Global Aid Network Mission Reports

As reported by William R.:

Each place Jerry M. went with the chocolate bus had special meaning.  Each place had special people; some seemed sad, then changed to happy as they heard and understood the “good news” we brought.  Some seemed to enjoy our touch, whether it was a mere pat on the back, a hearty hand shake, or a full embrace. 

The real story was the team; it became evident to me that God had selected each one of us, not for our unique abilities, but rather in spite of our lack of talent.    Some of us had not spoken in front of groups before; some of us were shy to share the Gospel.  Some of us had never been to another country, let alone flown ten hours to get there!  God took us as we were, farmers, optical dispensers, teachers, insurance salesmen, retired persons, and young students.  He chose us and molded us into a unique instrument for His glory. 

We were strangers for just a short while; as we gathered at the New York airport, we got to know each other; some were first timers, others had been on five, six, ten, or more mission trips with Global Aid Network.  We discovered that we had so much in common, but the main thing was a love for the way God changes lives through His Son Jesus Christ.  As ministry continued from day to day and site to site, we would share our individual experiences with the rest of the group as we rode on the chocolate bus between boarding schools and orphanages or youth shelters.  We realized how blessed we have been in our own lives and how much our caring attention to the less fortunate touched these people of Ukraine.  From sharing our insights to sharing the food off our own plates with each other, we became a family.

One of the churches we visited was called “Family of God” and indeed this was our ministry; we introduced many to Jesus and the Holy Spirit called them into the family of God.  Praise God for using us as is instrument for this time; may we continue to share this same good news once we have returned to our routines back home.

We made many friends, Jerry M. said, but to see how each place we went to brought us to more friendly, searching souls was overwhelming.  Each of the volunteers was touch in ways that will linger; those we reached out to were blessed, not only with the physical humanitarian aid we distributed, but more deeply, emotions and souls were stirred to repentance, and many experienced rebirth.  

Those in the HIV Church Center received not only food goods and Bibles, but hope for a better life while they remain here, and assurance of eternity with God because of Jesus Christ.  The run aways in the youth shelters and those incarcerated for crimes learned that Someone cares for them; all we met were invited to accept the forgiveness of sin through Jesus, turn from their past ways, and grow in fellowship with other believers and relationship with God.  We taught them that prayer was simply talking to God and that God speaks to us through His Word, the Bible.  To see how each place we went touched the lives of many new friends and adopted them into the family of God as brothers and sisters really impressed Jerry M.

Each contact was touched in a different, but special way: some were touched with joy, some were moved to tears, but best of all were the tears of joy shed for deliverance from the burden of sin as these sweet people of Ukraine came to understand and believe and repent to a new life with Jesus Christ.   We welcomed them into the family.

To see how God worked through this trip –that had been bathed in prayer daily, both here and back home by many supporters- really kept us safe, healthy, and vibrant to minister.  Thank you all, each of you who prayed for this special ministry; your  prayers have been answered a hundred fold.  God worked though this trip, kept us safe in daily travel on very busy but poor roads, He opened doors to locations that had been quarantined and provided other ministry sites when doors were closed.  None of our chocolate bus team experienced illness; there were no accidents.  God is good.

As reported by William R.:

This was a return to the site where we participated in Sunday worship; the pastors greeted us as old friends and introduced us to the families who had come for their weekly group meeting.  There were several babies and adorable toddlers as well as young children perhaps up to age 12 as well as mothers and fathers.  To look at these loving families one would never guess that they were suffering from the effects of aids, but this is a place for comfort and support where they can feel safe.  The pastors are especially blessed with gifts for reaching out to children.

We were able to sing many songs with them by the assistance of our interpreters and teach the children motion action songs.  A brief testimony was given to explain how simple it is to accept God’s forgiveness for our many sins.  The gospel bead bracelet was used to explain the steps toward salvation, and an example of the sinners’ prayer was given.  The audience was intently interested.

One young mother with both a toddler and an infant seemed especially touched by our words.  She had brought a stroller for the baby, but had to hold the child to keep him from crying, so candy and a Gideon New Testament was slipped into the stroller pocket for her edification when she might have  more time.  Other New Testaments were given out as well to those who wished to study God’s word.

The carepack gifts of school supplies and food staples were described and demonstrated by giving each individual item to a chosen participant to the great enjoyment of the rest of the audience –perhaps partially in that they were not the object of the demonstration!  These same items were given out in a large bag to each family.  Illustrated Bible story books were also given out along with candy, stickers, small toys and balloons. 

The churches had prepared a lunch for the families, so we said our good byes and “Dosvidanya” to these sweet people who carry such a dreaded disease.  The teddy bears were being hugged as we left.  Though the disease was not evident as the ailments of the bedridden we had ministered to yesterday, our emotions were once more touched and tears were shed.

As reported by William R.:

This was our Sunday worship experience in a lovely new building on the lower level south side of Poltava which is a much poorer section of town. We arrived at eleven in the morning on our chocolate bus. Two congregations share the facility: Revelation Church was concluding their worship time, and since we were scheduled for one o’clock, we had time to tour the annex building of a bright and cheery dining room and kitchen as well as their rooms for pregnancy counseling, dormitory rooms, rehabilitation center, and storage area filled with a new delivery of Samaritan’s Purse gift boxes from Eden Prairie, Minnesota as well as a number of boxes of shoes. These gifts will be given to needy persons and children that the church ministers to year-round. The members of the church had prepared a substantial lunch for us which kept us occupied for an hour and a half before it was time for the Salvation Church worship service at one. This new building was brightly lit by large clear glass oval toped windows covered in sheer white curtains on three walls of the sanctuary, and when the service began with choir music, the chandeliers and sconces were turned on, filling the room with warm color. The choir was composed of 25 men and women singing four part harmony. They presented two hymns before the children’s sermon which was given by our Dave S. Then the primary children’s class sang a song for us before they were dismissed for junior church. Our Tim D. gave a detailed testimony which brought tears to many eyes. Four more choir pieces were presented before the first sermon, and two more selections were sung by the choir before the second sermon. In all of the lovely worship music, only one was recognized by the Americans; it is exciting to hear praises to God in another tongue to tunes that we have never heard before. This was a foretaste of what Heaven must be like, only there we will be able to understand the words! We were invited to various homes for afternoon tea; breaking into small groups, we squeezed three or four into each of the waiting compact taxis which were parked in front of the church. We were able to visit for several hours, comparing our similarities and differences. The apartments which most Ukrainians live in were built fifty years ago and are in a sorry state of disrepair. The concrete structures are seldom lit in the hallways and stairs, but the two room flats are frequently crowded with comfortable couches and hanging Persian rugs on the walls. The kitchens and appliances are tiny, and chairs or stools have to be carried from room to room as needed. After tea was enjoyed, gifts were given to the host families before we had to depart. Hugs and promises to pray for each other filled the air as we waved “dosvidanya” to each other.

Today when we were getting ready to present the gospel bead presentation, we had two students who said they could give the meaning of the bracelets. One of the boys, Kirill, said he had heard the story of God’s love and wanted to share the story with his classmates. We asked where he had learned of the bracelets, and he said he was from the social shelter that had been visited before by Americans. While I was giving a testimony demonstrating God’s love and mercy, Kirill explained the meaning of each colored bead as it was represented in the story. It was powerful and the room was spirit-filled. All of the students and teachers listened intently to the message.

When we were finished I asked if anyone had any questions about what it meant to be a Christian or about God’s love. We had several great questions, but again the one that stood out the most was from Kirill who asked "If a man committed murder and was in prison for the rest of his life, will God still forgive him?" We were able to explain God’s grace, mercy and love but also that being a Christian, God doesn’t promise that sorrows and trouble will never come but that his love will see us though all and He will be the only one not to leave or forsake you. I then asked the class if they told a lie, did they think God would forgive them; and they said yes. Next I asked if they stole something, did they think God would forgive them; and half said yes and half said no. Lastly I asked if they committed murder, would God forgive them; and they all said no. I had the chance to explain that there was nothing too big or too bad that God would not forgive; and that even if still punished by humans, that in God’s eyes they would be clean. I exampled the man who was in prison for committing murder but was saved while in prison; and that he would still live the rest of his life in prison, but in giving his life completely to God, he is spending that time ministering to the other inmates. Thanks to our coming kids have a deep understanding of God’s love and forgiveness. Praise God! Amy N. and Natasha K.

We visited a children’s shelter facility this morning. Our group had the pleasure to meet with a group of children around 6 years old. We played games with them: for example, relay races. The children had quite a lot of fun and laughter. We also presented them with the gospel bead bracelet; and we explained to them about God’s love for them. One girl was able to share about her understanding of Jesus and His death on the cross. Afterwards we gave out shoeboxes to every child. A certain girl was so happy that she wanted to have her picture taken. All of the boys and girls there have so little; we were able to make their day a happy and blessed one. Terry S.

This afternoon our team met with a kindergarten group of boys and girls. Their ages ranged from 3 to 6 years old. They had prepared a special program for us: songs, dances and costumes from the local culture. The children were beautiful and precious. We presented them with the gospel (age appropriate) and the gospel bead bracelet. They were so excited. Then we distributed to each child a shoebox and a CarePack. They were overjoyed. We also gave each child and adult teacher a copy of the More Than a Carpenter book. Afterwards the Director came and spoke to us privately. Her words were heartfelt. She said that we are the first Americans to ever have visited them. And the genuine love and care we showed them was something that she and her teaching staff have never seen before. And the gifts for the boys and girls were so special; these gifts will be treasures that will be dear to them for a long time. She thanked us with such tenderness and sincerity that I am sure our expressions of God’s love touched her too. Terry S.

As reported by Sergei V.:

In the morning we visited a Public school with 279 children, all of which were very eager to see us and listen to what we had to say! Many responded to the Lord Jesus in prayer. We went to the Children’s Chernobyl Invalids Organization "White Dove over Chernobyl". "White Dove" takes care of the children that are effected by the Chernobyl disaster. It was noted that the need for older children’s diapers was requested. The White Dove watches over 18 hospice cancer children and patients and they have a list of 30 more that need assistance. Doug B, working in partnership with Hearts of Love was able to help in there need for cloth diapers. Over 300 diapers were given to the directors of "White Dove over Chernobyl".

We (says Terry S.) were visiting an organization of Gomel invalids and disabled children - hundreds of children who happened to be physically or mentally challenged. We shared our love and God’s message of love for them. I was going from child to child, greeting them and showing friendship and love to as many as I could reach. At one point in time I decided to pull out my camera to get a picture with a girl and her mother. The girl was so happy to do something as fun as this. I thought to myself that she has probably had very few photographs taken, especially with an person from the United States. As soon as I was finished another boy, with Downs Syndrome came to me, motioning with his hands, that he wanted a picture with me too. I asked his mother if she could take the picture, which she excitedly said "Da" (which being translated means yes). The young boy, probably around 5 or 6 years old, stood close to me and I knelt down to his height. I pulled him close. He surprised me by tightly placing his arm around my shoulder and hugged me while the picture was taken. Afterwards he looked into my eyes and smiled a big smile; I could sense that he was so happy to be with me. In spite of the challenges ahead for him, I am trusting the Lord that the gospel bead bracelet and the story of salvation that we shared with him and his mother will help him to come to a saving knowledge of the Lord.

As reported by Sergei V.: 

Today was a day of prayer, orientation, meeting with our interpreters
and then busy, but joyful re-packing of supplies for all the sites -
toothbrushes, soap, pens, pencils, medical supplies, sport equipment,
all sorts of sport balls and the like - all intended for the
eager-to-get-them children that desperately need them! These children
are so precious!

The day has gone by fast and has been filled with anticipation of the
tomorrow’s drive to the city of Gomel and ministry at 2 sites!

As reported by Sergei V.:

In the morning we visited the Public School of T-ka town with 279 children - they were anticipating our visit very much and even though we got up at around 4 AM Minsk time to get ready to travel there shortly after 5 AM and got there after 11 AM, the Lord was obviously present as the volunteers shared with the children and teachers that it is because of His love that they travelled from across half of the world to come to them and give them personal gifts, their hearts and their love! And then they fed us with a delicious and hearty meal to express their appreciation!

As we were walking out of the school, Sergei V. walked up to an elderly gentleman to witness to him about Christ and when the man heard that we were Christians and what we were doing in that town, he started getting very emotional and then began crying with tears streaming down his face and saying that he is a believer himself and the only reason he survived thru the WW2 was because of his faith in God and that he used to have a Bible back in those years, but then it got taken away from him during the times of the USSR. Having learnt that, we were glad and blessed to present Ivan with a copy of the Gospel of John and More than a carpenter by Josh McDowell!

In the afternoon we ministered to the children and adults of a Chernobyl Invalids organization - and along with Pastor Igor T. delivered much needed supplies, aid, food items and copies of the Gospel of John and More Than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell - we were very touched as those children affected by the radiation sang and danced to us - their way to say "thank you" to us for coming to them - and then they asked whether they could receive more books for disabled children that stayed at their homes and could not come due to their health problems - it was our great joy to say "Yes"!

As reported by William R.:

The chocolate bus was rolling early this morning as we had an hour and a half ride to the elder care facility, Khorol Vyshnyaky, which was built in 1805 as a private estate with a grand rotunda domed main building which now serves as the administrative center.  The additional two storied buildings which serve as living quarters flank both sides of the original structure, and together all form a nice garden area with walking paths and benches which were just being brought out since the weather has turned spring-like. 

We were divided into two groups to minister to the two residential wings: the ambulatory residents met in an assembly room with bright sunshine streaming in the window where they were shown pictures of our families and introduced to our volunteers.  Songs were sung, the gospel was explained and the residents were invited to repeat the prayer of repentance.  Books were distributed and questions were answered on a personal basis.

Wheel chairs and walkers were delivered along with carepacks of soap, lotion, and shampoo, hats and clothes, shoes and socks.  The 225 pensioners living in  this facility were very well cared for.

In the bed-ridden wing each room was visited by small groups of our volunteers, sometimes without interpreters as we were becoming fluent in saying “hello”, “good morning”,  “God loves you” and “Jesus loves you” and such things.  Small care packs and candy was distributed to those in bed.  The lotion bottles were most welcome as they soothed bed sores; we had made a collection of motel sized bottles before leaving the States for just such a purpose.

The second site visited today was a boarding school for retarded children in Lubny.  Here 131 students receive loving care and instruction.  Since it was lunch time for the older children, we began an assembly style presentation to the young ones, telling them where we had come from, why we were visiting, how much God loved them, and how they could ask Jesus to come into their lives and forgive their sins.  These students knew what sin was and answered our questions, participated in the action songs, and as all students have been on this trip, were thrilled with the gifts of school supplies, books and teddy bears.  When the second group of older students came in, they were likewise very attentive and participatory in all of the presentations we gave.

This was a good day, but it was long after dark by the time we returned to our hotel, tired, but joyfilled.

As reported by Sergei V.:

The volunteers have made it safely to the city of Minsk and the Orbita
hotel (tired but thankful to the Lord for His love and
protection). We have had only 7 pieces of lost luggage and another
person is coming in today (February 25) at 4.25 PM Minsk
time.

We are looking forward to a day of orientation and meeting our
interpreters and getting ready to drive out to the city of Gomel early
in the morning of February 26 (5.30 AM Minsk time) to get to the first
site there at 10 AM.

Please keep the Winter Project 2008 in you prayers.

As reported by William R.:

The chocolate bus riders got a chance to walk today as the building where a “church action” was to take place was only three blocks from the hotel we have been using.  We still had to carry a few things,  so boxes of gifts and musical instruments were sent by taxi.  We were treated to a very upbeat and enthusiastic presentation by the youth of the Family of God “Bozha Simya” church.  Though this rented building was only dimly lit in the auditorium by six lights in the three ten light chandeliers, the brightness and joy of changed lives shone out from the actors on stage.   There was music and action across the front of the room, several ice breaker cartoons were shown for the children and parents as they filed in and filled the auditorium to capacity, and a Max Lucado story to present the specialness of each individual and the need for personal salvation from the stains of sin.  We participated with songs, explanations of why we had come to Poltava, gospel bead presentation to the assembled group of near 300 persons, and finally the explanation and praying of the sinners’ prayer.  The action picked up again with the actors as they built up anticipation for the “padaruki” or presents they were about to receive which consisted of food staples, gospels of John, “More Than a Carpenter” and other goodies.  The pastor instructed the parents to have each child come up and receive the gift bags on one side of the stage and then walk across the stage for all to see.   The youth pastor invited all the children to come back Sunday for the beginning of a new childrens’ Sunday school program.  As children and parents left the auditorium,  they walked between two columns of cheering actors who told each child “You are special in God’s sight!”  Hand knit hats from churches in the States were given out to all the children who needed one.  There were big smiles on the faces of all.   God is working in Ukraine, and we are fortunate enough to witness it.