family friend, Slavik Radchuk. Slavik is a Ukrainian evangelist that lives
part-time in Woodstock, Georgia. He has been involved with building hundreds of
Churches and spreading the word of God in over 67 countries over the past 38
years! His family just arrived back in the Ukraine, just in time for me to see
them during my last week here!
projects and it was such a blessing to be able to see some of them in person!
Yesterday we went to “The Father’s House.”
It is a very unique orphanage here in Kiev. It’s more than an orphanage
actually; it’s a place that provides hope and love like I’ve never seen before.
They take in orphans, street kids, and abused and neglected children. They
offer a three-stage program that gets the kids in a healthy environment,
teaches them how to trust and respect each other and themselves.
1st
Stage – Helping Street Kids & Kids in Crisis Situations
The children move into a house and learn how to make better
decisions and live in community. Many children come in with physical and mental
problems from a life of abuse and lies. This stage is important for building
trust and preparing the kids for a healthy life. They also focus on catching
them up in their schooling and health.
2nd
Stage – “Treasure Island Tent Camp”
During the summer time the kids go to an adventure camp
where the goal is to teach new healthy habits that will prepare them for life
in a good social environment. They learn about hygiene as well as receiving
counseling and developing personal skills. They have play money and a play
store that is designed to teach the kids the value of working to earn a living.
Many kids come from the street and have been brainwashed that they are entitled
or should just be given everything they want.
3rd
Stage – Permanent Stay at the Center
building set up with apartments where they recreate a healthy family living
situation. Families from the Church leave everything behind and move into the
apartments for 2-3 years and have up to 8 kids move in with them… This is
designed to give the kids a healthy spiritual, social, psychological and
educational environment. It prepares them for family life outside of the
center. Many will go on to be adopted or return to their biological families
(the center also works with the families that are willing).
I was able to tour the place and meet some of the family and
kids. I can’t explain how touched I was by the people at “The Father’s House.”
The program they are running is set up for successful rehabilitation. They are
saving lives on a daily basis and it was beyond touching.
One of the girls they took in was found under a bridge. Her
parents sold her to the gypsies when she was 2 years old. She began her little
life on earth as a beggar and by 4 years old they were prostituting her out to
perform oral sex on adult men. If she didn’t come home with enough money from
begging, they would beat her until she couldn’t walk. When she was 6 years old,
she tried to run away. The police are so involved with the gypsies, she
couldn’t escape and was beaten even more when they found her. When the Father’s
House finally found her, she had permanent spinal damage as well as numerous
psychological issues. They were able to get her surgery to try to fix her
spine, but the doctor hit a nerve and paralyzed her from the waist down. She
was in a wheelchair for a bit until many people planned a time for intense
fasting and prayer. Shortly after, God healed her and she now walks. She is in
a healthy home and learning how to be the woman God made her to be…
There are countless stories of children just like this…
Stories that break your heart, give you chills, make you cringe, make you cry,
then make you thank God for saving their lives. I thank God for giving the
workers the supernatural ability and passion to be able to run a place like
this. I was so touched during my
visit here. It’s rare that I visit a ministry that is structured in such an
impressive way, a way that seems to actually work! These kid’s lives are being
transformed and words can’t describe the joy that gives me! If you have time,
check out the website and see what they
are doing. Maybe some of you will feel led to be involved with helping this
organization grow….
