This month we are at Jeremiah’s Hope, which is an
organization that builds relationships with people in the nearby village
communities, primarily through children’s summer camps. Andrew and Jenny Kelly run the
organization and the camp, as well as raise their three children here in
Ukraine.
Andrew and his wife Jenny, along with their kids Noah, Abby and Sophie. Andrew’s sister Jess is holding Sophie on the far right.
The closest city is called Ivankiv (Ibahkib in Ukrainian), and the children live in
the surrounding villages. Alcohol
abuse is a huge problem in this area, and many children live in dangerous homes
with violent or abusive parents. Jobs
are scarce, and many families struggle to feed and clothe their children. Jeremiah’s Hope builds relationships
with these families, sponsors monthly food distribution, and gives the kids a
refuge at camp.
During the summers there are multiple sessions where the
kids can come and stay in a clean, safe place. They are fed well, loved, and they learn about Jesus and his
love. These camps and the
relationships that are being built give the children hope. They really do. The children learn that people love
them, that relationships without abuse are possible, and that Jesus loves them
more than they could ever know. In
some homes, these concepts are completely foreign.
The main hall in the lodge.
Kate jumping on the trampoline with some of the girls.
Jeremiah’s Hope is also opening a house in July for children
who are removed from their families by social services. This month we got the privilege of
working on this house- putting up curtain rods and curtains, assembling
furniture, making up the beds, and cleaning the house to get it ready for kids
to move into. It’s encouraging that even in seemingly hopeless places,
God has placed it on the Kelly’s hearts to create a refuge for those who really
need it, a place that God uses to pull his children close to his heart.
“For I know the plans that I have for you,� declares the
Lord. “Plans to prosper you and
not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.�
-Jeremiah 29:11
