, but about the Resurrection of Christ. I really liked that the children asked a lot of questions and were interested in the details of this important event. I remember 12-year-old Artyom saying, “So it turns out that’s why we say ‘Christ is Risen!” It’s so wonderful that now they know the essence of the holiday. We also gave them gifts that day. The girl Nastya spent only a few weeks in the shelter, she was in shock, when she received the box, and asked: “Is that all for me?” The following Tuesday, when she found out that such gifts are not given every week, she was upset.

In addition, in April we held a creativity lesson. I really like watching children when they create – it shows each child from a different perspective – something that is not visible at first glance. You can see who is more organized, who needs to finish the job, who does not like monotony, who needs to follow the example, and much, much more. And, of course, as a result, all the art objects come out completely different, fully reflecting the character of their creator – it’s incredibly interesting . On our last trip, the behavior of 5-year-old Roma was very memorable, which we later remembered more than once and laughed. In order to motivate children to listen carefully and then answer questions, we give them candy for the answers. Roma is a very bright boy with a good memory, although he is restless and it’s difficult to keep him in place.

Roma remembered the story well from the previous meeting, but this time he listened inattentively and, raising his hand, answered the questions simply by saying what he remembered from the last time. “Roma, that’s another story.” “I just want some candy,” Roma replies. That’s the truth written in the Bible, that we need to be like children – sincere and real.  It’s nice to know that not only we, but also the children can teach us something. So, going back to the analysis, what results of trips I observe, perhaps, is that children change us a lot. I believe that we influence them by bringing God’s love, but they also influence us. These spontaneity, sincerity, desire to learn new things, activity, flexibility, lightness are what we adults sometimes lack so much. And I want to learn this from them. We sometimes have a game where someone hides an object in a room while the others search. There are children who give up after a few rounds and no longer want to search, but there are more who do not want to give up, but are ready to search again and again until they find it. They tell us so much that we can apply in our lives. But we have to listen. And notice.