In early June I was able to visit and encourage our staff in Zhytomyr. We have a great team working in Ukraine! Some highlights from my trip:
1: The wedding of staff member Christina. It was a beautiful day of celebration.
2: A great testimony from a staff member who was recently drafted.
One of our staff members is studying to be a military chaplain. He asked his commanding officer, an atheist, if he could read the Bible to the other men. His captain granted permission. Now the staff member reads the Bible to the men every night. They don’t want him to stop! Just like in his work with our youth, this staff member wants to shine God’s light and share the good news with his fellow soldiers. Praise God!
Please keep praying for the men on our staff who are eligible to be drafted. Drafting is often sudden; men can be taken by the military without a chance to say goodbye to their family.
3: A special moment with one of our youth.
This trip was primarily about spending time with our staff. But after a church service I saw Nadia, an orphan mom I’ve known for years.
She showed me an old photo of me and her daughter. She wanted an updated photo. This really showed me the power of relationships. If seeing me once a year is important to her, how much more important are lasting friendships with our staff!
Thank you for praying for our staff and the orphaned young people they serve. Thank you for your generosity that brings them hope.
Don Lawton, Board Chair
Your monthly gift can provide long-term mentorship and help for orphaned youth in Ukraine. Learn more about joining Druzi (friends), our program for recurring donors!