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!

Open Arms July Newsletter

July 2009

Super Camp

For 10 days in June, the children and grounds of the Pravdinksa orphanage were buzzing with the excitement of a super hero summer camp. A team of 14 super-leaders from Ukraine and America lead about 120 kids split into 6 super-teams in various daily activities and events. There were games, crafts, Bible lesson, competitions, slip-n-slides, parties, classes and even a hidden Batman worth points for your team! Each day in our lessons the kids were taught about an certain attribute of who God is. His grace, love, faithfulness and compassion were just some of what we were able to share with these children. It was amazing, watching God work in the lives of these kids throughout our time there and in relationships with their leaders. Our team worked hard all 10 days loving on these kids and sharing Christ with them. Please read further to see what two of our American team members had to say about camp this year.

Meet Lena

That first day when I saw Leana in the crush of kids crowding our porch, I thought she was a boy. Along with the baggy secondhand clothes, her deep voice, close-cropped hair and rough exterior made her appear anything but feminine. When I discovered she was in my group and asked Melissa to remind me what the name of that boy was, I’ll never forget her response: “That’s actually a girl, her name is Leana, and you’re not the first person to make that mistake.”

I don’t know her story of where she came from or how she got to the Pravda orphanage, but I’m sure it must be a crazy one. All week long I watched as Leana sauntered around the orphanage, mostly on her own. When I did see her with other kids, she was often verbally bossing or physically pushing them around. Most times I think we wrote her off as “that crazy girl,” and she never did much to change our opinions.

Then came picnic day! Each of the camp’s 6 teams headed down to the river with bags of juice and soda, cookies and chips, for some bonding and fun. In the midst of the feeding frenzy, some slight confusion left Leana out of our party. Angrily she stalked off to the river on her own, the lone outsider among the celebrants.

Towards the end of the picnic, I finally learned what had happened. Most of the kids had returned to the river and most of the food was gone, but I rushed around to gather what leftovers I could. I brought my scavenged 2 cups of juice and box of chip-like things to a quiet spot on the edge of the river and called for Leana to come join me for a private picnic, not knowing if she would continue to sulk or accept my invitation.

What happened next caught me completely by surprise. Leana came and sat, but not for long. On her way out of the water and up the bank, she’d spotted a boy from our group who looked like he was having a bad day. Before I knew it, my tough little tomboy had her cup of juice in hand and was off at a brisk pace to offer her drink; he turned her down. So she returned for our picnic–and took off a second time to offer him our last box of chips. Again, he refused (the little punk), so she offered them to other kids and teachers instead. I sat in amazement at this simple act. Coming from someone else, maybe it wasn’t such a big deal. But from Leana, that simple act was so out of character and spoke volumes. We sat, enjoying the rest of our picnic in the summer sun, and I shot up a quick prayer of thanks and asked God to continue softening these kids’ hearts towards each other and him.

-Kari Bachle

Loving Like Jesus

A lot of people asked me what I was hoping to accomplish by going to an orphanage in Ukraine, and working with kids who, according to the statistics, were doomed. And the answer was simple - God loves them.

Truth is, once there, I loved them. These kids are more full of life and love than any other group of kids I've ever worked with. I saw God work in Ukraine. I saw Him turn the lives of 5 kids toward Him. I saw Him give these kids hope, so that even if they become part of those statistics, that they will continue to have life.
It dawned on me while I was there, that maybe, for some of these kids, the best time of there lives maybe during these camps. And maybe for the first time, these kids would feel truly loved. And I thank God that He was able to use me in this way.

"We are not here to imitate the Holy Spirit, but to live a life that gives off God's fluorescence."

-Tony Ruiz

Thank You

Thank you again for all who have been apart of supporting us. We are so thankful for you. We know we could not be here without you. God truly blessed our summer camp.

Upcoming Events

Though this may be the first time we have talked about it in a newsletter, we have been in the process of trying to get everything together to bring one of our graduates to the states this summer. His name is Roman Yeremenko and we have worked closely with him for the past 3 years. On July 28^th, Roman has an appointment with the U.S. Embassy for an interview to see whether or not they will grant him a visa. Even though the time seems short, we have spent much time in prayer and believe that God will work it out according to His plan. Please check our blog for more details - www.openarmsukraine.blogspot.com. Open Arms has been blessed by a matching donation for this project! Please help us make this trip a reality for Roman. If you would like to donate specifically for Roman's trip to America, please make sure to write America or Roman in the memo line.

Prayer Needs

• Future ministry with the 5 kids who just recently accepted the Lord at camp. That God would put it on the hearts of Ukrainian Christians who would want to disciple them.
• Open doors at the juvenile colony we have been visiting and favor in the department that grants permission to continue visiting Sasha Pevniv.

• Roman's visa appointment. That he would really see God through all this process. And that we would be able to raise the financial support that we need in such a short time.
• There will be 12 new graduates coming to Sumy next year. That God would guide us specifically in our graduate ministry with this new group of kids.

Thank you again for your support! None of this is possible without you.

OpenArmsMinistry@gmail.com * PO Box 277, San Lorenzo, CA 94580-0277 * (510) 435 – 3625 * www.openarmsukraine.org