Global Aid Network Mission Reports

Monday,  July 14, 2008

Myski State Orphanage for Mentally Retarded Children

The team visited the Myski Orphanage, a home for more than 300 mentally disabled children, on Monday July 14, 2008.  As director of the home, greeted us, he said, “This is the first time the children will be seeing foreigners.  They have never seen so many kinds of people in one place.  You will be their mothers, brothers and sisters.  Please minister to them.”  This was exactly what the team was prepared to do.  After enjoying songs and dances that some of the children prepared for us, the team presented a program which included a Texas line dance and the Gospel Bead presentation.

“The things they planned for us, it impressed me how they gave out of the very little they have,”  said Libby, one member of our team.  “I got hugs and kisses and I really appreciated the connection I had with the children.” 

As the team toured the huge facility, it was evident that the children were loved and cared for by the staff – almost every physical need was cared for.  “The children needed to hear that Jesus loves them, and that is why we came,” said Dawna D. in sharing with the general group later that evening.  “I have never received such tight hugs before!  I was squeezed until my back cracked! “

We encourage you to pray for us as we face a great spiritual battle.  Not everyone appreciates the fact that we are Christians and sometimes we are not even allowed to pray – at least not audibly.  But, we know that God is able to break down every stronghold and principality of the enemy.  Continue to cover the team with the transforming power of prayer and the blood of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Social Rehabilitation Department for children from risk group

This was the second visit of the Global Aid Network team to this facility.  The team visited in 2005 and it was evident that they were missed as both the staff and children were overjoyed at the team’s arrival. Forty children packed a very small room on the ground floor of the four storey building beaming with smiles, excitement and great anticipation.  They had worked hard on a program for us and were eager to share their songs, dance and piano recital.

It was evident that these children had very little.  “Our children are from families that do not have anything, many of them do not have sheets, pillows – some even sleep on the floor.  They wear trashy clothes, they have no televisions and radios and here they have that and can use it” said Irina, director of the facility.  Most of their parents cannot afford to feed them each day, so the facility gives them a warm meal and an opportunity to interact with other children.

The team had a blast sharing personal stories using photographs in their small groups and telling the children about Christ, using the gospel bead bracelet.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Prison #12 and #16

As the team prepared to visit the second venue for the day, we knew that this was not like any of the places we had been before.  We were on our way to the Abagur Lesnoy district to minister to more than 1,700 prisoners in a maximum security correctional facility.  The team divided into to two groups led by Charles D. and Dawna D. 

The team led by Charles D. went to the section of the prison reserved for murderers and rapists.  More than 150 men packed a small hall to listen to the team’s presentation.  One guard later commented that the prisoners did not deserve our time and effort to come so far to visit and share with them.  But, we know that God’s grace extends to all and we are His instrument of love.

There were moments when you could almost hear hardened hearts breaking as each member of the team told the men how Jesus Christ loves them despite whatever they had done.  “At the prison, I had prayed to ask God to use me,” said Kristen B.  “Today was the most fun place for me to sing in my life.”  The prisoners had tears in their eyes as Kristen sang a beautiful rendition of the Lord’s Prayer.  “ I am so grateful for being here and I am coming back,” she declared.

As a contrast, the team led by Dawna D. was taken to a vast quadrangle in the center of several prison blocks.  More than 250 prisoners formed a thick wall in front of the open stage.  Other prisoners watched from balconies and their cells as the team presented songs and a powerful drama showing the love that Jesus Christ has for us even though we do not deserve it.

As we continue our journey throughout this city, pray for God to provide divine appointments for us and that we will be bold to share his love and saving grace to the many that need Him.