A year to be THANKFUL for...

Thank you!!!!!!!

Thank you for helping make 2011 a fruitful and beautiful year in ministry!!! Thank you for the support you gave through financial donations, prayers, and countless words of encouragement!

More specifically, we want to thank all those who purchased dental work, winter clothes, and birthday cards for Christmas this year! 36 were purchased in total and are already going to work providing coats, cavity fillings, and birthday celebrations. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! 

Sasha and Sasha with new winter coats thanks to you!

Here are some highlights as outlined in our Christmas letter (in case we don't have your address). None of this would have been possible without you!!!

Village trips (Dusya, Melissa, Anika, and Valya)

HUMANITARIAN AID – Through your donations this past year, we were able to bless the Sambir Juvenile Colony with 12 new windows that would provide extra insulation to the 200 boys that reside there. Prom dresses and jeans were given to the orphanage’s graduating classes. Clothes, winter jackets, shoes, and hygiene items were provided yearlong to orphans throughout the Sumy region. Dental work and healthcare were provided to over 20 orphanage graduates as warm meals were provided daily for those children seeking a safe haven and better life. We are also thankful for the support we received to bring blankets, warm clothes, and food to children we know who are currently imprisoned.  

Fall Graduate Retreat

PROGRAMS – Summer camp and the fall graduate retreat were highlights of 2011 for our team and the orphanage graduates.  Over 40 orphans were ministered to through these days filled with games, Bible lessons, worship, and more! Weekly visits to trade schools, mentorship with orphanage graduates in villages, and connecting with children at the orphanage were a big part of our regular routine. Let us not forget the many birthday celebrations throughout the year as well as the outreach programs that allowed us the opportunity to further connect with these beautiful children. And, as always, at the core of ministry are the ever-growing relationships within the Open Arms Home as we work towards transition for these amazing kids!

Summer Camp (Camp of 1000 UNO games)

Orphanage Visits

Trade School Visits (Putival)

Vova  – Vova began study at a trade school in Sumy this year, thus brining him to full time residency in the Open Arms Home.  He plays on the schools volleyball team and has participated in their dance programs as well.

Roman – Roman has faced a challenging year, but his drive and determination continue to push him to live a better life. He is currently studying at trade school in Sumy, living and working in the Open Arms Home, and actively involved in the church floorball team.

Birthday Celebrations

SP – Following his release from the Sambir Juvenile Colony, Sasha has flourished. Recently baptized, his faith continually grows. He is also studying in Sumy and has begun to work in ministry with Open Arms (including orphanage and prison visits). His activities include kickboxing and playing on the church floorball team.

SP's Baptism (October)

Dusya – Dusya relocated back to the village of the orphanage spring of this year. She gave birth to her second child, Andre, in September and presented Anika (Open Arms team member) and SP with the honors of becoming his godparents. Her recent dental work thanks to your generosity has given her a brighter smile as she seeks to live for God and share his life in her small village of Ivanivka.

Andre's Baptism (November)

Vitalik – Vitalik came into possession of a small house in Mezinivka this year. He finds jobs within his village to make a good life for himself as he turns his little house into a home.  Through your support, we have been able to help Vitalik get his feet on the ground in this endeavor!

Visit to help fix up Vitalik's house in the village

Though the updates could go on and on, what we really wanted to say is that GOD IS SO GOOD! Looking back at this past year we are constantly reminded of how much He has given us as a ministry. We are so thankful for each of you as you have played a critical role in making all of this possible.

From our Family to yours,

The Open Arms Ukraine American Team 2011

Anika Bachle, Mike Loso, Chelsea Rollins, Melissa Keane, and Annie Carbonaro

“Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns” 1 Chronicles, 16:1

THIS CHRISTMAS

Thanks to those who have already chosen to purchase the gift of dental work this Christmas, we were given the opportunity to take Dusya to the dentist and get her all fixed up! Many of you may have heard of Dusya from us in the past. She recently gave birth to her second child and works harder than anyone I know - hand washing clothes from well water through winter, outhouse runs in the snow with her daughter... standing at 4' 10", she is easily the littlest, but strongest woman I know. 

Anika, Open Arms team member, was the gracious and patient "parent" in the dentist situation. Taking trips to the village to help Dusya with her two kids on the train, waiting hours at the dentist while the work was completed, and paying the bill when all was said and done. 4 weeks, x-rays, 2 root canals, 2 fillings, and a new tooth later - Dusya is smiling bigger than we have seen in years!

Dusya's amazing smile right after all her dental work was finished. 

After children finish the orphanage much of their medical and dental help finishes as well. Years following graduation with lack of proper hygiene have led to this problem in many of our graduates. Our hope is to put the hard work in to get them each smiling bright now and continue to teach them how to take care of their teeth in the years to come. Consider joining us this Christmas in this endeavor. Check out this past blog to get the details: http://t.co/e0GSpPEN Watch the slideshow and think of this gift sitting under the tree!