March 23, 2009 – A Great Trip – But Orphans Still Need Help!
Hello Friends,
I am so happy to write again and share with all of you what wonderful things are happening here in Ukraine. I see God’s hand moving on the people, especially the local church and yes in the orphanages, too. As I said in my last email, things are very encouraging. Last year was my first visit to Donetsk. I met a wonderful couple who pastor a local church here. In May of 2008, they took me to several orphanages because I requested their help, but other than with me, they had not before had anything to do with orphan ministry. At the end of my visit with them last year, they said that working with me in orphanages had opened their eyes to the scope of the orphan problem. (Even though right under their noses!) They just were not aware of the problems and needs that these children have. The pastor’s wife even went as far as to tell her church one Sunday that she was sorry that they had never paid much attention to orphanages and asked for God’s forgiveness! They promised to never ignore the orphans again.
So here I am again with them, only 10 months later and they now have their own orphan ministry!! Praise God for what they do. They have put together a very elaborate program using about 10 church members as a cast for a play and puppet show. This program has been such a blessing to me and my ministry! Some orphanages don’t want to let you in if you say that you are only going to talk to the kids about God. But if you tell them you have a big production coming to town and it won’t cost them one grivna, they like that! In the middle of the performance, a clown introduces me and I share the Gospel with the children and give them an invitation to accept Jesus. Then the show continues focusing on the theme of good and evil. What a wonderful and effective way to reach these kids! I thank God for this opportunity to work with Pastor Peter and his wife Natasha. And I of course, thank God for their new and exciting involvement with the orphans.
This weekend, we took the show on the road for 3 performances in 3 different orphanages, all quite some distance from Donetsk City. The financial investment was great to pay for gas for 3 vehicles, gifts and spiritual handouts. But the benefits of seeing smiling faces and knowing so many children have a new love and acceptance of Jesus as their Lord and Savior is priceless!!! I’m talking about more than 300 children in all we visited in just 3 days. Thank you Jesus, for blessing my time here and the orphans of Donetsk Region! In 2 days I will take a train to Kharkov for more Godly fun!
For all of those who have prayed for and supported the Hearts for Ukraine ministry, I am so appreciative! May God bless you for your faithfulness!
Gladly sharing the Father’s Love,
Alfred Scoglio