Ukrainian staff giving thanks for 2015; prayer needs for 2016

Vitya and Lena are thankful for:

One young man deciding to be a Christian, and his baptism; a new project in the trade schools—we met about 80 new young people; God’s leading, protection, help, and wisdom in the ministry; the honor and responsibility of working with kids who are so valuable in God’s eyes.

Needs for 2016:

For God’s work in the lives and actions of the orphans through us. To be good examples in family life, with our kids, and our relationship with the Lord; the kids CONSTANTLY watch us closely. For help following the vision of of the ministry, serving sincerely, honestly, and wholeheartedly. For help in our trade school work, for kids to connect to us, to listen to us, and desire to serve the Lord.

Olga is thankful for:

Successful eye surgery; for our family’s safety and wellbeing, as well as for our nation standing for its freedom. I thank God that the combat zone didn’t move any father into our territory. I’m thankful for our church family and kids’ ministry.

Needs for 2016:

Sergey and Anya are thankful for:

A new job, and His provision for spiritual and financial support in the ministry and in our private life. For wisdom in my relationships with the workers, in the planning process, and in the accomplishment of these plans.

Needs for 2016:

For God to give two of the workers a change of heart and free them from their addictions. And for their attitude to their families to be more serious and responsible. Praise the Lord for the faith of one worker and pray for his faith to be strengthened.

Nastya is thankful for:

His answers to the prayers and for relationships with my family. I am thankful that my aunt became a Christian and started to attend church, and that God has blessed me with being part of Last Bell so I can serve orphan kids. He gives strength every day, and in difficult circumstances He gives joy and hope!

Needs for 2016:

For the repentance of my whole family—my mother, father, grandmother, brother; for my graduation project for seminary to be accepted/to pass; for health and physical strength; for God to change me every day though His Word and lead me in all my actions in ministry, so I don’t live 2016 in vain. Thank you!

Abram is thankful for:

The birth of my daughter Emilia. There were a lot of problems with Makar’s delivery, but none with Emilia, so I could fully experience that joy! Also for a trip to the sea with our son and the Shelter kids. And for becoming the happy owner of a car (both for family and ministry). At New Year’s, we were both joyful and sad because we didn’t know if our big family would be together next year.

Needs for 2016:

For strength and inspiration since the Shelter kids will be leaving. We want to do everything right and stay in touch. Orphans are not able to leave well; it’s easier to be kicked out, because then they can say, “They kicked me out, so I won’t be upset and won’t talk to them anymore.” So they misbehave. But we want to show them we can stay friends even with distance between us. May God give us wisdom in this.

Tanya is thankful for:

2015 was extraordinary, with many ups and downs. I was in the hospital often with the threat of a miscarriage. But our daughter Emilia is a great gift! I praise the Lord every day for my husband, who supports me and is gentle with our children, and cooked and brought food for me in the hospital. He also spent a lot of time helping our Shelter teens with their troubles and worries. In the hospital I felt God’s presence very clearly.

After many years of thinking and wishing for such a project, it was a great joy to start reaching out to kids in trade schools. God made a way for us to befriend the administration, and now they welcome us. I’m very thankful for open hearts of people in the USA, for their love and willingness to help, who have been blessing us financially. For the last two years, we’ve never lacked money to buy healthy food for the Shelter kids. I thank God for our team becoming closer.

Needs for 2016:

I ask God for our Shelter kids to stay connected to churches, to strengthen their faith, and to put us leaders in the right position. Our family prayer need is a place to live. My mom’s place is too small for our family of four people – one small room. We dream for a piece of land so we can begin construction. Pray for our health, and for Makar and Emilia.

Yulia is thankful for:

Private blessings: Sasha, a Last Bell donor, and I are going to get married in May after we finish marriage counseling. Since I spent a lot of time at the Shelter, I asked God where I might meet my husband, and God brought him to the Shelter. I’m thankful that God gave us an awesome trip with the Shelter kids, and with the Stop the Cycle moms, to the Carpathian Mountains. And for His blessing in my church ministry (I’m the leader of the worship band). We also began training new ministers in Worship School, which was my dream.

Needs for 2016:

For my wedding arrangements; for God to bless us, and that we will entrust the preparations to the Lord and enjoy this time. For Sasha’s car to be sold, and money for a place to live. For everything to be accomplished with Shelter before our kids leave: to find them places to live and study, and to help them find jobs. For God to show me and other Shelter leaders what we should do in our work with Last Bell. Thanks to all who have been praying and still pray! Blessings to you in every sphere of your lives!

Andrey and Oksana are thankful for:

Jesus brought our young son Daniel to Himself. He prayed asking God to forgive his sinful heart. That was the great victory! I (Andrey) managed all my responsibilities as the director of Last Bell in Ukraine. The staff was a big support; they’re all growing together tremendously. God led Oksana and me through some challenging decisions about the staff and their responsibilities—great things came out of that! I also graduated from Biblical Counseling Institute Coram Deo. I (Oksana) am thankful to be participating a team of teachers with Coram Deo.

Needs for 2016:

For wisdom in teaching (Oksana). I am conducting seminars on Biblical parenting; for vision for Last Bell, and for us as leaders of the ministry; for new projects in 2016; for the health of our daughter and son (Maggie and Daniel)

Senya is thankful for:

God giving our family a wonderful son! For keeping our son safe, and blessing him with good health and a joyful spirit. For a safe delivery for Nastya. Praise God that He is in control. We thank Him for financial provision and spiritual blessings in our hearts.

Needs for 2016:

For the healing of of Nastya’s hip and her physical health; for a private place to live; and for our trips in the summer to go well.

Tanya is thankful for:

The chance to start over again, see myself from others’ perspectives, and realize that without Jesus I’m nothing in this world. That He accepts me as His daughter, sets me on the right path, and changes my heart so it will bear good fruit. I thank God for this year. He is the King of my heart and my life.

Needs for 2016:

For our Shelter kids not to be captured by all the evil in the world after they leave. For wisdom from God that we will stay close to them, and that they will be open to us and to the Lord.

Lena is thankful for:

Meeting LOTS of orphans this year! Many became like family. I am thankful that on vacation I could minister at camp to kids with special needs and teenagers – it was an unforgettable time! All the human feelings and traits were mixed: joy, tiredness, love, irritation, humbleness, etc. I’m thankful for God’s strength, and that He kept us safe and made every trip special!

Needs for 2016:

To grow closer with kids in Educational Outreach, and for the development of this program; for our kids to follow Jesus; for wisdom in everything; for the last tasks in seminary and passing exams; for my mom’s health; for my private life; and for my ministry in my church. Thank you!

Luba and Vasya are thankful for:

God’s faithfulness to His Word that He will always be with us; we always felt His presence. That the prayers of Christians are answered. One person was baptized after declaring faith in Jesus. We started a new project–home renovations. The trade schools were open for us to teach life skills.

Needs for 2016:

With God’s help, to keep serving with the gifts God gave each of us; to keep teaching in trade schools and reach the hearts of the orphans there.