One of Last Bell’s core values is “dynamic community.” Why?
Because it’s not about us.
It’s about orphaned youth receiving the help they need.
Sometimes, the only adult in an orphaned teen’s life is a Last Bell staff member. But we love to see others caring for orphans too – foster families, people who visit orphanages, local churches, other nonprofits, and extended family.
Recently our staff saw a beautiful blossoming in the life of a young man named Kostya, thanks to those who’d planted seeds long ago!
Foster family for Kostya
Kostya never met his dad, and his mother was an alcoholic. At age four, he went to an orphanage.
But then a Christian family took him in. With his foster family he went to church, youth meetings, and church camp.
It was a good home. Kostya often asked his foster parents why they’d picked him. They answered, “We didn’t have any specific criteria; in that moment, God chose you.”
But Kostya wasn’t quite ready for a new life. He made some unhealthy choices, and when he moved to Zhytomyr for college, he completely severed ties with the church. His relationship with his family was broken.
That’s when we met him.
The last slot at summer camp
Because of his work schedule, Kostya wasn’t on the list for camp this August. But the day before camp began, a place opened up. Staff member Sasha was determined to give someone the opportunity, so he called Kostya. Thankfully Kostya had just completed his job, and agreed to go. But in the morning, Kostya didn’t answer his phone. And he wasn’t in his dorm room.
“In that moment, God chose you.”
But Sasha didn’t give up. Before they left town, the camp group stopped for gas. So Sasha called again. And Kostya answered! One car stayed behind to wait for him.
At camp, Kostya began to reflect on his life. One evening, he told Sasha that his life was “like a puzzle that the Lord is putting together.” He compared himself to the lost sheep in the Bible story who is pursued by the Shepherd. Then Kostya decided to follow Jesus!
After camp, Kostya reunited with his foster family and stayed with them until the end of the summer. He began going to youth group. He also gave Sasha his e-cigarette to throw away. Sasha keeps in touch with him regularly.
What’s next for Kostya?
After camp, Kostya reunited with his foster family and stayed with them until the end of the summer. He began going to youth group. He also gave Sasha his e-cigarette to throw away. Sasha keeps in touch with him regularly.
What’s next for Kostya?
Orphaned youth often need a second chance – or a third. It’s hard for them to trust people to stick around. And God’s unconditional love seems too good to be true.
We don’t know if Kostya will stay on this new path, or if he’ll need another chance.
Either way, our staff will keep pursuing him, just like the Good Shepherd who seeks after all of us. They’ll offer mentoring. They’ll ask about his needs. Like Kostya’s foster family, they’ll keep the doors open.
Kostya’s story is a reminder that God is a good Father who waits patiently to “bind up the brokenhearted” (Isaiah 61:1).
Thank you for helping young people like Kostya experience this love. We’re so grateful you’re part of our community!