Prayer Day - Monday, May 10th

This week on Monday, May 10th, Open Arms is inviting you to join us in a day of prayer for our ministry and the kids we work with. We will be praying on the hour from 9am to 9pm for our kids, ministry, finances, direction, and other specifics. We are asking you to join us for a day of focused prayer for His ministry in Ukraine through Open Arms.

There are endless lists of children's names, ministry goals, dreams, and financial needs that need prayer. On Monday we will be focusing on camp and prison ministry.

In 3 short weeks, a team of 10 volunteers from the States will be flying out of California to Sumy to run a camp at the Pravdinska orphanage for 2 weeks. There is still a lot of work to be done, tasks to cross of the list, money to be raised and hurdles to be jumped. We believe that God has huge plans for our summer camp this year and it has been obvious to us that opposition in many forms has been trying to slow us down and stop us. As you join us for this day of prayer, we ask that you would especially be lifting up our camp. From May 31st through June 14th at the orphanage for about 120 kids, Christians from Ukraine and America will be sharing the love of Christ and how to live life "strong and courageous" in Him. These are some specific things you can be praying about for camp:

Official Permissions - We are required to receive approval from the Ministry of Education in Sumy to run our program at the orphanage every year. It hasn't been a problem in the past, but this year it has still yet to come through. Please pray that God would continue to keep this door open at the Pravdinska orphanage and that we would receive the official permission next week.

Orphanage Director, Nina - We have always considered ourselves blessed to have a good working relationship with the orphanage director, Nina. Recently she has been less willing to work with us and has been having us jump through hoops to be able to continue our ministry to the kids. Please pray that God will change her heart and that she'd again be open to us, and even more open to Him.

Unity of American and Ukrainian Teams - Please pray that our teams will be able to gel together quickly and work side by side to run this camp. Pray that we will be a worthy example of how the Body of Christ should function and be able to love on these kids without holding back.

Finances/Fundraising - Our team is working on raising $2300 each to help cover the cost of camp, travel, food, lodging, supplies and everything else that camp entails. We're currently still short $10,000/ only about half way of what our team needs to raise. Pray that God would open hearts to give and provide for all the needs of camp.

Our Interaction with Orphanage Staff - Pray that we will be able to work in cooperation with the teachers, cooks, coaches and other orphanage staff as we are there for 2 weeks. Pray that we would be able to share God's love with them as well and that we wouldn't have any issues working our camp schedule with their regular routine with the kids.

Safety and Health - Our team will be flying from the States and coming in on trains and buses from around Ukraine to the orphanage. Pray for safety in all the travels and that God would keep everyone healthy and overflowing with energy to spend nearly every waking moment with these kids.

Kids Coming to Know the Lord - Our ultimate goal in putting on this camp is that the kids would come to know the Lord as their Savior and Heavenly Father. Pray that His love, truth and grace would be clearly spoken and shown. Pray that every child would individually know that they are loved by Him and accept His grace in their lives.

In addition to praying for camp next month, we also ask that you pray for one specific young man in our prison ministry:

Sasha Pevniv - Sasha is currently in a juvenile prison in western Ukraine, with less than 11 months left to finish his sentence. We visit him monthly and believe that God has big plans for his life. Our desire is to help him rehabilitate into life after prison as he gets out and to encourage him to live his life differently than he did before prison. Sasha has asked us to pray for him to have strength to get through the rest of his time in prison. Thus far he has not only stayed out of trouble, but has been made a leader in his work and his group there. He wants to do better and change his life when he gets out, but it will be hard to resist the culture and friends that won't want to or know how to support that change. Pray for strength, now and when he gets out. Pray that God would get a hold of his heart and that Sasha would accept Jesus as his Savior. He's very open to God and its clear that God is working on him. If you are interested in learning more about Sasha or our prison ministry feel free to check out his profile at www.openarmsukraine.org in the "meet the children" section.

Thank you so much for all the prayers and support of this ministry! If you want more information on camp or Sasha or general ministry, please visit our website [www.openarmsukraine.org] or feel free to send us an email [openarmsministry@gmail.com].

We look forward to seeing how God moves in the coming weeks and reporting on the answers to prayer!

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!!

It has been a part of Open Arms Ukraine’s vision from the beginning to get full time workers from Ukraine invested in our ministry with the children from the Pravdinska Orphanage. After a great deal of prayer and discussions, we are excited to announce that Alexander Petrov (Sashko) will be joining our ministry full-time as soon as we are able to raise the necessary funds. Sashko will be focusing on our orphanage programming – camps, relationship building, the 8^th and 9^th grade program as well as special programs when needed. We are excited to have another member to the team; one whose heart aligns with our vision and ministry and someone who deeply loves the Lord and His children in Ukraine.
Sashko took the time to put his heart into words as best as he could and here is a little bit of what he had to say about the call on his heart to join Open Arms Ukraine’s ministry in the city of Sumy:

Two years ago I had the privilege of spending two weeks with the Open Arms Ukraine team working as an interpreter at the Pravdinska Orphanage. Often when I tell people about it, I recall the very first day we arrived. It was a hot Ukrainian afternoon as we walked through a village and big field in hopes of making our way to the orphanage. As we got there the children immediately swarmed around the team who dropped all of their belongings and just kept hugging those kids. I stood there thinking these were going to be two long weeks at some orphanage in the middle of nowhere with as many luxuries as a room intended for horses, a river, and an outhouse could provide.

Little did I know that two hours later my heart would connect with some of the most sincere and open kids I have ever met. Two years later, I know that those two weeks spent at the Pravdinska orphanage were some of the most beautiful and blessed days of my life; those days had changed me forever. Today, I can’t picture my life without those children, their friendship and their love while being allowed to have God reach them through me.

This summer I was able to be a part of Open Arms Ukraine summer camp at the Pravdinska Orphanage and God absolutely blessed us in that time. God provided the means, the people and, above all, his Grace. It was a fruitful time for both us and the children. In my group of 18 kids, five accepted the Lord as their Savior. For one young girl, Alina, she withstands ridicule from teachers and classmate as she commits to reading her Bible and learning more of what it means to follow God. It is our prayer and hope that God helps them overcome all of the sarcasm and insult they receive that they may continue to walk with Him.

A couple of months ago I was asked to pray about moving to Sumy to join the Open Arms team there full time. The Lord has begun to answer my prayers in guiding me towards taking that step and moving. My heart for the children is this: that they come to know the Lord Jesus Christ personally, to 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 other and take God’s calling in their lives.

Open Arms Ukraine has laid a solid foundation: building relationships with so many children as well as with the staff at the orphanage and various trade schools through the Sumy region. I consider it a great privilege to join the work God is doing through this ministry.

As I move to Sumy my desire is to continue the work with the children at the orphanage as well as the graduates from the Pravdinska orphanage. As the Lord leads, I hope to begin weekly Bible Studies at the orphanage as I continue to develop personal friendships with the children there. I am full of hope to be used by God in fruitful ways concerning the weekly ministry with the graduates by being open and available for the work God has planned for me. I have learned that for the most part time is a necessity in getting through the walls these children have spent years building, but my heart is to do what is required of me in caring for God’s children while leaving the rest to Him with the expectation to see lasting fruit someday.

Sashko’s heart is clear and we are excited to have him as a part of our team for countless reasons. His connection with the children and compassion towards them can only take place through God’s leading. If you would like to join us in prayer concerning this new addition to our ministry your name can be added to an e-mail list by sending an e-mail titled “Sashko” to OpenArmsMinistry@gmail.com.
Our goal is to raise monthly support of $500 to go towards Sashko’s living and ministry expenses. If you would like to take part in this through monthly giving or a one-time donation checks should be made out to Open Arms Ukraine and sent to P.O. Box 277, San Lorenzo, CA 94580 with “Sashko” written in the memo line. If you desire to join us in monthly giving, please indicate so with an enclosed note or by sending us an e-mail. We are excited to share with you all that God does in and through this in our ministry.
Thank you all so very much,
The Open Arms Ukraine Team

Post-Orphanage 2009 Ministry Kick-off!

Tonight Open Arms had the privilege of beginning a new ministry within the city of Sumy for the kids who just finished the 9th grade at the Pravdinsky Orphanage. 11 children from the orphanage have recently started their trade school education in the city of Sumy where the Open Arms team resides. It has been years of praying and dreaming that led us to this night.

6 children excitedly joined our team of 8 in a small church building within the city. Introductions were made to the new team members joining us from various churches throughout the city and the night ensued with laughter, thought-provoking questions, conversations, and an overall environment that proclaimed "come as you are."

One of the best parts of the night was simply watching the kids open up with one another and our team. After picking them up from their trade schools an excitement seemed to fill the bus as we made our way to the church. They were once again with the friends they have grown up with and people who love them dearly for who they are. Trade schools are a lonely place and these children are lost in city life with little to do in their days. Finishing up the night, we couldn't stop smiling from the joy that came during our time together.

Plans are to continue with these weekly meetings with the focus of showing these kids what it means to follow Christ. This is simply the beginning of what we hope develops into life transformation. Alongside these weekly meetings we will also be working as a team to connect with each individual child during the week. Simple coffee dates and meals together wherein we can mentor and be tools that draw these children closer to their Heavenly Father.

For all the prayers, encouragement, and support that led to this night - we thank you! We are excited to share with you all the miracles and trials God brings about in the road that lies ahead!