Jeremiah's Hope

Day #8 - "The $20 Challenge" - Meet the Kids Who Would be Served by the Rescue Shelter...

2011-11-21T20:25:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we shared with you about the Rescue Shelter which will open on the camp property next spring. The Rescue Shelter is going to help us house children in crisis. This past summer, Andrew & Jenny Kelly served as "Foster Parents" for 8 children who were in emergency situations. With the help of others, these kids were cared for during the summer and then many were adopted out into Christian homes.

Watch this video...

Take the Challenge. RESCUE a child today!

"The $20 Challenge" - Update on Total Raised To Date...

2011-11-21T14:44:00.000-08:00

With just three days left, we are truly blessed with the response we have received so far for "The $20 Challenge." Our goal was to raise $200 a day for 10 days and many of you have responded and donated. After 7 days of the Challenge, we have had 34 people donate a total of $1455.

THANK YOU to all who have donated! Please watch the videos over the next 3 days and prayerfully consider donating to the challenge!

Day #7 - "The $20 Challenge" - Building a Rescue Shelter

2011-11-18T22:07:00.000-08:00

Hundreds of children in the Ivankiv region of Ukraine suffer through lives of despair each day. For many, their lives are marked by abuse, abandonment and poverty. There is little that Social Services can do and with the recent closure of the government orphanage, there are no housing solutions other than leaving these children to continue living in this horrendous situations. The board of Jeremiah's Hope recently approved the use of the new cabin on the camp property to be used, year round, as a Rescue Shelter for up to 12 children at a time.

The Rescue Shelter will allow us to serve these children in an emergency, and often critical situation. However, we need your help to furnish the facility and make it "home."

WATCH THE VIDEO! TAKE THE CHALLENGE!

Day #6 - "The $20 Challenge" - Transitional Living Center for Orphanage Graduates

2011-11-17T21:35:00.000-08:00

Watch the video and see what the Lord is doing!

Take the Challenge TODAY! These teens lives depend of people like you taking a moment and donating $20, basically the cost of lunch! Help us help these teens!

Day #5 - "The $20 Challenge" - Kolentsi Village Church Plant

2011-11-16T21:35:00.000-08:00

We are excited to announce that a small church plant began in the village of Kolentsi this past September. This is a joint initiative between Jeremiah's Hope, Ukraine Mission Work and the Obolon Church of Christ. Men from the Obolon Church of Christ spend a day or two each week in our village reaching out to our community. Receptivity has been awesome and we are averaging a dozen each time we gather for worship. Watch this short video to learn more...

TAKE THE CHALLENGE TODAY and help us continue to provide a meeting place for this small church plant and the support which they need as they begin worshiping together!

Day #4 - "The $20 Challenge" - Abandoned Babies...

2011-11-15T19:35:00.000-08:00

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:40)

Four years ago, when we began out ministry in Ivankiv, Ukraine, we did not know what the Lord had in store for us. Within weeks of living in the area, we received a call from Social Services asking us to help them meet the needs of almost a dozen abandoned babies and toddlers at the local pediatric hospital. Since that time, Jeremiah's Hope has been a partner to the Ivankiv Hospital, providing many of the basic needs of the abandoned babies as they are brought into the hospital and kept until they are placed in an orphanage. Watch the video below...

Help us help the truly innocent children of Ukraine! They deserve to be provided for and loved!

Day #3 - "The $20 Challenge" - Pine Branch Christian Camp

2011-11-15T05:57:00.000-08:00

Pine Branch Christian Camp is our newly built camp north of Kiev, Ukraine. The camp is fast becoming a ministry hub where we are able to host and minister to over 300 orphans and at-risk youth each summer. It is a place where we do retreats for children in our "Sasha Project" and is also where a new church plant is being started.

Your $20 donation helps us provide for these children while they are at camp. The majority of these children arrive with just a few old, dirty pieces of clothing in a plastic grocery bag. The camp provides clothing, shoes and hygiene supplies for each child. Pine Branch Christian Camp has become a place of refuge for many of these children. Will YOU help a child in need today?

Day #2 - The $20 Challenge - "The Sasha Project"

2011-11-13T14:05:00.000-08:00

Today is day #2 of our challenge! The children we serve through "The Sasha Project" are some of the poorest children in Ukraine. Many of their families are being destroyed by alcoholism and the children are the unfortunate victims. Will you be one of the 10 people who TAKE THE CHALLENGE today and help us to be able to continue to serve these amazing kids?

THE $20 CHALLENGE - DONATE TODAY!

2011-11-12T19:34:00.001-08:00

Have you seen our "THE $20 CHALLENGE" video? It is amazing what $20 can do in the lives of the orphans and at-risk youth of Ukraine. Take the challenge! Help us reach out goal and meet the needs of these amazing children.

DONATE TODAY by clicking this link!

Day #1 - The $20 Challenge - Orphanage Outreach

2011-11-12T14:21:00.000-08:00

Jeremiah's Hope has been serving children in 3 orphanages for the past several years. Thanks to the support of our sponsors, we have been able to minister to children in orphanages in Ivankiv, Mariupol and Uglegorsk! To continue our ministry, we need YOUR help! It is a simple donation, but will we find 10 people each day (100 people in total) willing to donate $20 or more one time?

Also, thanks to a recent pledge, all donations made during the $20 Challenge will be matched $1 for $1. So, let the $20 Challenge begin!

The $20 Challenge is Coming!

2011-11-10T08:54:00.000-08:00

The $20 Challenge is coming! So, get ready!

Beginning Saturday, November 12th and going for 10 days, we will be challenging our friends and ministry partners to give $20 to help support Jeremiah's Hope. Each day, we will post a new video with a specific focus on an aspect of our ministry and pray that God would lead 10 people to give that day.

We are not asking that you give every day (but you can if you want!), we are asking that you give ONE DAY. If you feel led to give, come back to this blog and donate.

Will you take The $20 Challenge ?

* Due to a generous donor, all monies donated during The $20 Challenge will be matched dollar for dollar.

Misha Needs YOUR Support...

2011-08-22T06:33:00.000-07:00

Misha Dermelyov was born June 9th, 1997 in Uglegorsk, Ukraine. Due to birth complications, he had surgery at just 10 days old to repair his stomach. Due to this, he is classified by the Ukrainian government as disabled (even though he is a very healthy, active, young man).

Nothing is known of Misha's father. His mother died 3 years ago from a heart attack. Misha had two older sisters born in 1985 and 1988. Misha lived with the oldest sister. In 2010 his sister died from a heart attack and the second sister died a couple of months later. Misha was sent to a shelter in Yenakiyevo.

It was here at this shelter where our ministry team first met Misha. Tanya, our administrator, was asked to pick him up and take him to the orphanage in August or September last year. Since then Misha has lived in the orphanage in Mariupol and has come to the church on Sunday with other orphanage kids.

He likes to play soccer, computer games and watch TV. He can embroider well.

Would YOU be willing to help support Misha as he continues his education at a trade school and lives in our transitional living center? To support Misha, contact us at donations@jeremiahshope.org

Yana Needs YOUR Support...

2011-08-22T05:54:00.000-07:00

Yana Senyak was born on October 31, 1995 in Mariupol, Ukraine. She lived most of her life with her mother as the identity of her father is unknown. In 2007, her mother died and an aunt took guardianship over her for two years but could no longer take care of Yana. in 2009, Yana went to the orphanage in Mariupol.

Yana is an average student. She likes sports, singing and dancing. She is enrolled in a trade school and will be studying to become a crane operator.

At this time we have 0 support for Yana. Would you consider helping support her with a gift of $25, $50 or $75 a month? If you would like to help meet this need, contact us at donations@jeremiahshope.org

* It costs Jeremiah's Hope an average of $300 per month to meet the physical and material needs of the teens who live in our transitional living center.

"Sasha Project" Kids Receive School Supply Kits...

2011-08-20T06:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Jenny began her fall visits to the children who are a part of our "Sasha Project." This year, we have over 80 children registered as a part of the "Sasha Project." With the new school year fast approaching, we began the visits by delivering school supplies to the children. Thanks to the generosity of Northside Church of Christ in San Antonio, TX, we were able to give each child a full set of school supplies to help them begin their new year!

Ira & Nastya from the TLC Are Baptized...

2011-08-01T06:19:00.000-07:00

We rejoice with Ira and Nastya on their decision to become Christians and be baptized last Saturday! Andrew Kelly, missionary, had the pleasure of baptizing them at camp. Praising God for His salvation of these amazing girls!

Andrew taking confession from Nastya and Ira before their baptisms.

Andrew baptizing Nastya.

Andrew congratulating Ira after her baptism.

Everyone together, down at the pond, after the baptisms.

"The Sasha Project" - October Visits...

2010-10-28T07:08:00.000-07:00

Today, Jenny and Sergei were able to visit 5 families in the villages of Obukhoviche and Musiyki. As they traveled from home to home they were encouraged to find that each parent was sober and that none of them were intoxicated at this time. The children all seemed to be healthy and doing well. This visit, we were able to purchase and deliver food parcels for each child that included rice, cream of wheat, sugar, macaroni, eggs, cheese, juice and fruit.

Nastya & Olya Dzyubenko carrying in part of their food parcel.

Artyum Abramats already getting into his apple.

Alyona Abramats (16) and her new baby (1 month).

Dima Oxhrimchuk with 4 blankets donated
by a World Race team that was here in August.
Dima is the brother of Sasha, the boy this ministry is named after.

Thank you to each of you who help sponsor these children and others in "The Sasha Project." If you would like to sponsor a child, it only takes $15 a month to change a life. E-mail donations@jeremiahshope.org to find out how you can get involved!

"The Sasha Project" - Update on Oxhrimchuk Family...

2010-10-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

"A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows,
is God in His holy habitation;

God sets the solitary in families;
He brings out those who are bound into prosperity."

Psalm 68:5-6

The Oxhrimchuk family lives a very hard life. There are 5 children and Sasha (the namesake of this ministry) is the oldest boy. A few months ago, we wrote in a newsletter about how Sasha had been disciplined by his father by being placed on a hot stove. The stove burned his bottom and his hands (when he went to push himself up and off of the stove). Sashar was hospitalized and his father was arrested and in jail for 2 days.

While Sasha was hospitalized, Jenny and Sergei, along with a representative from Social Services visited the family. While Sergei and Lyudmila (Social Services) spoke with the father about his actions, Jenny was able to minister briefly to the mom. The family was invited to attend worship in Ivankiv and told that we wanted to try to help them rebuild their family.

For the past three weeks, Sasha's mother and a couple of his siblings have attended Bible class and worship on Sunday morning. We are praying that they will continue to attend and that one day, maybe even Sasha's father will come to church.

"THE SASHA PROJECT" - ministering to social services children...

2010-10-18T07:48:00.000-07:00

In September, Jeremiah's Hope began a new initiative to help meet some of the basic needs of children in the Ivankiv region. Over 30 children were registered with our ministry and each of them are under the observation of the local Department of Social Services. Their homes lives are riddled with alcoholism, neglect, abuse, abandonment and poverty.

Each month, Jeremiah's Hope staff will be visiting these children and making reports to Social Services. Additionally, we will be providing families with simple food packages to help meet the need of providing for their children. We will also provide school supplies and other material needs like blankets and warm clothing for winter.

If you would like to sponsor a child through "The Sasha Project" please contact us at donations@jeremiahshope.org

To set up your monthly donation of $15 to sponsor a child, please go to our PayPal link below...

Ugligorsk Birthday Celebration & Outreach...

2010-09-05T14:52:00.000-07:00

With all the excitement of the new school year I forgot to tell you that on August 31, Yan and I went to Uglegorsk to do the birthday party and to deliver school supplies (notebooks, etc.). We did a small party for 9 boys from 1-5 grade (the usual gifts - toy cars) and gave chocolate bars to older kids (30) whose birthdays were in the period from June 16 to August 31.

Why We Do What We Do...

2010-08-21T23:35:00.000-07:00

Today, I was reminded again why Jenny and I feel strongly called to our ministry among the orphans and at-risk youth of Ukraine...

During July, we were blessed to host a week of camp for children served by our local Department of Social Services. Many of these children from homes ravaged by alcohol, abuse, neglect and poverty. Many of the kids were hard to work with because their social situations had hardened them so much. However, these kids were probably the most receptive to the lessons we were trying to teach about a "loving Father." For the past week, Jenny has been going into the villages with a team and a social worker to "visit" the children in their homes, meet their families, check on them and deliver school backpacks and school supplies donated by children at the Monterrey Church of Christ in Lubbock, Texas.

Yesterday, they went to one home where the father was deligerent and mom just cowered and would not speak, she was terriffied of him. There were 5 kids in the home. An 11 year old boy had serious burns on his palms and was not wearing pants or underwear. His bottom was blistered and burned. Jenny asked what had happend and the dad scoffed and said that he was bad so, he taught him a lesson and turned on the gas stove and put the kid on it to teach him a lesson in obedience. Burned his bottom and the kid reached to brace himself and put his hands on the burners and burned his palms.

Jenny and the social worker tried to take the child, but the father threatened them and threw the boy in the house. So, when they left, the social worker spent almost 8 hours calling police until they finally answered the phone at nearly 2 AM.

We went to social services today to drop off formula and stuff for some babies in need in some other villages. While there, we got an update on the boy. Dad is in jail today and the boy is in the hospital. Of course, there is no one to care for the boy. His family is 40 kiloometers away and the hospital only serves a broth twice a day. So, we took him some yogurt, bread, cheese, sausage, cookies, chips, juice and water. We also bought him a few books and took him a spare James Fund teddy bear. Will take him food every day for the next 10 days cause his mother is unable to do it. Tomorrow, we will take him a picture Bible from EEM (Eastern European Missions)

The family is dirt poor. The house is a shanty. So, maybe while dad is in jail, we will get up there and take a food parcel to the family, pray with them and help bring HOPE IN THE DARKNESS!

Please be praying for healing for Sasha. Both physically and emotionally. Pray also for his mother, for strength to endure.

Teens Need Your Support to Succeed in Life...

2010-08-08T05:59:00.000-07:00

Irina Kalashnik - No Sponsors Yet!
Born: 10/19/1993

Irina came to the orphanage in 2002 when her mother lost her parental rights. She has no idea who her father is. She has 2 brothers and 2 sisters.

She likes sports and music. She dreams of becomming a translator one day.

Irina will study at the trade school to become an electrician.

Marina Miroshnik - 1 partial sponsor = 1/2 support!
Born: 17/08/1994

Marina and her younger sister both camp to the orphanage in 2007 when their parents lost their parental rights.

Marina likes embroidering and music. She also loves the idea of becomming a hair dresser in the future.

She will study electrical stuff in the school first and then hopes to study hair dressing.

Sergey Burikov - 3 Partial Sponsors = Fully Supported!!!
Born: 30/07/1994

Sergey came to the orphanage in 2002 when his mother disappeared. Sergey has no knowledge of who his father is.

He is a good student and enjoys all kinds of sports.

He plans to study welding in our local trade school.

Nastya Labendik - 3 Partial Sponsors = 3/4 support!

Born: 06/12/1994

Nastya spent two years living in our transitional living center several years ago following the death of her parents. She has no siblings, but is close to a grandmother who lives close to the orphanage and our TLC. Nastya loves playing Ping Pong and holds regional records in the sport.

Nastya will study to be an electrician at a local trade school.

Nastya Savchenko - No Sponsors Yet!
Born: 26/06/1994

Nastya was brought to the orphanage in 2004 when her mother died. Her father is in prison and she has 2 brothers and 4 sisters.

Nastya likes sports and dreams about one day being a translator.

She will study to be an electrician at our local trade school.

Vitaly Ruetov - 1 Half Sponsor = 1/2 support
Born: 01/10/1994

Vitaly came to the orphanage in August of 2009 when his father passed away. His mother has lost her parental rights by court decision. He has 2 younger siblings and 2 older siblings.

He enjoys volleyball and basketball.

Vitaly will study to be a welder.

New Logo Unveiled for Jeremiah's Hope...

2010-06-16T11:08:00.000-07:00

As we close the end of our 6th year of ministry in Ukraine, Jeremiah's Hope is unveiling a new logo for the ministry. We hope that the new logo will better share our purpose with those who see it.
Within the new logo are several key elements...

The lower portion of the H is a building which is representative of the Transitional Living Center and Pine Branch Camp.
The fish in the P is symbolic of our Christian foundation and mission.
The children represent orphans and at-risk youth, our target audience.
Finally, the colors of blue and yellow make up the Ukrainian national flag representing the country in which we do ministry.

Yana Moroz Graduates from High School in Mariupol...

2010-05-30T07:50:00.000-07:00

On May 28, 2010, Yana Moroz graduated from high school and received her high school certificate. She is enjoying her summer break now and will begin school in September at a trade school in Mariupol where she will study remodeling.

Yana Moroz on graduation day!

Uglegorsk Orphanage Birthday Celebration...

2010-02-15T12:13:00.000-08:00

This is a report from Tanya, our administrator in Mariupol:

"I went to Uglegorsk on January 28. Yulia Shcherbakova (one of our first TLC graduates) went with me to help. We did a birthday party for 17 younger kids and brought chocolate bars for 40 older ones. We had traditional soft animals for girls and toy cars for boys. We also brought school supplies, hygiene products and sports stuff for the orphanage as a whole."

The kids sitting down to their birthday feast!

The kids showing their small birthday presents!

"Kids Changing Kids Lives" - an annual coin collection by children...

2010-02-15T07:46:00.000-08:00

For the past four years, the Kingwood Church of Christ has involved their children in an annual coin collection called "Kids Changing Kids Lives." The idea behind the collection is to get children involved with missions through inviting them to collect their spare change (and possibly their parents) and then donate it towards a specific project for Jeremiah's Hope.

This year, several other churches joined the Kingwood kids in this unique missions experience. Throughout the month of February, children in the following churches are participating: Kingwood Church of Christ (Kingwood, TX), Hillcrest Church of Christ (Abilene, TX), Church of Christ (Canadian, TX), Central Church of Christ (Ada, OK) and the Kingdom Kids Choir of Bethal Evangelical Free Church (Fargo, ND).

Levi & Noah Hinson with their change cans.
The Hinson boys will be coming to Ukraine with their parents
this summer to serve at the camp.

The Central Church of Christ (Ada, OK) kids
with their cans.

Please keep these children and their teachers/Children's Ministers in your prayers during February. Pray that this will be more than a collection, but that it will be an eye opening learning experience about missions!

Prayer Request...

2009-11-06T14:46:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, the government of Ukraine issued a nationwide quaranteen. All schools, universities and orphanages are closed for the next three weeks as a result of the H1N1 (Swine Flu) outbreak which is cutting through Ukraine.

Due to the quaranteen, our ministry team is not allowed into the orphanages during this 3 week quaranteen period. Please pray for the children as we will not be able to see them during our weekly or monthly orphanage outreaches.

To read more about Ukraine and the flu pandemic go to: www.kyivpost.com

Help Jeremiah's Hope Meet Our Budget in 2010...

2009-11-01T14:51:00.000-08:00

During the last month of two, Jeremiah's Hope has had a difficult time meeting our monthly ministry budget for the transitional living center and orphanage outreach. This is due, in large part, to the current US economic situation. It is also partly due to the overwhelming needs of the children with whom we minister to in the TLC, orphanages and pediatric hospitals of Ukraine.

At the present time, Jeremiah's Hope is short of meeting our monthly budget by about $1,200 a month. We are in the process of seeking out new partners who will come alongside us in 2010 to help introduce the orphans and at-risk youth of Ukraine to Jesus Christ.

Between now and the end of the year, we hope to find 100 people who we are calling our "2010 Partners." Our 2010 Partners are supporters who committ to giving $20.10 a month to help Jeremiah's Hope reach the children of Ukraine in the upcoming year.

If you would like to become a "2010 Partner" please contact us at donations@jeremiahshope.org

Ugligorsk Orphanage Outreach in October...

2009-10-22T14:39:00.000-07:00

Read this report from Tanya, our administrator in Mariupol...

Today, we went to Uglegorsk to do the birthday party for the kids who had their birthdays in September and October. There were 16 smaller kids who had cakes, bananas and drinks. They got toys as gifts and we played games. There were also 22 bigger kids and we gave them chocolate bars each. We also delivered some board games, small sport equipment and hygiene products for the orphanage.

The Current TLC Family...

2009-10-15T14:30:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce you to the current family living at the Transitional Living Center in Mariupol...

Top Row: Julia and Yan
Middle Row: Natasha, Marina and Yana
Bottom Row: Denis, Ruslan, Andrei and Maxim

Ugligorsk School Supplies Delivery & Quarterly Birthday Party...

2009-08-27T18:13:00.000-07:00

Today, Tanya (JH Administrator in Mariupol) and Anya (former TLC resident) went to the orphanage in Uglegorsk. This has become a quarterly trip for Tanya and a project which she really enjoys. This trip was not only for the quarterly birthday party, but also to deliver notebooks, pens and drawing paper for the new school year.

After delivering the school supplies, they hosted a birthday party for 20 kids (grades 3-6) who had their birthdays during the time of June 16 to August 28. The party included time doing activities together and then sitting at the table enjoying cakes, bananas and soft drinks together. There were only 2 girls in this group and they got soft animals. The boys got all kinds of toy cars. They also brought chocolate bars and beanie babies for 39 older kids who celebrated their birthdays.

Some of the boys unloading the school notebooks from the car
and carrying them into the orphanage.
Enjoying their small birthday feast together!

Meet Ruslan Tkachenko...

2009-06-25T04:53:00.000-07:00

Ruslan Tkachenko was born in Mariupol, Ukraine on March 9, 1994. Ruslan has lived in our transitional living center since October 2008 when the Social Services Department in Mariupol asked us to take him and his younger brother into our care.

Ruslans parents lost their parental rights due to heavy drinking and child neglect. His father was fired in 1999 because he missed work. He hasn't worked since. His mom has never worked telling everybody she was taking care of the children and did not have time to work. Ruslan and his younger brother lived with their parents and their grandma who was also a drunkard.

Ruslan has finished the 7th grade and started going to a Sailor's Club at school and really enjoys it. Now he will have the opportunity to go to a Sailor's College in Sevastopol, Ukraine following his 9th grade year of school.

Ruslan will be living in the transitional living center for 2 years and needs a sponsor (or a couple of sponsors). Would you consider helping sponsor this young man?

Ukrainian Orphan & Youth-At-Risk Conference...

2009-05-16T04:28:00.000-07:00

Last week, Jeremiah's Hope hosted a conference titled the "Ukrainian Orphans & Youth-At-Risk Conference." The conference attracted over 45 missionaries & local Ukrainian Christians who are involved in ministry to orphans and juvenile inmates in the Ukrainian prison system. John Kinsley (Straight Ahead Ministries in Boston, MA) and Andrew & Jenny Kelly were the speakers. John held main sessions addressing the psychological nature, etc. of children who are at risk and then each of the speakers had "breakout" sessions addressing Orphanage Outreach, Running a Post-Orphanage Home for Teens and Juvenile Justice.

Maxim (left) translating for John (right) during on the main sessions.

Over 45 attended the conference which lasted Wednesday to Friday.

There was a great deal of fellowship and networking during meal times.

Maxim Arzhanov Needs a Sponsor...

2009-04-28T12:07:00.000-07:00

Maxim Arzhanov is one of the new teens who will be moving into the TLC in July of this year. He was born in Donetsk, Ukraine on November 3rd, 1992 and lived with his parents and half brother (Boris - who lived in the TLC from 2006-2008) till 2000 when his parents were stripped of their parental rights due to heavy drinking and alcohol abuse.

Since 2000, Maxim has lived at the orphanage. He plans to study to be a welder while at trade school. He enjoys sports and embroidering.

It costs a total of about $300 a month to provide for one of the teens in the TLC. If you would like to fully or partially ($25, $50, $100 or more) support Maxim, please email donations@jeremiahshope.org

TLC Kids...

2009-04-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Andrew and Jenny traveled down to Mariupol with some guests from Australia and the US. They spent 3 great days with the kids and house mom, Alexandra. The kids are busy getting ready for the end of the school year and working hard in their internships in their particular trades. Please keep the kids in your prayers over the upcoming weeks.

Here is a photo of all of the kids in the house with Alexandra...

Ivankiv Orphanage Girls Learning to Cook...

2009-04-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

Each week, Jenny Kelly spends one evening visiting with the oldest girls at the orphanage. Our co-workers, Sasha and Olha also spend another evening visiting and teaching the younger girls and the boys. This week, Jenny decided to take a break from just hanging out with the girls and sharing the Bible with them. Instead, she invited them into our home for dinner.

Today, Jenny picked up four girls a little after 4 PM to bring them to our house at the camp. While here, Jenny taught them how to made Southwest Chicken Pot Pie, Salad and Chocolate Chunk cookies. They all had a great time...I could tell, I was outside the kitchen & living room windows putting our fence up while listening to the laughing and fun being had in the kitchen.

Oksana making cookies.

Yanna cooking.

Jenny with 4 of the 5 oldest girls from the Ivankiv orphanage.

Left to Right: Tanya, Lyuda, Jenny, Yanna & Oksana.

Ugligorsk Birthday Outreach...

2009-04-04T02:44:00.000-07:00

Today, Tanya Burak (our administrator in Mariupol) spent the day at the orphanage in Ugligorsk, Ukraine. Tanya loves traveling to this orphanage each quarter to conduct a "Birthday Party" for the children there. Tanya first became involved in this orphanage after some of the children from the Mariupol orphanage were transferred there 3 years ago.

Today, Tanya was accompanied by Marina and Julia, two girls from the TLC in Mariupol. Julia has a brother who lives in the orphanage in Ugligorsk and both girls enjoy the trip with Tanya and the time helping the younger children. It is a great opportunity for the teens in the TLC to learn to "give back" a small portion of their time.

Tanya, Marina and Julia brought with them Birthday cake, fruit and drinks for the children to enjoy. Additionally, the girls each received a small stuffed animal and the boys received a toy car. For these children, that is the only Birthday gift they will receive.

Kids Changing Kids Lives...

2009-03-07T20:49:00.000-08:00

For the second year, the Kingwood Church of Christ children's ministry has spent the month of February collecting spare change in order to help the orphans of Ukraine. This year, the children raised $3,100 to help us towards the furniture for the new camp in Ukraine.

I flew down to Houston last month while in the US fundraising. I spent a Wednesday with some of the ladies in the church who helped me prepare a Ukrainian meal including: Borsht (soup), Potato Pancakes, Macaroni-po-flotski (macaroni with ground beef and onions) and salad made from cabbage and carrots. In all, we fed over 80 people that evening before I did a presentation on the camp progress.

Thank you to the children of Kingwood Church of Christ!

And the Angels Rejoice Again!!

2009-02-08T21:32:00.000-08:00

What a week it has been! The angels in heaven are once again singing praises as two more are added to the Kingdom!

This morning, following worship, Anya and Marina decided to become Christians and be baptized. We praise God for their decision and their obedience to Gods call in their lives.

Preachers Gennady Skippin (left) and Sasha Piletsky (right)
read a brief passage of scripture to the girls prior to their baptism.

Marina's baptism.

Anya's baptism.

And the Angels Rejoice!

2009-02-04T21:22:00.000-08:00

We rejoice with Olya in her new life with Christ.

After studying for a while with Yakov, one of the men in the congregation, Olya decided that she wanted to confess her sins, give her life to Christ and be baptised. Following Bible study on tonight, Olya was baptized by Gennady Skippin, one of the ministers at the Left Bank church.

Please be praying for Olya as she begins her new walk with the Lord!

Ugligorsk Birthday Celebration - by Jared White...

2009-02-03T21:52:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Tanya and I rode 3 hours in the car so we could have a group birthday party for some kids at the Ugligorsk orphanage. She goes every two months and has a group party for the little ones who have birthdays in those months.

I think the kids were from the ages of 7 to maybe 12, most of them closer to the younger age and there were about 22 of them. The little boys got little toy cars and the little girls got small stuffed animals. We also had cake, bananas, and soda.

Before the kids ate we played some games. I started out by doing the song Father Abraham with them and had them do the motions with me, I think they enjoyed it…they at least thought I was pretty silly doing it. We also played a version of hot-potato with a beach ball.

Here are some pics from our trip to Ugligorsk.

Awesome Video with Important Message...

2009-01-27T07:46:00.000-08:00

Some fellow missionaries showed me this video recently. The message is VERY important and speaks somewhat to what we are doing here in Ukraine.

Ivankiv Orphanage - January Outreach Day...

2009-01-02T07:12:00.000-08:00

Today was our monthly outreach day to the children in the orphanage in Ivankiv. We were blessed to spend about three hours with the 21 kids who were there today.

Sheri Gray and Joni Long from Texas joined us to help us celebrate "Christmas" with the kids. They brought crafts with them for the kids, a couple of Twister games and the most amazing snacks. For snack time they brought brownie mix, stuff for rice crispies and hot chocolate. The kids LOVED IT!!!

The best part of the day was distributing the Christmas gift bags sent by the Monterrey Church of Christ in Lubbock, TX and the children's Bibles from EEM.

Craft time.

Jenny directing the giant Twister game.

We actually taped 4 Twister mats together for the game.

New House Parents for the TLC...

2008-12-16T10:34:00.000-08:00

Meet Valik and Anya - our new House Parents!

Valik and Anya joined our staff at the beginning of the month as our House Parents at the TLC in Mariupol. Valik is a long-time member of the Left Bank Church of Christ in Mariupol and Anya has been a member of another congregation near Donetsk. They were married this fall and togehter have been pursuing opportunities to minister to orphans. With the kids at the TLC knowing Valik so well from church and Anya's previous experience working at orphanages teaching Bible lessons and doing outreach, it seemed like a perfect fit. We welcome Valik and Anya to our staff.

Valik and Anya will be replacing Alexandra and Sveta who had been taking turns serving as House Moms. They both feel they could no longer keep up with the teenagers and most especially the boys! We love and adore both Alexandra and Sveta and appreciate their amazing service to the kids and the Lord this past year!

Ruslans Baptism...

2008-12-02T10:23:00.000-08:00

Ruslan is a young teenager who has been living at the Transitional Living Center in Mariupol for several months. Ruslan was placed with us by the city Social Services office while they determine what is in his best interest.

What is in Ruslans best interest? A relationship with Jesus Christ! After several months of attending worship and studying with Gennady (one of the preachers in Mariupol), Ruslan decided that he DID want a relationship with Jesus and he was baptized on November 30th. Vanya Moroz, a graduate from our TLC, assisted Gennady with the baptism.

Gennady talking about Ruslans new walk after his baptism.

Gennady presenting Ruslan with a Bible.

Ministry Begins at Ivankiv Orphanage...

2008-11-14T12:02:00.002-08:00

Andrew and Jenny Kelly moved to Ivankiv in late April of this year to build a Christian camp for orphans. Through their relationships with local church members, Andrew and Jenny were introduced to contacts at the the local orphanage.

The orphanage in Ivankiv is rather small compared to most in Ukraine. It is home to 40 children, split evenly (at the current time) between 20 boys and 20 girls. The children are also NOT schooled at the orphanage, instead they are incorporated into the local Kindergarten and grade school system. This is not the usual way orphans are educated.

The front of the orphanage in Ivankiv, Ukraine.

This is the bedroom for the younger children at the orphanage.

One of the bathrooms at the orphanage.

This week, Andrew and Jenny, along with Dr. Jeff & Donna Crain, missionaries in Kiev, Ukraine, visited the orphanage to begin making plans for full-time ministry to the children there. They met with orphanage director, Galina Vasilevna, and she was VERY open to Jeremiah's Hope coming on a weekly basis to hold Bible studies/discussion groups with the children. Please be praying about this new ministry opportunity!

Jeff & Donna Crain, Jenny Kelly and Galina Vasilevna

Quarterly Birthday Party at Ugligorsk Orphanage...

2008-11-07T13:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Tanya, along with TLC residents Julia and Marina spent the day celebrating with 54 children who had their birthdays in October and November at the orphange in Ugligorsk. Of that number, 15 were younger children and 39 were older.

The spent the day being a blessing the kids. They came bringing birthday cakes and drinks for the festivities. They also gave each of the kids a small birthday gift. The girls got a small stuffed animal. The younger boys received a hot-wheels car and the older boys received a chocolate bar.

For most of us, this does not seem like much, but for these children, this is probably the only acknowledgement of their birthday.

TLC Kids Receive a Great Gift...

2008-11-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

This week, the kids living in the TLC received a great gift. A box arrived from a donor in Florida containing BRAND NEW winter coats and school backpacks full of supplies. The kids have never received such nice coats. They will be warm when they are walking to trade school through the winter.

Sweet Reunions...

2008-09-27T13:28:00.000-07:00

Tonight was a great night of getting some of our graduates together with our current residents at the TLC. The kids often see each other and our graduates drop by frequently to visit, but with me (Andrew) living in the Kiev area, it was special for me to see them and get caught up with what they are doing now.

Here is an update on a few of our graduates...

Boris Muhin - Boris is working as an electrical repairman for the steel company Azovmash. This is a company located on the far side of Mariupol (about an hour by bus from the TLC) so he does not visit often. He is earning about 1,600 Grievna a month (a little more than $300US).

Boris lives in the dorm at the factory and works nights. When he isnt sleeping in the day, he tries to visit the TLC, especially because he is dating Julia (a current resident at the TLC). He continues to attend worship on Sundays at church.

Natasha Serdukova (not pictured) - Natasha LOVES her job. She talked about it the whole time we were together today. She works on a computer assisting the main accountant at Azovmash Steel Factory. She is making 800 Grievna per month (about $160 US). She lives in "Hope House" along with Nina Agarkova. "Hope House" is the independent living center (apartment) which Jeremiah's Hope owns and rents to our graduates each year.

Nina Agarkova (not pictured) - Nina has returned to school this year. After earning her diploma in remodeling, she decided to study accounting. So, she is living in "Hope House" with Natasha S. and studying at the Technical School to be an accountant.

Victor Razuveyev - The TLC really started because of Victor. Andrew has known him for 12 years and wanted to provide a home for him after his time in the orphanage. With Andrews move to Kiev, Victor has struggled with feeling left behind. The two communicate by email but Victor has struggled to find his way. He works for a window installation company and makes about $150 US a month. He rents a small 2 room apartment with a friend.

Please pray for Victor as he is not coming to church and has started to drink a little.

Mealtime at the TLC...

2008-09-27T12:55:00.000-07:00

When the TLC first opened four years ago, dinner was one of the main focuses of the day. It was a time when all of the kids were able to sit down together as a family. For many of the orphans living in our facility, this is the first time they have experienced living like a family.

Since we moved to the Kiev area earlier in the year, I (Andrew Kelly) have missed eating with the kids at dinner time. This weekend, while visiting, I cooked dinner on Saturday night and really enjoyed the fellowship at the dinner table. We had salad, pork chops and mushroom sauce.

I do not miss cooking daily for 20 people!

Sergey & Sergey at the table.

Nina (TLC graduate), Yana and Natasha S. (TLC graduate) waiting to pray.

Marina, Misha, Yan and Maxim awaiting dinner.

A Saturday at the Transition Living Center....

2008-09-27T12:04:00.000-07:00

Many people have often asked me what a typical day at the Transitional Living Center is like for the kids. That is truly a hard question to answer because every day is different and our kids are involved in so many activities.

However, this weekend, while visiting in Mariupol, I made it a point to chronical Saturday with lots of pictures. Here are a few of the best pictures to share with you what today was like...

After lunch, Marina and Julia dressed up
and went to the theatre to see a play.

Tanya Burak, Director of the TLC, came over after lunch to give Misha (10 years old)
his reading lesson. He is just now starting school and learning to read.

Natasha M. spent the day doing her laundry.
It was hung all over the house and outside on the line also.

Natasha S., a graduate of the TLC, stopped by because she has been sick
and just wanted to be "at home."

Anya and Yana spend time helping Alexandra and I
make applesauce for winter.

Christmas for Kids 2008...

2008-09-07T09:45:00.001-07:00

Each fall, Jeremiah's Hope partners which churches and Christians in the US to collect small Christmas gifts as a part of our annual "Christmas for Kids" program. Christmas for Kids was one of the first ministry outreaches to the orphanage in Mariupol and is now done at several orphanages each Christmas.

It is once again time to start collecting our gift bags ready to ship to Ukraine in time for Christmas (which in Ukraine is celebrated on January 7th).

If you are interested in participating, it is easy! Simply take a gallon sized ziploc bag and put the following items in it:

Small or Medium ADULT T-Shirt (solid color - no writing or pictures)
Pair of socks
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Comb (no brushes)
Pack of 10 or 12 blue or black pens
Box of 16 crayons
Roll of Mentos or Life Savers (if loose candy - no more than 12 pieces)
Beanie Baby
$5 bill - to go towards shipping

All bags are to be collected and prepared for shipping no later than November 1st. Please contact Andrew Kelly for more details: akellyukraine@gmail.com

Misha Begins His First Day of School...

2008-09-07T08:57:00.000-07:00

Late in the spring, Tanya Burak (our administrator in Mariupol) received a call from Social Services for the City of Mariupol. They were in need of a place where 10 year old Misha Komov could live. We have blogged before about Misha and how his mother had neglected to care for him and never enrolled him in school.

Over the summer, Tanya and some of the TLC kids worked with Misha to teach him some of the basics of how to read. On September 1st, Misha was enrolled in school and at the age of 10, began 1st grade!

Here is a picture of Misha dressed for opening day ceremonies at the school. Thank you to Tanya for preparing Misha for this day. So many of us take education for granted, while others in the world never get to experience it!

Ugligorsk Orphanage - Birthday Club

2008-09-04T09:07:00.000-07:00

Once a quarter, Jeremiah's Hope hosts a "Birthday Club" for the children who live at the orphanage in Ugligorsk (about 30 minutes from Donetsk). Ugligorsk Orphanage is home to over 300 children, many of whom have slight mental or physical problems.

Today, Tanya spent the day celebrating birthdays for this quarter. Each of the children were treated to cake, soft drink and a small gift honoring their birthday. Julia, one of the TLC residents, also went to Ugligorsk to visit her brother who lives in the orphanage there.

The Orphanage in Ugligorsk, Ukraine.

Some of the children holding up their small Birthday gift.

Julia (TLC resident) and her brother from Ugligorsk.

Meet Maxim...

2008-07-21T12:29:00.000-07:00

Meet Maxim Artemuk, a 17 year old orphan from Dzerzinsk, Ukraine.

Max moved into the TLC this week and will be studying the profession of a welder over the next two years while he is in trade school.

His mom is in the process of losing her parental rights. He spent the last 10 years in the orphanage just because it was more convenient and easy on his mother to place him there rather than caring for him herself. He has an elder brother.

If you would like to sponsor Maxim, please contact us at donations@jeremiahshope.org

The 2008 TLC Graduates...

2008-07-21T12:26:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce the graduation of five of the teens living in the transitional living center. These five teens have overcome many obstacles to reach their dreams.

Back Row L to R: Boris Muhibin, Vanya Moroz, Sergey Mamai
Front Row L to R: Nina Agarkova and Natasha Serdukova

Our Mariupol Staff...

2008-06-21T14:17:00.001-07:00

We are very proud of our staff in Mariupol. Together, the four ladies provide round the clock care for over a dozen teenagers. Their tireless efforts are often unnoticed by the teens they serve and by others around them.

Tanya (left) serves as our Coordinator of Mariupol Operations. She oversees the administrative side of the ministry and attends to the educational needs of those living in the TLC.

Julia (2nd from left) works Mon-Fri from 9 to 5. She assists with the preparation of lunch each day and also with monitoring the kids chores throughout the week.

Alexandra (3rd from left) is our main House Mom. She works all week, 24 hours a day meeting the needs of the kids. Her role involves mothering, cooking, cleaning and mentoring.

Sveta (right) is our relief House Mom and works 2 seperate days each week to give Alexandra a day off.

New Child Sponsors Needed...

2008-06-15T06:14:00.000-07:00

With summer comes changes to the group of teens living at the Transitional Living Center in Mariupol. This month, five of our teens will be graduating and moving out of the TLC. These young adults will begin their first job in their new professions and we will continue to mentor and work with them while they get used to life on their own.

With their departure, we will be bringing new kids into the TLC and keeping some of the current kids. With the arrival of new kids, we are needing to find new "Child Sponsors" who would be willing to contribute $25, $75, or $150 a month to meet their needs.

If you would be interested in helping provide for the needs of one of these teens, please contact Andrew at akellyukraine@gmail.com .

Meet Misha Komov...

2008-06-12T23:41:00.000-07:00

Meet Misha Komov, a ten year old boy who was recently brought to live at the transitional living center by the local authorities. After spending a couple of months in a hospital, the Mariupol Department of Social Services asked if Jeremiah's Hope could care for Misha while they go through the lengthy process of removing him from his mothers custody.

His mother is in the process of loosing her parental rights due to heavy drinking and child neglect. Besides Misha, she has 3 other children (2 are older than Misha) and is supposedly pregnant again. Nobody knows who the father is (or fathers are) for any of these children.

The city administration has just recently issued a birth certificate for Misha. His mother has never took care of it. Misha has also never gone to school, so he cannot read or write.

The staff of the TLC in Mariupol are taking the time to teach Misha his alphabet and some basic counting skills.

Misha will remain in our care until the court decision about whether his mother is fit to be a parent or not. This process might take months and we ask that you be praying for Misha.

TLC Kids Get Creative on Garage...

2008-06-10T23:57:00.000-07:00

The local church leaders in Mariupol recently asked us to paint our garage which sits on the church property. The leadership had no idea how artistic our teenagers would get...

5 Teens Graduating from School & Leaving TLC...

2008-05-25T05:17:00.000-07:00

Two years ago, a group of teens moved into the TLC to begin the next phase of their lives. Over that time period, they have studied various trades in local trade and technical schools and now graduation time is fast approaching.

At the end of June, five teenagers will graduate from trade school and will begin yet another new phase of their lives. Natasha Serdukova, Boris Muhibin, Sergey Mamai, Nina Agarkova and Vanya Moroz will leave the transitional living center and will begin new jobs and lives as young adults.

We are very proud of these 5 teens and congratulate them on their accomplishment. We pray God's continued blessings upon their lives!

Nina Agarkova and Sergey Mamai dressed for church one Sunday.

Vanya Moroz reading his Bible.

Welcome...

2008-05-18T23:38:00.000-07:00

Thank you for visiting the Jeremiah's Hope blog for orphan outreach!!

It is our hope to better facilitate communication between the ministry and its supporters by using this blog to relay news on a regular basis! We hope that you will find these brief updates encouraging, inspiring and a blessing.

Welcome!