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Friends,
Greetings to you this winter season. In July of this year I joined the Last Bell Ministries team and entered the story that God is writing to offer Ukrainian orphanage graduates hope and purpose. In just a few short months, I feel confident that this ministry IS the good news to the young people we serve through mentorship, vocational training, and a loving community. I’m inspired by our mission and the deep, good work that is changing the lives of those who would otherwise be written off. Our youth are facing the darkest parts of their stories in order to build better lives for themselves and their children.
The last four months have been spent getting to know our mission, our young people, and the people who support this meaningful Kingdom work. Last Bell’s friends are devoted and giving: some offer their personal time to speak at churches on our behalf, plan fundraisers, gather winter coats for our youth, and intercede through prayer. Others give money and use their resources to visit our staff and young people in person. Our staff on the front lines continue to deepen relationships with our young people, providing them with programs and the emotional and relational safety they need to face the trauma they’ve experienced. This all is good, good news. Thanks be to God.
Frederick Buechner wrote, “God calls you to the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” God has called me and He has called you. May we continue to rally together to meet the deep hunger of the beautiful orphanage graduates of Last Bell.
Peace be with you this season.
Megan Hershey
Rob Pallikan was on the same trip to visit last Bell as Megan Flinn, who shared this article with us in October. His response to what he saw in Ukraine was a prayer to share with all of you. Please join Rob in praying for us as you read!
Rob’s team with Shelter kids. Rob is second from the right.
Prayer for Last Bell
Lord, we beg you, out of your great and abundant mercy, to show favor to this ministry to your orphans. We proclaim that these dear ones are orphaned on earth only, but not in heaven, for they have been welcomed into your family, and have been shown your loving kindness through your instruments at Last Bell.
Holy Spirit, we ask you to fill this staff with your presence and power, granting them sustainability in this demanding service you have called them to. We are confident you will bring to completion this good work which we give you all the credit for starting and continuing.
Almighty Father, may you bless this staff, who are finite and limited, and keep them looking to you, who are without limit, for their strength. Keep them united, of one accord, just as you, the Son, and the Spirit are one. We pray this staff would seek first your kingdom, your way of life, trusting you to supply all they will ever require—all the support, guidance, and forgiveness they can possibly need every day.
Jesus, we know you care more deeply for these young ones than we are even capable of. Please soften their wounded hearts to you and your agents at Last Bell. We pray in the power of your name against all the lies of shame this world would hurl at them. Your light extinguishes the darkness. Your truth, your story, crushes all false narratives.
In the strong name of Jesus Christ, who has been given all authority in heaven and on earth, we pray.
Amen.
Call for Volunteers:
Do you love bargain-hunting or second-hand shopping? Do you wish you had an excuse to buy those adorable children’s clothes? We’re looking for a volunteer or group to help us outfit our Stop the Cycle little ones for the winter. It’s getting cold in Ukraine!
Email if you’re interested: info@lastbell.org
We will help with shipping and logistics.
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