12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS GIVING

If you're like most people in America this time of year, you're busy! Out shopping, buying presents for friends and family, wrapping, baking, getting ready for Christmas day. The spirit of Christmas is in the air! It's 4 days till Christmas and we here at Open Arms Ukraine have been thinking about the spirit of Christmas giving.

This Christmas, we decided we should spread the Spirit of Christmas beyond just Christmas day. For the next 12 days we're spreading the idea of giving to others in our 12 Days of Christmas Giving. Every couple of days between now and New Years we will be highlighting an area of ministry, or a specific life that the ministry of Open Arms touches. Your gifts in this Christmas season will go beyond just something that's wrapped under the tree and will be able to help us continue to share God's love with one of His precious kids in Ukraine.

We're looking for 5 people each day to give $25 to help support the growing ministry of Open Arms. Your gift to an orphan in Ukraine could even help you finish up your shopping! Give in the name of a friend as a special Christmas tribute. Or get your kids together and encourage them to share what God's given them with someone in need. Giving is as simple as clicking this button!

As it is only a few days till Christmas, we thought for today we'd give you a glimpse into what your donations make possible on a holiday for our orphan graduates.

The Open Arms Home has become a safe place where traditions are created, holidays are celebrated, and memories are made. It is a place where a not so traditional family has formed and continues to grow and bond. Celebrating the holidays with grads is always such a blessing and something that everyone looks forward to. The kids travel to the Open Arms home from throughout the Sumy region in order to spend holidays with us. When everyone is together you can see the joy on their faces! These kids do not have families to celebrate with. We love being able to bring them together and give them a sense of belonging and a family to be with. Many of the kids really look forward to celebrating the different holidays throughout the year and being a apart of our family traditions. It is something that we all look forward to continuing in the years to come.

This video is a bit of what our Thanksgiving day looked like in Sumy.

WITH A THANKFUL HEART

Last week we had the honor of celebrating Thanksgiving with our amazing orphanage grads. Since we've been feeling so grateful for all of the support and the beautiful things God has been doing, we decided to go ahead and make a big event out of the American holiday. 

Celebration began at our weekly Wednesday night grad meeting here in Sumy. We made hand-print turkeys, took pictures as pilgrims, decorated cookies, and took the time to share our thankfulness with each other for what God has given us. Each kid wrote down what they were thankful for on a feather for our very own thankfulness turkey and wrote down what they were thankful for in others on their respective turkey-hands. The beauty of how little these kids have experienced is that they are willing and excited to participate in everything now; we took full advantage of this fact and brought them back to Kindergarten - they loved it. 

Actual Thanksgiving Day became Thanksgiving prep in the Open Arms Home for our weekend outreach with grads from throughout the region. We managed to squeeze 18 of us in our cozy apartment for a full-on Thanksgiving feast, desserts, games, and a slumber party for the kids in the living room. The best part of the whole celebration was that for many of these kids, this was the first holiday experience they had ever really had. They devoured the food (especially the mashed potatoes), laughed well into the night, and continually thanked us for putting the whole thing together. It was a privilege to watch them have so much fun in a family environment; it is so clear how much love can impact a person's heart and we are excited to see where God is going to continue to direct our ministry with these unbelievable kids!

OUR CUP OVERFLOWS: FALL GRAD CAMP 2012 HIGHLIGHTS

In this fine month of Thanksgiving, we here at Open Arms are already overflowing with so many things to give thanks for. God is doing amazing things through ministry in Ukraine and we are blessed to be a part of it! 

To all of you who prayed, gave, and supported fall camp - THANK YOU!  You have played such key roles in what took place last weekend in the lives of orphanage graduates.

We wanted to take some time to share some highlights and give thanks for the overflow of joy taking place in Sumy!

HIGHLIGHT REEL

This was our 8th (!) graduate camp as Open Arms Ukraine and we might dare to call it our best for so many reasons. God moved in mighty ways from the get-go to make this camp exactly what He desired. 

Originally, it didn't look like we were going to be able to use our camp location of choice, but God opened the doors for us to return to this amazing camp location at the last minute and we are so thankful!

We were so excited to extend our reach to graduates from the Romney Orphanage (also located in the Sumy region) at this graduate camp. Three beautiful ladies joined us and we can not wait to see where this connection takes us!

The Romney girls weren't the only addition. For quite a few kids, this was the first Open Arms Grad Camp they were able to attend and their excitement was absolutely infectious!

Group discussions offered a new realm of freedom among the kids. Over the years, leaders have risen up among them who are ready to take their spiritual lives seriously. These leaders helped bring the group discussions following Bible lessons to a new depth and we were blessed to sit back, listen, and bring in God's Word as direction throughout it all.

We can not express the joy that surrounded this camp: from the kids, volunteers, our team and the overall atmosphere, it was clear that every person there had a heart to be there, participate, and receive. 

Hygiene packs (filled with toothpaste, underwear, soap and more), goodie bags (filled with pens, gum, coffee and more), cookies, snacks, popcorn, desserts, s'mores, crafts - we were blessed to pour out God's love tangibly with abundance thanks to all of your support from home!

Secret Friend Day was a beautiful time of making crafts, cards, and special gifts to shower love on one other person at camp. It was amazing to watch the kids take hold of the idea and work hard to bless someone else in secret. 

A GLIMPSE

The beauty of running a smaller camp based on our own schedule, is that there is a great amount of freedom to respond to the kids' needs and enjoyment. Our days started later, meals were extra filling, and "American football" movies were watched. Mornings consisted of breakfast, a morning meeting, and small group discussions. At midday, the campers received a big lunch, the boys headed out to play sports, and crafts covered the tables as everyone enjoyed free time. Daylight savings meant that our daylight hours were few - so this portion of the day was our big opportunity to spend time outside. Once twilight turned to dark, we would hold our evening meeting and begin the nightly activities. 

The kids so enjoy our pre-meeting games! It's always a fun time for them to cheer on their friends and to just laugh freely. Once the games were done and the laughter had died down,  Bogdan (one of our incredible Ukrainian workers) would begin the Bible lesson. We are so thankful that Bogdan could come be our camp speaker. His influence among the graduates is such a beautiful thing!

Once our night meeting had concluded, dinner was served. Once everyone was full, we'd take part in a camp-wide night game. One of these games proved extra special (and hilarious) as the kids broke into groups and were given 20 minutes to choreograph a dance to provided music. So much fun and laughter!

As the hours passed farther and farther into night, the campers enjoyed bonfires, movies, wii competitions and so much more.

Throughout all of this, a special theme of camp became very evident: freedom. There was an absolute tone of joy in the kids faces and spirits as they soaked up all the goodness that this camp had to offer. 

ALISA

Alisa joined us for her first-ever Open Arms camp and we couldn't be more excited to have met this beautiful young lady! She grew up at the Romney orphanage, just an hour outside of our city. Last year, one of our volunteers worked part time as an English teacher in that orphanage and thus the connection was made. Although Alisa barely knew the rest of our team she joined us for the 4 days of camp and had a joy that lit up every room she entered. Her piercing blue eyes, sweet smile, and kind nature made her an amazing addition to our ministry and we feel privileged to have this new connection. Alisa's heart was incredibly open and honest as she asked questions concerning the daily lessons. She hasn't received as many opportunities to hear about God's Word in her life and was honest in the fact that she isn't sure, at this point, what she believes. 

Since camp, Alisa has been present at our weekly graduate meetings here in Sumy as well as the church youth meeting on Sunday night. She is eager to learn more and build relationships which is an amazing chance for our team to shower God's love and grace on this beautiful girl's life. We are so thankful that God brought her to us, for her open, loving heart, and that she lives here in Sumy, providing us all the more opportunity to see her bright smile on a regular basis! 

A LAST-MINUTE BLESSING

We are so utterly thankful for Bogdan and his wife Natasha's willingness to lead at the last minute. Bogdan's heart for the Lord and bringing people to know His saving grace is an example and a blessing to all of us. 

Due to circumstances outside our control, we were looking for someone to lead the Bible lessons in the week leading up to camp. Without hesitation, this young couple from a church here in Sumy stepped up to the plate. They brought their 5-month-old daughter along for the weekend and she became an instant celebrity among all the children. 

Bogdan led each meeting with extreme passion and was continually present to answer questions throughout the course of the weekend. Natasha has a beautiful energy and love that the girls in attendance were able to connect with and look up to. We loved watching how God brought all of this together and look forward to how God is going to continue to work through this amazing couple. 

We just can't say enough how thankful we are for your prayers, your support, and your encouragement during our Fall Grad Camp. The ministry of Open Arms would not be what it is without your love and faithfulness!

- CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR GRAD CAMP PHOTO ALBUM -

LEAVING A LEGACY: FALL GRAD CAMP 2012

Fall Grad Camp is quickly approaching and we need your help to make it happen! We are looking forward to gathering 20+ orphanage graduates, Ukrainian volunteers, and our Open Arms team in the woods outside of Sumy for three days of Bible lessons, group discussions, crazy games, awesome crafts, and an overall "good for the soul" kind of time. The theme for the retreat revolves around Leaving a Legacy. Our world is incredibly short-sighted, but these kids seem to possess this mentality more than most. They've never had a future to look forward to, let alone an eternity; it makes it hard to switch your mindset when you've been told your whole life that you will amount to nothing.

Not only do we hope that these graduates will find their worth in their Heavenly Father, but that they will also come to a better understanding that their lives are intended to be lived in a way that stretches far beyond today - that, they too, can Leave a Legacy in this world. 

Camps are a core component of our graduate outreach programs. They provide the opportunity to pull the graduates out of their negative environments and bring them into a loving community focused on pouring out God's amazing truth. 

We work hard to keep camp entirely free for the kids including transportation, food, lodging, and every little detail at camp entails. In order to do that, we need sponsors to cover the cost of each child. $70 will take care of one orphanage graduate, but if you are unable to fully sponsor a child, partial sponsorships are also greatly appreciated. We'd love to include you in what God has in store for this beautiful time of retreat! 

You can donate online by clicking the DONATE button on our home page or send checks to Open Arms Ukraine at PO Box 277, San Lorenzo, CA 94580 with "Fall Grad Camp" written in the memo line.

FALL 2012 NEWSLETTER

THIS FALL HAS ALREADY BEEN A FRUITFUL TIME FOR MINISTRY.

WE’VE BEEN THROWING BIRTHDAY PARTIES, VISITING THE ORPHANAGE, RUNNING A FULL HOUSEHOLD, HOSTING GRADUATE MEETINGS, AND PLANNING FOR EXCITING THINGS TO COME. READ ON TO SEE SOME OF WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO!

GRADUATE MEETINGS

With over 20 orphanage graduates attending various trade schools here in the city of Sumy, we thought it would be a great opportunity to start up weekly meetings with them. At the same time this was laid on our hearts, our Ukrainian volunteers also approached us about their desire to start consistent meetings with these graduates. It is always so exciting to see how God brings things together in His time! 

Connecting with the kids in this stage of life is so crucial. For thirteen of these graduates, this is the beginning of their 10th grade year as well as their first time experiencing life outside of the orphanage walls. They are experiencing a newfound freedom and with new freedom comes challenges and countless choices that can have such lasting impact on their lives. 

We are now three weeks into these meetings; focusing on the latest graduates of the Pravdinska orphanage. Each meeting has been a great time of fellowship, games, laughter and sharing. These Wednesday night gatherings are structured similarly to an American youth group meeting and take place at our church. It is a great environment for these kids to belong, connect, and hear more about their Heavenly Father. We hope this will act as a great catalyst to get these kids involved in church as soon as possible and with our amazing group of Ukrainian volunteers in mentorship and friendship. We are so thankful to have the chance to continue to pour into the lives of these beautiful kids each week; to share more of Christ’s love for them, and to invest in their lives as they make the difficult transition from orphanage to trade school.

GRADUATE SPOTLIGHTS

ANYA

We have known Anya for over 7 years now and have been privileged to watch her grow and transform into a wonderful young lady. It is hard to believe that she will soon be 16, since we can remember her as just a little girl running around the orphanage years ago. She loves to dance and will always be caught singing if music is on. She loves to cook and has no problem just taking over the kitchen and making enough for our big household. She and her brother Sasha are very close and they are both very protective of one another. 

We have witnessed a beautiful transformation in Anya in the past year. Anya is very strong willed and knows what she wants. She can be quite a “diva” at times, but she has softened so much and become incredibly open with our team and towards God. Last week we had a get-together for new orphanage graduates at our church. Last minute, we called Anya because we thought she would be a comfort to the new kids. She not only came and comforted, but rounded up all the kids and made sure they made it to the meeting as well. This amazed us because, not too long ago, we could barely get Anya to come to anything Open Arms-related. Her kindness and great leadership abilities shone brightly during our time together. It is truly a blessing that God has allowed us to be apart of Anya’s life and transformation. 

Photo: The Open Arms Team & Anya (center) go bowling in Sumy.

SASHA

Sasha Pevniv (SP - as we like to call him) has always been a special kid. At the orphanage, he was a respected leader, an inventive creator, and charismatic charmer among kids, teachers, and our team. Even though it has been years since he graduated, Sasha remains somewhat of a legend to the younger children who still live at Pravdinska Orphanage. He’s always been influential among the kids, but the transformation that has taken place in Sasha’s heart has led him to a deep desire to use that influence to bring others to Christ.

SP became a Christian while serving time in a juvenile detention center. It was during that dark time that Sasha experienced true grace and decided he wanted to follow Jesus with his life. Our team has been honored to walk alongside Sasha in this process and are so excited for the future that awaits him. He has expressed his hope to come alongside kids in the way Open Arms does, saying, “I don’t just want to help people, I want to help them to know God, because that is the most important thing in life.” SP gets it; he gets what this life is meant to be about as a believer and is living out his faith in action each day. On a bus ride, he spent the entire drive sharing with the driver about Jesus and he couldn’t have been more excited!            

Photo: Sasha (right) with his floorball coach & mentor, Bogdon.

Just a few weeks back, Sasha became reunited with his 12-year-old sister, Lena, only to learn she had been living in an orphanage for the past 2 years. Sasha was heartbroken over this reality and wasted no time reaching out to her and becoming the best brother to her he could possibly be. 

We can’t wait to see all that God does in Sasha’s life. His heart to serve others is admirable, his joy is contagious, and his desire to know God more is beautiful to see. Please join us in prayer for this amazing young man as he seeks to “know more about God so that it just comes out of [him] when talking to people.” And, to all who have joined us in prayer and support for SP over the years: we hope this brings encouragement and celebration to your own heart!

FALL GRADUATE CAMP

Fall is upon us, a new class of kids has graduated, and that means one thing: it’s camp time! Camps and retreats are a huge part of Open Arms’ outreach program with orphanage graduates. We gather as many grads as we can and take them out to an awesome camp in the woods for a time of retreat, support, laughter, and the opportunity to hear more about God’s Word.

This camp’s theme is “Leaving a Legacy” and we are hoping to encourage the kids to think beyond the present and into eternity; asking themselves what kind of legacy they want to leave on this earth. Most children in orphanages grow up believing there is only one path they can ever choose - they have been told what occupation they will have and that they will turn out just like their parents. We want to break them of those thoughts and find the freedom that God offers us in life. 

Each day will be filled with good food, plenty of games, Bible lessons, and connection time with their friends and our team. There are still many details to come together for this camp and kids are scattered throughout the region, but each camp seems to always come together in an amazing way as God moves. We can’t wait to share the outcome with you all! 

As with each camp, we are looking for those of you who desire to sponsor a child to attend. Our team works hard to provide transportation, food, crafts, and all supplies necessary for all 5 days of camp so that the kids need only bring themselves. In order to do so, we need your help. You can sponsor a child for $85 and we will gladly send you a profile of the child in return! If you aren’t able to sponsor a child fully, partial sponsorships or general gifts for camp funds are also greatly appreciated! 

Checks should be mailed to: Open Arms Ukraine, PO Box 277, San Lorenzo, CA 94580. You can donate online at www.openarmsukraine.blogspot.com.We are so thankful to each of you who have helped each camp take place and look forward to sharing this one with you all as well!

Photo: One of our Graduate groups from a previous Fall Camp.

PRAYER REQUESTS

FOR WEEKLY GRADUATE MEETINGS: pray that the meetings would continue to grow and act  an encouragement to these amazing children in our city.

FOR ANYA & SP: as they make decisions about their individual futures (job, schooling, and more).

FOR FALL GRADUATE CAMP: pray that permission from the department be received, that the children would come, and that lives would be touched.

UKRAINIAN WORKERS: Our heart’s desire is to hire Ukrainians who have a passion for the Lord and for orphans as a part of Open Arms Staff here in Ukraine. Please join us in prayer that God would lead us together to who He desires to use on this team. 

FOR APARTMENT RENOVATIONS: many of you gave financially to help us fix the bathroom in the Open Arms apartment, now we need people who are available and capable to do the renovations. 

FOR THE OPEN ARMS APARTMENT ROOF:  we are currently struggling with a massive leak from the roof, but the necessary department seems unconcerned with the issue and we have found no one to help in the city, with rain/snow season upon this is a huge need - pray that the people be found and the problem fixed!

THANK YOU FOR BEING AN INTEGRAL PART OF OPEN ARMS UKRAINE.

WE COULD NOT DO MINISTRY WITHOUT YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT.

- FROM THE OPEN ARMS TEAM -

ANIKA BACHLE

ANNIE CARBONARO

MELISSA KEANE

CHELSEA ROLLINS

WWW.OPENARMSUKRAINE.BLOGSPOT.COM

www.facebook.com/OpenArmsUkraine

If you would like to have our quarterly newsletters sent directly to your email inbox, please let us know at openarmsministry (@) gmail (dot) com

Open Arms Ukraine - PO Box 277 - San Lorenzo, CA 94580

OPEN ARMS UKRAINE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Loving in action & in truth. -1 John 3:18

BACK TO WHERE WE BEGAN

The Pravdinska Orphanage holds a special place in the hearts of the Open Arms team. It is the place where God opened our eyes to a great need and where so many beautiful children stole our hearts years ago. This week we had the privilege of visiting the Pravdinska Orphanage and the amazing children who live there. God provided gorgeous fall scenery as we made our way by train and foot to the village where the orphanage is located. As this was the first visit to Pravdinska since our time at home (in the States), we were extra excited to be reunited with the kids that we so dearly love!

The Open Arms Team

Our time began with a meeting with the orphanage director. Our relationship with her was severed for a period of time, but we are so thankful that restoration has begun. She is now allowing us much more freedom to build relationships with the orphans under her care. After this meeting, it was simply time to enjoy the faces that fill the orphanage. One of the best parts of our visits to the orphanage is not only reconnecting with the kids who already hold our hearts, but also meeting new kids who are longing for love, comfort, and relationship. During our short visit, we were able to enjoy much reconnection as well as establish some wonderful new connections.

It is amazing to look back on the past 7 years and the ups and downs of ministry at this orphanage. One of the best (and craziest) parts is having watched one of the youngest classes now become the 9th grade class (the oldest kids at Pravdinska). This class has unbelievable potential for leadership among the other orphans and possesses qualities that we are so proud of. We are looking forward to navigating this year with and walking alongside them beyond the walls of the orphanage. For now, we will soak up the time just hanging out on the sports field where we first met. 

A group of boys who have grown up at the Pravdinska Orphanage. They were among the youngest group of children when we first came to Ukraine 7 years ago. Now, they are in the oldest class at the orphanage!

MAKING UP FOR LOST TIME

Yesterday, we celebrated Sasha Tretyakov's 18th birthday; but it was more like his first birthday in the sense of genuine celebration with family and loved ones. With no known family, Sasha has grown up in an orphanage since infancy. The only information Sasha knows about his birth mother is that she lived in the city of Konotop when he was born. 

Our team's desire was to make this birthday extra special for Sasha - he was given the opportunity to invite his friends of choice to join us in the Open Arms home for a dinner of borsh (his dinner of choice), chocolate cake, wii, and all-around good times. 

Sasha's response to the day's celebration was priceless! Although he was turning 18, he danced around the apartment like a 5-year-old, soaking up all the attention and love that the day had to offer. Every present brought utter excitement and at the end of the day, it was clear that Sasha felt so loved and so special. 

It was a day to remember for all of us and we are so thankful that God has allowed us to be a loving family to such an amazing young man! 

The Birthday Boy, Sasha, surrounded by his friends and Open Arms family.

A WEEKEND WITH LENA

This week we had the humbling privilage of having Sasha Pivnev’s little sister stay with us for the weekend. It might not seem like a big deal on the surface but for Lena and Sasha, it was more than just siblings hanging out.

Until about a month ago, Sasha hadn’t seen his 12 year old sister in about 5 years. She wasn’t born until after he was sent to the orphanage and she had always lived at home with her parents. Geographically they’ve never been close so they haven’t ever had much relationship. Sasha has wanted to get to know her and help her for some time. Earlier this year a pastor at church, not knowing, asked him if he had a little sister. When Sasha answered yes, the pastor told him that he needed to help her. When he went to visit her in August, Sasha found out that she has been in the Konotop orphanage for the past two years. 

This past Thursday we all took a train to Konotop, a bus to the orphanage, and Sasha introduced us to his little sister. We were so excited when Sasha was able to sign her out of school that day and found out he could even sign her out for the whole weekend and bring her to Sumy!

Chelsea, Anika, Melissa, and Sasha of Open Arms with Lena (center)

From Friday morning to Sunday afternoon Lena came on her first visit to Sumy. Sasha and our team spent time with her at the Open Arms Home, loving on her and breaking her out of her shell. She was initially very shy and would barely say much to any of us. Within about 6 hours she was asking us if we could take her all summer to stay with us. We all had a lot of fun pouring love and gifts on her. She giggled at nearly everything her brother did or said. She loved having Melissa curl her hair, eating Nutella by the spoonful, and cuddling in bed before she went to sleep.

Left: The girls of Open Arms with Lena

Right: Melissa curling Lena's hair

Lena also experienced a lot of firsts with us - first time on both an elevator and escalator, first pancake, and first time bowling! She lit up when we took her to a roller rink and skated around for the full hour with a beaming smile, giggling at anyone who fell. :)

At the roller rink

Anika, Lena, and Melissa at the bowling alley

We were so blessed to help facilitate a relationship between Sasha and his little sister and to pour God’s love on her this weekend! We look forward to continue visiting her and having her visit on weekends. We can’t wait to see what God will do in her life.

Sasha and Lena

TRUE FAMILY

We met Dusya over seven years ago at the Pravdinska orphanage and have had the honor of walking alongside her as she transitioned out of the orphanage and into motherhood. She has navigated this transition with utter grace, determination, and love despite having no example of a mother in her own life. She completed the 9th grade six years ago and now has two beautiful children - Vala (five years old) and Andre who just recently turned one. 

Last week we joined Dusya and her family to celebrate Andre's first birthday. We stayed true to many Open Arms birthday traditions by making a personalized cake, bringing plenty of gifts, and taking lots of pictures. We also got to participate in some Ukrainian birthday traditions as well: a table full of food and a ceremonial first hair cut. 

Clockwise from top left:

Andre's birthday cake, homemade and decorated by the Open Arms team; Dusya and Andre with his godparents, Sasha and Anika of Open Arms; Andre takes his first bite of his first birthday cake;

Andre with his loving mom, Dusya

Other relatives joined for the festivities, but were sadly very drunk which made us all the more thankful to be able to be there and support Dusya. Over the years, she has told us  many times how we are her true family; an honor that is hard to describe. We were glad to be the family that day that truly supports her and her children. It brought us so much joy to watch her with Andre - he is very much a mama's boy and she is a excellent mother, so full of love for both of her kids. 

Open Arms looks forward to continuing birthday traditions and being a support and extended family to Andre as he grows up.   

SUMMER CAMP 2012: REFLECTION

Summer Camp is an amazing time for connection. As trade schools shut down, the kids become nomads with no real place to call home. Our time together offered a place of safety, refuge, and fun to help them process, make plans, and experience God’s love.

(Click here to see the full Summer Camp photo album on our facebook page!)

HIGHLIGHT: BONFIRE

Our final night was accompanied by a bonfire; an Open Arms tradition that proved extra special this year. Vova, our speaker for the duration of camp, hammered in on the reality of eternal life and God’s desire for us to join Him in heaven – “change doesn’t happen overnight, it is a journey with Christ, but a journey well worth it.” Following his message, Vova laid a large stick on the ground as a line and said that a relationship with God is a decision, much like crossing from one side of this line to the other. As the kids made decisions, we all huddled together for a time of prayer with them. 

What ensued was a beautiful movement among the kids and leaders. If the kids desired, they were welcome to step into the middle of our circle and we would pray for them. Each kid made their way as we laid hands and prayed for their futures, their hearts, their healing, and their process with Christ. The conversations that followed these prayers were transformational! For some the battle wages of “I hear so much about God, but I just don’t know that I believe.” For others they were full of the emotional excitement of the night and desire more connection to church and to believers. But for those few who were deeply moved, their tones remained serious and their questions deep. We can’t wait to see how the conversations continue after a beautiful night like this!

WHAT DOES A DAY AT CAMP LOOK LIKE?

• MORNING: Wake up, clean up, and breakfast! We follow breakfast with a time of worship and a lesson based on camp’s specific theme. This Summer, camp was centered on the theme of “Everlasting Life” - John 3:16; such a core, basic truth of God’s love that these kids have never had a chance to learn and accept in their lives.
• MID-DAY: After morning meeting, we have craft time and then some free time until lunch. Meals are such a gift at camp and we love offering a plate-full of “seconds” for these kids who have had to steal food at times in their lives to survive. Once they are full from lunch, the kids enjoy a time of recreation and swimming. They seem to have endless energy, and we usually have to bring the soccer playing, volleyball games, and swimming to a halt as evening approaches.
• EVENING: The kids’ energy is refreshed with a big dinner, and then they head to our night meeting – a time of singing and another lesson/discussion.
• NIGHT: Games are played well into the night after all is said and done and this year’s bonfire, movie night, and ice cream night were perfect ways to top off amazing days.

Throughout it all, God seemed to use every detail to bring us all closer together and allowed us abundant opportunities to share His love all the way down to checking each other for ticks after each adventure outdoors. Ticks were found, movies were watched, popcorn eaten, and ice cream devoured; all in all good times were had and God moved through it all! 

SPOTLIGHT: SASHA TRETYAKOV

Sasha Tretyakov graduated just last May from the Pravdinska orphanage, so this is his first summer with no set place for him to be. He has no family to turn to and has been in the orphanage for most of his life. In light of these realities, this summer is extra difficult as he wanders from friend to friend; with no real “home” or family to return to. Camp was a time of relief and joy for Sasha and the bonfire brought about a special moment in his journey specifically. Following the times of prayer, Sasha was clearly hit by what had taken place and spent the time after discussing Christianity and his desire to live a better life with some of our leaders. At the end of the conversation, Sasha felt a deep conviction to be baptized and the seriousness in his demeanor showed how much this night had impacted him. We look forward to continue to encourage Sasha in his journey; he plans on spending his weekend here at the Open Arms Home and can’t wait for church on Sunday. We hope his connections only get furthered with our Ukrainian team and their church here in Sumy as he plans to transfer trade schools this fall to our very city! God is moving and we are blessed to be a part of it!

THANK YOU
We were overwhelmed by the support that poured in to make this Summer Camp possible! The words of encouragement and financial donations played such a huge role and we can’t thank you all enough. Due to the fact that these kids are scattered throughout the region facing various circumstances, some kids that were sponsored were unable to attend at the last minute (court dates, sibling issues, etc.). Though their spots were paid for (and hygiene packs are waiting) we look forward to using the rest of their sponsorship to get them to Sumy and connected to church more before the summer ends. Summer camp brings about so much momentum in ministry with these kids and the swim floaties, sports equipment, and projector screen are already proving long-lasting tools to reach this kids and bring joy to their summer months. Thank you again!

WHAT YOU PROVIDED:

• Camp Scholarships
• Hygiene Packages
• Extra-special activities (an ice cream party, a bonfire, and a picnic by the river)
• New recreation equipment
• Projector screen for Open Arms’ use in ongoing ministry
• Funding for graduate ministry activity throughout the rest of the summer

Click here to see the full Summer Camp photo album on our facebook page!

OUR SPONSORED GRADUATES!

Camp begins TOMORROW (!) and thanks to you, all of these beautiful kids are sponsored to attend. Join us in praying that it will be a special time of fun, fellowship, rest, and growth for each one of our campers. As the graduates make their way to Sumy, please pray that they won't run into any obstacles and that each one will arrive safely. Thank you, again, for making camp possible for our graduates. We can't wait to share photos and stories from camp when we return!

THANK YOU FOR THE EXTRAS

"Thank you" doesn't quite suffice when it comes to our gratitude for all of your support in helping make camp "extra-special." As phone calls are being made and shopping trips are completed (marshmallows for the fire, floaties for the river, and so much more), the excitement only builds among our team and the kids who will be busy enjoying your gifts so very soon! 

So often, these "extras" prove to be some of our best memories and moments at camp - allowing all the children to be free and enjoy what so many of us have always grown up with. They have such a sincere appreciation for these extra fun activities and your gifts are what make them possible. So, again, thank you!

The Open Arms Team

MAKING CAMP EXTRA SPECIAL

THANK YOU! We have been so incredibly blessed and encouraged by the response to summer camp sponsorships! All kids will be covered from transportation to food and we couldn’t be more excited for what this time will hold!

Now that the essentials are taken care of, we are looking for those who would like to sponsor: “the extras." We are hoping to add some extra (amazing) activities to the camp schedule and your help can make that happen.

THESE THINGS INCLUDE:

• Ice Cream Party – A traditional sundae bar that will undoubtedly rock these kids' worlds! Ice cream, toppings, whipped cream… the works! You will also be providing the bowls and spoons to help make this grand night happen.

• River Picnic – this will be our “camp finale” on the last day of camp and it will include a picnic lunch of sandwiches, chips, juice, soda, cookies and all that goodness for each of the kids.

• Projector – Don’t be fooled by the initial request. It isn’t as simple as it sounds. Sponsoring a projector for camp will allow worship lyrics to be displayed and movie nights to be enjoyed! This is a sponsorship that will last well into the future with Open Arms.

• S'Mores – Bonfires are always a must for every Open Arms camp and we are hoping to add some extra special additions to this bonfire that will live on for all Open Arms bonfires to come. Not only will you help provide the essentials (marshmallows, chocolate, graham crackers) but we will purchase chairs and blankets to ensure the singing, laughing, and “s’moring” continue long into the night!

• Sports Equipment – Our camp is in need of some new volleyballs, soccer balls, footballs and more. We will also use this sponsorship to purchase new swim floaties for daily river time.

We suggest an $80 contribution to help with these needs, but every little bit helps! 
Click the "donate" button to securely donate online through PayPal. 

To everyone that has supported a kid for camp already, we are so utterly grateful!

Thank you all so much,

The Open Arms Team

SUMMER CAMP SPONSORSHIP

Open Arms is excited to announce that we are just 2½ weeks from our 3^rd Annual Orphanage Graduate Summer Camp (“Grad Camp” as we like to call it). The theme this summer is Everlasting Life, based on John 3:16. Our team is in the midst of preparing games, Bible lessons, crafts, and all the other goodness that will fill our four days in the woods.

The summer months can prove to be a difficult time for these kids as they are used to structure and schedules. Suddenly, they are on their own with too much time on their hands. Our hope is to connect them more deeply with our team at the beginning of the summer while bringing them into the Word of God so that these summer months can prove transformational in their lives.

As we prepare, we are asking that you join us in prayer:       

• For wisdom in planning 
• For the children to come and their hearts be open
• For our team here in Ukraine and those who will be joining us from the states
• For camp to fully funded and God to receive the glory

This year God has blessed us tremendously in being able to provide a spring retreat for our graduates and we look forward to sharing how God continues to move in their lives through this upcoming camp. If you are interested in sponsoring a child for camp, the cost is $80 which includes transportation, food, games, crafts… the whole deal. This camp is absolutely free for the kids, but we need your help in order to make that happen. 

UPDATE: THANKS TO YOU, ALL OF OUR KIDS HAVE BEEN SPONSORED TO COME TO CAMP! WE COULDN'T BE MORE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR FAITHFUL SUPPORT. 

FOR THOSE WHO ARE LOOKING FOR OTHER WAYS TO GIVE TOWARD MAKING CAMP A SUCCESS, CLICK HERE.

If you would like to sponsor a child you can donate online by clicking “donate” below or you can send a check to PO Box 277, San Lorenzo, CA 94580 with “camp sponsorship” in the memo line. We would love to send you more information about the child you sponsor so you can pray specifically! Regardless of your ability to give financially, we covet your prayers and appreciate you all so much as we enjoy the blessing of sunshine and these beautiful children.

The goal is simple: get 25 kids sponsored at $80 each in the next 2 weeks. But this is where we need your help!! Tell your friends and let’s make this summer camp absolutely amazing!!

Help us share God’s love and light in the lives of these broken children.

With gratitude,

The Open Arms Team

Orphanage Graduation

Yesterday our team had the extreme privilege of watching 13 9th graders "graduate" from the Pravinska Orphanage. The day was filled with dancing, eating and celebrating (just as it should have been). But, sitting in the audience it isn't hard to realize that this is not your typical graduation. The auditorium is filled with the kids of the orphanage, teachers, the orphanage sponsors, and our team. A few family members made their way to celebrate the graduation of these children, but when I say a few, I mean: a few. This is an orphanage. These children have no families. It makes the honor of being in that audience so much deeper and more meaningful.

Each child graduating is a life that is intended to be treasured and celebrated, but our broken world has taken that privilege away from them. This is where being a part of Open Arms is such a gift! We get to celebrate these beautiful lives. We get to take pictures of them until their cheeks hurt and cry as we realize they have grown up so much before our very eyes.

September 1st will mark a new era of our ministry with these 13 children as 12 will make their way to study at a trade school here in Sumy - the very trade school with which Open Arms has its closest relationship. We couldn't be more excited to have these faces as a part of our camps and programming here in the city. It is clear that God is paving the way for us to invest further in their lives, but as these kids face a huge transition, we ask that you would be joining us in prayer: for wisdom as we prepare ministry for this transition, for their hearts to protected as they undergo so many life changes, and that our team here in Sumy would make deep, meaningful, and transformational connections with each of these children.

 

Vitalik, in 2005 (left) and at his graduation yesterday.

As for now, we celebrate with this beautiful class! It has been amazing watching them grow over the past 7 years and we can't wait to share all that God does in their lives in the years to come!

A Day at Pravda

The Pravdinska Orphanage is the very place Open Arms Ukraine began. Seven years ago on a missions trip, the children who filled the orphanage stole our hearts and every time we step back into that orphanage it is a reminder of where we all began and why we do what we do.

The costumes we helped purchase for the dance competition

Our day started with the donation of skirts for the children's dance competition coming up. Pravdinska takes great pride in their dance programs and the competition is stiff among the orphanages of the region; being able to help them prepare is such a gift for us as ministry. Thanks to many of you, we also provided prom dresses for graduation once again. For the girls who remained dress-less from the 9th grade class, these prom dresses give them the chance to feel beautiful and special. It is always amazing to watch their faces light up as they find "the dress" among all that were donated - THANK YOU!!!

Veka had just found her perfect dress for graduation

Dima got in on the birthday celebrations

Birthdays were celebrated, hugs were endless, and this day was a beautiful reminder of where we started in ministry those years ago. For those who have stood by us through these years, we are utterly grateful!!!! Thankful for another beautiful day in the village ministering to these amazing kids!