A Family for Orphans in Ukraine (Continued)

65-75% are a result of alcoholism in the home.
-Within ONE year of leaving the orphanage, 15% of the orphans commit suicide.
-Within 3 years of leaving the orphanage, 70% of the boys are arrested.
-Within 2 years of leaving the orphanage, 60% of the girls

. . . are involved in prostitution. There are an estimated 20,000 prostitutes in Kiev; the average age is 19 and the average background is that of an orphan.
Annually, 120,000 girls under the age of 19 have abortions in Ukraine.

These statistics collected from various sources, including the Ukrainian government and UNICEF, outline the growing problems facing the orphans of Ukraine. While shocking, they serve as a motivator for all of us. These are more than numbers on a page. Eight of these orphans are living in the Transitional Living Center for 2-3 years while they learn life skills. The 5 girls are studying plastering; they will graduate from the trade school and go out into life at the end of July, 2006. The 3 boys are studying welding and steel and will graduate the end of July, 2007. More kids will be coming in August.
A Miracle Happened Here Today . . .
Recently, Julia Sherbakova came to a major decision in her life. Over the past year, Julia has read her Bible, studied, attended Bible classes faithfully and asked many questions. This orphan girl has grown into a beautiful caring young lady. When the Tsunami hit, she purposefully set aside much of her monthly stipend to help in relief efforts. Julia is always willing to meet needs around her in whatever way she can. Julia decided to be baptized. After taking her confession, she entered the waters and with a few final words, she was immersed, and now Julia has a new family...the first TRUE family that this young lady has ever had! Rejoice with us!!!

Do you know someone who would be willing to sponsor one of these children for 2 or 3 years? Click here.

Right: YOUR NEW SISTER!!!! The smile and the joy cannot be hidden in her facial expression! There is much joy here in our house tonight, but we know there is far more rejoicing in heaven! The angels are singing and God has redeemed another lost child!

Please pray for the children in Ukraine who have been left behind by their society, that they will be reached for Jesus and that God will contiue to allow us to touch these children who are desperate for a place to call home. "Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless, maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy..." (Psalm 82:3-4)