Global Aid Network Mission Reports

One of the orphanage directors complimented us on coming from half way around the world with humanitarian aid, but asked specifically for prayer.  Today we finished three days of working with Masha (Maria) Vasilli at the orphanages and care homes for invalids where she regularly ministers.  We were given a list of prioritized items that each of the facilities needs.  Tomorrow we will be taking up an offering for those needs.  Pray that sufficient funds will be raised from our volunteers to provide for these needs.

The Brown Bus went to a home for 180 women ages 18 and older who have mental handicaps.  At the same time the Yellow Bus went to a home for 120 male and female invalids from ages 4 to 39 that need constant supervision.  When we arrived, the residents were very nervous and several were crying loudly.  We walked in and began shaking hands and saying good morning to each one with some success, however, when we began to sing ”How Great Thou Art” they became much more quiet and attentive.  The gospel presentation was shortened to a simple emphasis on the love of God the Father and the shed blood of Jesus.  After a prayer for their well being, gifts of stuffed teddy bears and stickers were handed to to them.  These were received with great big smiles.  Some of the residents were able to read the brief gospel explanation that is attached to each stuffed animal.   The care givers suggested that we not give out the backpacks as they already had much more stimulation than they were used to having.  We avoided taking flash pictures in order to not disturb them.  As we left with more handshakes among the men residents, there were more smiles and relative quiet.  We felt humbled to be able to minister to the least of these for whom Jesus died.

The Yellow Bus went to one of the Baptist churches which was named House of Prayer.  A church outreach program had been planned for 100 children and their parents, but the heavy rain in the afternoon kept about half that number from coming.   We sang for this group and explained where we had come from.  We had a fun time with the world map trying to locate where Ukraine was; one adult couldn’t find it, but a child did.  The full gospel bead presentation was made with encouragement to consider what had been explained, and either pray the prayer now of when the individual was alone.  The distribution of food, Bibles, New Testaments, and Josh McDowell’s ‘More Than a Carpenter’ was supplemented by choices of shoes and clothes.  Most left much burdened with goodies.

This evening both bus groups returned to this church for an evening worship service which proved that the name of the church reflected the practice of the church.   Pastoral prayer was followed by congregational prayers of petition.  The congregation stood for the pastoral prayers and scripture reading but knelt for the petitions which erupted spontaneously throughout the body at the appointed time.  When GAiN persons were introduced, the congregation again stood to say “Thank you.”  There was no clapping for soloist or testimony or choir, but there were a few vocal “amen’s” and “praise God.”  The tall curved ceiling of the sanctuary created a perfect acoustical balance for the choir renditions which were mostly native hymns.  Congregational singing was joyful and harmonious.  The final choir piece was “Majesty” done acapella with Ukrainian words: this was a foretaste of heaven!