Greetings, brothers and sisters!
I thank God that during all this times we were able to fulfill the great God’s command by serving orph
aned children. This year was a special one, we believe, that the seed that we planted in the hearts of orphans b
y means of prayers and our ministering will continue to grow and in due time will bear much fruit in the form of changed orphans’ lives.
The last month we were able to visit the children in the Rudensk orphanage five times. The last month of the year is the month of expectation of the birth of Jesus Christ. During December we talked with the orphans about Advent – the time
of expectation of Christmas. As a symbol at each lesson we lighted a candle. Children liked a lot the moment of lighting a candle because each candle had a specific meaning. The first candle symbolized the fact that Christ has brought Peace to the earth. It is especially relevant to the orphans because most of them do not have peace nor with their relatives nor with God.
The second candle symbolizes Joy because we do not need to earn salvation – Jesus Christ gives us salvation freely! With each meeting we had more and more children. Since they already knew that we would light up the candles they started to ask in advance that they would get to hold the candle this time. At the third m
eeting we talked about the fact that Christ has brought us hope. In my opinion orphans especially need hope for a better life here on earth and for meeting God in after life.
The fourth candle symbolizes God’s love which God proved in Jesus Christ Who suffered by bearing the punishment for sins of those who would believe in Him. At the last meeting which took place on December 25 we lighted the last candle which symbol
izes the long awaited Holiday – Christmas! The morning we had fellowship in the church but the afternoon we decided to dedicate to children of Rudensk orphanage. We sang the songs, had fellowship and watched a cartoon about Ch
ristmas.
If God willing, on January 15th we are planning to bring to orphans theatrical show with giving away of Christmas presents. We hope that it is going to be not just entertainment show and presents but another opportunity for children to hear about birth of the Savior.
We are thankful to God for opening of hearts of orphanage administration so we can continue to minister to these orphans! Please pray for the orphans and orphanage administration so we could continue to minister to orphans and God in this place.
Another month has gone, and once again we would like to tell you about the 
blessings that the Lord showed u
s at Smilovichi!
This month there were a lot of kids at the shelter (21 children). We have been pleased and sad at the same time: pleased – because we had the opportunity tell about Jesus Christ to more children, and sad – because so many parents have refused to take care of their own kids!
This month we been talking to the children about the prayer and tried to pray with th
em more. We have already talked, but still will have more conversations with children about Jesus Christ, His life and strength, about salvation and faith.
This month God has blessed us to divide children to junior and sen
ior and conduct classes separately. The younger kinds every time ould hear about Jesus at their own level, sing songs and make 
beautiful crafts. And with the older children we had a very close and warm conversation about Jesus Christ!
On Christmas Eve, our team has made for each child a gift. We have given those presents to children during the puppet show. The kids loved the puppet performance. They have actively participated in the program, played games, sang songs and with great joy opened their gifts!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Yer!
Although it is the winter time, the relationship with the guys becoming more warm and strong. Children are coming to our lessons not because they have spare time but we can see they are waiting for us and discussing what we taught. It is wonderful to see how ice is melting.
Last month the main topic of our talking were the theme of feelings that prevail in us. Pasha and Vadim made the lessons so interesting that even 
the staff learned something from this. Also the worship team from Minsk made a special Christmas concert. I think they liked it.
Usually during the vacation all kids are gone somewhere. Somebody went to Italy, somebody were taken home by their relatives, some of them went to our brothers and sisters in Christ. That’s why the Christmas programm should be delayed till January.
Let God bless each who lives in the orphanage, keeps and preserves till our next meeting. Merry Christmas!
Children should smile, laugh, have fun and make friends. 
And we should teach them how to do it honestly and sincerely. But it’s difficult for lonely children even to dream. Little children from Grozovo boarding school face this problem too. 
But childhood is the best time of your life to dream. Watching orphans I noticed that they just live expecting their lives to change. Obviously, most of them are waiting for their parents, who left them, to take them back home. Some can’t wait to finish school and leave this place forever. But in spite of all these expectations, they are afraid of what life is waiting for them behind the wall. They are afraid to be left again. 
I so do want to teach these “little people” to dream, to make goals and to reach them. I want to teach them to fight their fears and doubts.
This month we’ve tried to stick to the aim we put before ourselves: “Children in the hands of Loving God”. I believe it wasn’t in vain. Every time we met with them we tried to remind children that they are important for God and He loves them. They will no longer feel that they are alone and abundant when they realize how much God loves them.
They have been on 2 week holidays since the 24th December. Some children went to have holidays abroad; some of them were taken by Christian families, but still some of them are spending Christmas time in school. That’s why I ask you, let’s be praying for them, that they feel close to God this Christmas holidays.
A fabulous month, one of the most expected. On the threshold of Christmas,
I think, the very air is full of festival. Each pre-Christmas week we are lighting candles and talking to kids about piece, joy and hope. They love being involved in the Bible lessons. So we light candles and give them to each child. 
During the lesson the children are holding their candles, looking very imported and inspired. It gives them the feeling of being really important.
It’s amazing to see love in their faces, to see joy of meeting us each time 
(even if the children express it kicking you at the back! )
Each time you go to the orphanage, you preserve hope that at least some of these children will choose the right way in life and won’t get lost in this severe world. Because they will know that way. And because they will step on it, knowing there’re people who love them and care.
When I go there, I praise the Lord for that opportunity. Because we learn much from these kids – learn to open our hearts towards people and to be grateful for each and every moment of life.
LOVE 4 THE CHILDREN 