Newsletter - January 2010

INTRODUCING SASHKO

Open Arms Ukraine is excited to announce that Alexander Petrov (Sashko) will be joining our ministry full-time in this New Year. Sashko will be focusing on our orphanage programming – camps, relationship building, the 8th and 9th grade program as well as special programs when needed. We can't wait to have another member on the Open Arms team; one whose heart aligns with our vision and ministry; someone who loves the Lord and His children in Ukraine.

Here's just a little bit from Sashko's heart about joining Open Arms: "Little did I know that hours after arriving at the orphanage my first visit, my heart would connect with some of the most sincere and open kids I have ever met. Now, two years later, I see that those days at Pravdinsky changed me forever and I can't picture my life without those children. My heart for them is that they come to know the Lord Jesus Christ personally, that they will have a foundation in pure and solid Biblical doctrine; that they will not only adjust to life after the orphanage successfully, but they will grow into solid men and women of God, who are examples for others in taking God's call in their lives. I consider it a great privilege to join the work God is doing through Open Arms."

There are countless reasons that make Sashko an unbelievable asset to our team. His connection with the children and compassion towards them can only take place through God's leading. Our goal is to raise monthly support of $500 towards Sashko's living and ministry expenses. If you would like to take part in monthly giving or one time support check out www.openarmsukraine.org or send a check made out to Open Arms Ukraine and mailed to P.O. Box 277, San Lorenzo, CA 94580 with "Sashko" written in the memo line. We are excited to share all that God does through Sashko in the year to come!!

A FACE OF OPEN ARMS – SASHA PEVNIV

Sasha is a rare kid – he is hard not love when first met simply because of his radiating smile. His charm and charisma make him an irresistible person to be around and he lights up the room simply with his presence. He has a zest for life that is hard to match! Break-dancing and listening to music are some of his greatest loves, but the things Sasha loves most in the world are people; the friends he considers family and holds so dear.

At 7, Sasha was abandoned by his mother and placed in the orphanage system. After finishing the orphanage following the 9th grade, without even a high school diploma, he was sent to a trade school in the nearby town of Krasnapolye. Within his first 3 months, Sasha made, what will hopefully remain, the biggest mistake of his life. After stealing with a group of boys, Sasha found himself sentenced to 4 ½ years in prison. He was sent to the Sambir Juvenile Colony in Western Ukraine to carry out his sentence and we have been privileged to continue our ministry with him. Monthly visits are made with hours spent talking, laughing, and sharing about God's love.

In March 2009, Sasha completed the first year of his prison sentence. Though the time is wearing on him, he remains strong in desiring to do what is best with his time and receive early release on good behavior. We continually explore the possibilities of transition programs that may help Sasha following his time in Sambir; that these years in the juvenile facility could not define him, but help him become a better person in following Christ.

Please join us in prayer as Sasha explores what it means to love and live for God. We pray for a miracle – for Sasha to find freedom both spiritually and physically. We pray for strength and courage – that Sasha can stand strong among the other young men. We pray for hope – that he would never lose sight of his future with Christ.

GRADUATE MINISTRY

Open Arms is so thankful for how well the graduate ministry has been going with the 2009 graduates from the Pravdinsky orphanage. We have been blessed with ten graduates to be studying in Sumy this year. As a result of our established relationship with their director, we have been given an open door to continue our ministry with these children.

Each Tuesday night, we pick up the graduates throughout Sumy and head to the church where we currently meet. Tea, coffee, and snack keep things relaxed as we start off the night with games and other activities. Thought provoking questions pertaining to everyday life and the Bible are usually presented to direct the overall conversation. This provides a unique forum for the children to think about their futures while we share God's truth.

It is evident the kids look forward to this time weekly, not only by their presence, but by their engaged attitudes. We also try to make weekly appointments with them to connect outside these Tuesday night meetings. This will usually consist of meeting for coffee in the center or visiting with them at their trade schools. This allows for time to talk about whatever is on their hearts: their day, friends, or difficulties in their lives. These times also offer a reminder to them that they are loved and have people who care for them and support them daily. This is a difficult transition period as they children make their marks outside of the orphanage. Our desire is to walk alongside them in decision making, offer advice and guidance, and sharing God's love.

SUMMER CAMP 2010

After last year's summer camp at the orphanage, we are excited to begin preparing and organizing the plans for summer camp 2010! This year we will base our camp on the theme verse, Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Camouflage and an army theme will replace last year's super heroes and we will tie those themes into daily Bible lessons. We are excited to talk about subjects that these children are so often dealing with and teach them what God’s Word has to teach about these topics. Through discussions and lessons about emotions such as fear, loneliness, and anger, we’ll be able to help the kids see what God says, how He meets them where they are, and how to be strong and courageous in Him.

Please pray for us as we plan camp at the Pravdinsky orphanage this summer. Camp will run for 2 weeks in the beginning of June. We are currently putting together a team of American and Ukrainians to run the camp, lead the lessons, and build new and continued relationships with the 150 kids at the orphanage. If you are interested please contact us at OpenArmsMinistry@gmail.com or check online at www.openarmsministry.org. If you would like to contribute to this year's camp, please visit our website or send a check made out to Open Arms Ukraine and mailed to P.O. Box 277, San Lorenzo, CA 94580 with "summer camp" written in the memo line! Looking forward to sharing this with you how summer camp unfolds!

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please Pray:

- That God would provide the financial support for Sashko's addition as well as our growing ministries in Ukraine

- That God would begin working out His plans for summer camp: teams, support, programming, etc.

- For the upcoming presidential election in Ukraine and the new president's potential impact on ministry

- For continued growth and direction with our graduate ministry, as well as a permanent location for meetings

- For continued guidance and vision for God's plans in ministry for Open Arms in Ukraine

Open Arms Ukraine would like to thank you all for your prayers, support, and encouragement throughout 2009! This year of ministry could not have taken place without all of you, so we owe you our most sincere gratitude. We look forward to sharing with you all that God does throughout 2010!!