Shopping Trip

Today we took 15 kids from Hope Orphanage to the Market for shopping. The weather was cold and rainy, more like winter than the beginning of spring. The rain did not dampen the spirits of the kids as they shopped, they were their normal joyful selves. It is always fun, and a bit humbling, to shop with these kids. They are serious about getting good deals, even willing to bargain for a better price with the vendors! They are also generous with one another. Thanks to all our sponsors who make it possible to provide for these children.

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Sparrow's Hope Store

Yesterday Lora, Dasha and I worked to restock the store at Hope Orphanage. The kids were glad to see us, helped us carry all the supplies up to the fourth floor where the store is located and were anticipating getting to shop in the store again. We also had a couple of the girls help us with suggestions as to what items we need to purchase for the store. Thanks to all our sponsors who make this store a reality for the kids at Hope Orphanage!

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All the Children are Sponsored!

We are happy to report that all the 50 children currently living at Hope Orphanage are now sponsored! We have made presentations at the Palo Alto Church of Christ in Panama City, Florida; the North Augusta Church of Christ in North Augusta, South Carolina; and at the Beattie Road Church of Christ in Albany, Georgia. Thanks to all our sponsors, both new and long-term, for sharing your blessings with the kids at Hope. Your generosity is changing lives.

The Payne family has been in the United States for the past couple of months. We return to Ukraine on Monday, March 7, 2011. We have new passports and visas and are excited about getting back home to Ukraine! Thanks to all of our ministry partners; we love you and consider you a blessing from God. Please keep us in your prayers - for a safe arrival for our family and all our luggage. Thanks.

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Christmas Boxes

The kids at Hope Orphanage had a Merry Christmas this year thanks to their sponsors, the church in Gorlovka, and our generous donors. All the kids received a package, either shipped from their sponsors in America or dropped off by us on December 24th.The children were so excited because they liked the gifts but even more because these gifts represent the love that someone has for them. These children are learning that Jesus loves them and that Jesus has some nice people who are willing to share their blessings with them. Thanks to all the sponsors and donors who make this possible.
There are still 17 children living at Hope Orphanage who do not have sponsors - we want to find each child a sponsor in the next few weeks. If you would like to sponsor a child, or know someone who would, please email us and let us know. We will send you a package with the child's photo and information about them.

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Christmas Boxes for Kids

We just delivered the Christmas boxes for the kids at Hope Orphanage. It was so much fun to watch them open their packages and see the joy on their faces! It was a great Christmas present for us to share the love of Jesus with the kids at Hope Orphanage. Thanks for all the generous donors who make our ministry with these kids possible.

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Stocking the Sparrow's Hope Store

Today we were at Hope Orphanage to restock the Sparrow's Hope store. Since Dima and Leanna are out of school for Christmas break they went with me to help out. The kids at the orphanage were still at school (Christmas in Ukraine is January 7th.) so we had to haul all the supplies up to the 4th floor ourselves - Dima called it his workout! It is always a joy to restock the store for the kids - they are so grateful for the opportunity to shop. Thanks to all our sponsors who make it possible to help these kids.

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Christmas Boxes for Unsponsored Kids

We have 21 children who have not yet been sponsored at Hope Orphanage and we decided that they really needed to receive Christmas boxes like the sponsored kids. So we shared our desire with our church family in Gorlovka and invited them to help. Wow, they really came through and today we packed 21 boxes to deliver to the kids tomorrow.
The older boys received a fleece blanket with their names embroidered on them, an MP3 player with extra batteries, a toiletry kit with deodorant, a brush, shower supplies, socks and a big bag of M&M's!
The older girls received a fleece blanket with their names embroidered on them, an MP3 player with extra batteries, socks, shower gel with a scrubby, shampoo and conditioner kit, deodorant, an umbrella and a box of candy.
The younger girls received a sweater, tights, craft projects, a stuffed animal, a Barbie doll, Barbie dresses and accessories, a plastic carrying case for all the Barbie items and candy.
If you would like to sponsor one of these kids, or know someone who would, please get in touch with us and we will set you up as a sponsor.

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