First day of Orphanages
Yesterday we spent visiting two orphanages, one in Simferopil and the other in Sevastopil.
In Simferopil we visited the largest orphanage we will visit. We saw about 200 children, many with special needs, and most are not likely to be adopted. The entire team connected with the kids and some made some very special connections. We were blessed to have enough supplies for all of the kids, and they enjoyed the pictures, face painting and recreation. We did run out of hats with the last boy through the line. Joel Horton on our team took off his Ohio State hat and gave it to the boy. God provided not only the hat, but the heart as well. HopeHouse provided the orphanage a large industrial weed eater as a gift after our visit.
Later in the day we visited a small orphanage in Sevastopil. A small group of girls performed for us before our music team began. Jamey Bennett, Sheila Uselton, Pam Tippins, Jill Wench and Dawn Koch make up our music team (Jamey and the Royal Ruckettes) and they have been incredible. They are bringing upbeat, relavant and just plain fun music for the kids.
Mandy Miller and Emily Wood spent sometime inside the orphanage praying for the children. They both felt led to pray inside and they prayed over rooms, and other items inside and outside the building.
We spent time sharing after our visits and it was a very emotional and heart filled time for all of us. A number of people shared about how God has revealed Himself to them through their experiences on this trip. We are continuing to learn how God is changing us through this experience.
Thanks for the comments! Keep them coming.
Jun 06, 2007
It is just amazing how God can take just one simple person and use that person to make such a huge difference in the life of someone else. You have only just begun to see the amazing hands of God on your trip. Continue to pray together and share what you are feeling. It can be very overwhelming at times and some of you may have thought, “oh I can handle this” and don’t think you will get emotional…you will.. and it is okay, we are only human. Keep on smiling and shining in the lives of God’s children in need. God Bless You all…We are praying for you…Rhonda, you are amazing in my book…great job!!
Jun 06, 2007
The orphanage in Sevastopil is a nice but sad place. What a blessing to bring joy and music to the children by your works. May God answer your prayers over those children and may he lift them up to good homes and a christian life. God bless all 40 of you for your hearts. Keep posting- we will keep praying!
Jay
Jun 06, 2007
Jilly,
Another great day is underway for you and the team………..it was exciting to read of the visits in Simferopil and Sevastopil and then getting to sing with the Royal Ruckettes on top of that too……See what happens when you just let go and trust ?!!…..(smiling)
Missing you so much but it is tempered by my joy in the fact that you are having this opportunity and all that comes with it.
Love you and I find myself thinking and praying for you all day long each day………..while watering the plants especially.
Keep doing the old Proverbs 3:5-6 and all that CAN happen WILL happen………….this is genuinely exciting.
Love to you for another full day,
Ter
Jun 06, 2007
Rhonda,
Many prayers from Oklahoma!!! The stories are amazing to read. I am so touched by the boy who gave his Ohio State hat. (The only thing that would have made the story better is if it had been an Oklahoma State hat!)kidding. It is in the smallest things that reveal the heart of Jesus! Rhonda you are on my heart tonight and my prayers are for you, your family and all the members of your crew. May you be safe and have the ability to shine some hope of salvation to the children and adults you come in contact with. I am touched and reflect on just how blessed we are to have the things we have and the ability to know Jesus so readily. Taking it for granted so often…it is through hearing all these stories of your encounters that bring me to my knees to thank the good lord for everything we have. Also to humble me for the trivial things that we wrap ourselves up with in our so busy lives. So know you are not only touching lives of people over there but everywhere. I will continue to pray for you, your family, your group and also the precious children you will minister to.
Jun 07, 2007
Joel,
I am so proud of you. Way to go. Not a bit surprised that you would do such a kind thing. Love ya, Mary
Jun 07, 2007
Jack and Mandy,
It is great to read the posts and be able to pray for specific things for the entire crew. It sounds like God is really using you all to bring smiles to the children in the orphanage. That is priceless and I know will stay in your hearts forever!
Jun 07, 2007
Mandy and Jack,
I have pictured all morning Mandy walking through rooms and praying over those children. What a special gift that they will never know! Your group is surely being God’s hand and feet to those kids who know so little love in this world. Knowing the ways that God has gifted the two of you, I know how blessed the children are that you have and will continue to come in contact with. Know that our prayers are with you constantly.
Mandy, I just started the Daniel study on Monday and see that you guys are such a shining example of integrity. The Babylonian mentality of “I am and there is none besides me” is completely absent from your lives as you minister to these little ones. You are holding fast to the names that God has given you and not allowing Babylon to rename you.
And, on the homefront, I have seldom seen Natalie filled with such joy. Your prayers on her behalf are obviously being heeded. She and Gabrielle are enjoying each other’s company so much and she has been such a delight. We look forward to sharing so much on your return.
Jun 07, 2007
Elle,
I am so proud of what your entire group is doing over there. Just thinking about you visiting that orphanage brought tears to my eyes! I know that you are in the center of God’s will and you must be feeling so joyful right now! God has given you a gift of being able to make people feel loved and I know that you are using that with all of these kids. I am praying for you all the time! Love you roomie!!!!
P.S. P.O.U.R. and remember you are a “light on a hill”!!!!
Jun 07, 2007
Mom and Dad, Are you having fun? I miss you. Do some people speak English? Can you understand them? At No Parking Zone I got painted last night. I love you.
Jun 07, 2007
Wow! what an amazing testimony to the never failing love and care of Jesus you all are. thanks for being so open to His leading. i am especially proud of Jamey and his Royal ruckettes, how fun! Abby, keep smiling. i continue to pray for your strength. i pray today was a huge Victory! look forward to reading about it! Love you all so much, big hugs!P.S. Heath bought new jeans!!!!
Jun 07, 2007
Hey Dawn, I always knew you were a star for God! Those children are fortunate to have you there loving them! I talked with Daniel this morning and he is doing fine. He said to say hi and to have fun! All is well here. Can’t wait to hear more!
Love,
Susan
Jun 07, 2007
Dear Joel and Danielle,
My heart is filled with joy this morning as I vision you playing with the children. God has prepared you in so many ways for this trip. continue to be bold for Him. It’s like when you both played soccer, leave it all on the field for Him and His glory. And then have peace and assurance that what you did was Exactly what God wanted. I pray all day that you will not grow tired and that your team will stay strong. God is so faithful. Be good to each other we love you!!! Mom and Dad
PS Don’t let your guard down because that is exactly what Gene and Jack are waiting for… lol Joel hide all boxers and Danielle do you know where your pillow has been at all times..lol
PSS
Have you done that thing we talked about to get back at J and G…shhhhhh….
Jun 07, 2007
Dawn, I talked with Sharon a couple of days ago and her Mom has actually been doing much better since coming home!
Love,
Susan
Jun 07, 2007
Joel,
I’m just glad you had on your Ohio State hat and not your Chi Sox! Now, talk about a real sacrifice! Seriously, I know it wouldn’t have mattered one bit for you and that’s just one of the millions of reasons why I love you. Have fun and stay strong! XOX A.J.
Jun 07, 2007
Exc-elle-nt Elle! Wow! What a thrill to see Dima again — Such a blessed gift for both of you! Your heart must be soooo full already! I know you’re savoring every minute of this wonderful experience. I’m thanking the Lord for your tender spirit and compassionate heart! Muaw — you make me so proud!!! Love, Mosh P.S. Bobby leaves tomorrow; Annie’s about 5 hours into her recovery. Can you say: “this is so weird?”
Jun 07, 2007
Jill,
I talked to Terry tonight and he told me about this blog. Lorie and I are praying for you and the team as you minister to these needy kids and others, I’m sure. It is very hot here and there is almost no rain, but I’m sure you have seen some, if not the blessings of God as you do His work.
I see that you are in a music team with Sheila Uselton, a friend of ours and wonderful musician. Give her our love and prayers also.
We will look forward to seeing you and hearing all of the details of your trip.
Blessings,
Your friend Don Marsh
Jun 07, 2007
Abby, We miss you and want you know that we are praying for the success of your trip. From reading it sounds as if all is well with you and Jamie. We look forward to talking to you after your return.
Jun 08, 2007
Patrick and Kasey,
The best part of my day has been reading the blogs and finding out about all the wonderful things the team is doing to touch the lives of the orphans. I love you and miss you. Janice and I are continuing to pray for you.
“Happy Birthday Patrick” [June 8th]
We love you and miss you.
Dad
Jun 10, 2007
Nancy,
Just got the blog and email info from Sean. Seems like you’ve been gone for ages. So neat to read such interested writing about your adventures! We’re proud of you and miss you. Can’t wait for you to come back as you will have so many running stories for us. Now, I know what a softy you are for animals, so I just wonder how many of those children will be coming back with you…ha! And since everyone else weighed in on the Ohio State hat…I must too…just sorry he didn’t have a Notre Dame hat as it would be worth soooo much more..ha!
Love,
Karen
Jul 18, 2007
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