If you walk into the Day Center, you might see teens and young adults cooking, making crafts, or deep in conversation with a mentor. You might also see their hands raised, ready to ask burning questions!
In 2025, our staff met Ferrence Milo at an Alive! Project conference. They liked him so much, they invited him to spend two days with us.
During his visit this April, he gained the trust of our students through playing games, eating, and chatting with them. Then he presented two topics: financial literacy, and what he called the “playlist in my head” – harmful thoughts and how to deal with them.
Here’s what our staff had to say about Ferrence’s visit:
- Oksana: “I was personally refreshed by the [reminder] of God’s unconditional love for us….How important it is to remind ourselves of the Gospel while serving orphans!”
- Lesya: “The students… asked a lot of questions. About their psychological state, about their feelings. About finances.” Kiril adds, “They didn’t even disperse at the end, but continued to talk and ask new questions.”
- Afterward, Katya says, “We constantly heard from them – ‘Ferrence advised us to watch this’ or ‘Ferrence recommended this book…’”
We’re so thankful for Ferrence’s warm approach and expertise. The conversations he began will continue in personal relationships, as our staff meet with orphaned students one-to-one, provide care for physical needs, invite them to church, and more.
What’s the result of these investments made by our staff and so many others like Ferrence?
In March, we were blessed with a visit from Ronnie Mosley of Capturing Grace, who travels the world volunteering his time as a photographer and storyteller. He interviewed many of those we’ve served, and heard one word over and over when he asked about Last Bell: “family.” His stories clearly show the impact of your gifts and our staff’s love!
Ronnie’s now publishing his beautiful tales of God’s care for orphaned youth at Last Bell. You can read them here on our own website, or directly on Ronnie’s blog. Here are the stories he’s published:
When the Last Bell Rings: Ministry origin story
Danyil: The road away from Kherson
Natasha: A place no one can take away
Tanya Sych: The family she was given
Serhiy: The ones he couldn’t save
Valeria: Sweet tea and silence