Hello family and friends,
It is the happiest season of the year. Around the world, people pause to celebrate Christmas. Some celebrate for a whole season, some for a day, and some, only for a few hours. There are many different faiths and beliefs about God, but there seems to be a common season of joy around the season some call Christmas. Children, most of all, look forward to this time. There is such mystery and anticipation of what Christmas morning will bring.
Here in Ukraine, Christmas is celebrated twice, on December 25th and then again on January 7th, the traditional Ukrainian Christmas. At Marganets, we have been giving small bags of candy to the children for Christmas. When I visit, some of the children, carrying their treasured bag of candy with them everywhere they go, always want to share a piece or two with me. They certainly have the Christmas spirit deep within their hearts. In the midst of all of the problems of their everyday lives, they still have an innocence that has not been crushed by the troubles of this world.
Earlier this year, I visited little Sasha, 7 years old, at the massage clinic. As I think of Christmas for her, I think of the wish for her scoliosis to be corrected and for her legs to be straightened and untwisted. For her, Christmas is a time of hope. When I visited Vladik, age 2, he was already seeing the results from the massage clinic. His once bowed legs are now straight and he is walking very well. For him, Christmas is a time for rejoicing. Seven of the children who received services from the massage clinic are attending regular school for the first time, because they can walk. For them, Christmas is a time of great joy.
Every group of children that has been helped by MUCH is entering the Christmas season with a little more hope than they did in the past. I see smiling faces on the children that I visit in the three cities where we serve. God is doing great things through MUCH with your gifts throughout the year, and there is still time to give to our Christmas Fund Raiser. Not only the children are being helped, but here is the story of how one of our own, Anatoliy, has been helped. For seven years, this Ukrainian man in retirement has served the children through MUCH. Ira tells the story of his rejoicing this Christmas season.
We wish each of you a very blessed Christmas season. May it continue with you throughout the year. May God bless you as you in turn bless others. From Ira and me, and all of the MUCH team on two continents, may God be with you, protect, and guide you throughout 2010.
Blessings of love and healing,
Mark
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Ira's Insights (December 2009)
From the first lines of my article I would like to congratulate you with the coming wonderful Christmas season and the New Year, 2010. May it be a time when you can reach out to many around you, and also personally experience the presence of our wonderful Savior and Lord.
Usually, December is the month when I begin to dream about the New Year and review the year that almost has passed. It brings to my mind how many good things I have done, and how many I haven’t but could… It gives me a strong desire to work better in the next year. Because of my work I have to read, speak and listen very much. I am always encouraged by good examples of other people.
I would like to tell you about one person who is not a child, but he helps children in need. His name is Anatoly Vlasov. If I am not mistaken he was the first person through whom God attracted Mark’s attention to the children of the Marganets orphanage. Since that time God has done a lot through the MUCH organization. Anatoly is one of the vessels of God. God does His work through this person there. Anatoly’s house is always open for strangers and his family is very hospitable. He is that person who knocks on the hearts of people of his small town where he lives.
Recently, it happened that this person needed help greatly. He needed to have an operation on one of his eyes. It was obvious that one of his eyes couldn’t see. When he wrote emails his letters were of a big size. The operation cost very much and he couldn’t raise enough money for it with his little pension.
I am very thankful to people who made it possible, who donated the required sum for his operation. You are a blessing for him. Today Anatoly can see with both eyes. On the day when he came back from the hospital he wrote to Mark and me to thank and to tell that he can see with that eye.
I know that God makes wonderful things and I am so praiseful to God that He has helped Anatoly to see a wonder.
Sometimes it is very difficult for me to see needs of others. Such help as this one always inspires me to do something for people in need. Today life is difficult and many people have locked their hearts and don’t want to see the needs of others. They need to have operations too, operations on their hearts. My prayer is for us to be able always to see needs of others and to be blessings for them…
Until next time,
Ira
Usually, December is the month when I begin to dream about the New Year and review the year that almost has passed. It brings to my mind how many good things I have done, and how many I haven’t but could… It gives me a strong desire to work better in the next year. Because of my work I have to read, speak and listen very much. I am always encouraged by good examples of other people.
I would like to tell you about one person who is not a child, but he helps children in need. His name is Anatoly Vlasov. If I am not mistaken he was the first person through whom God attracted Mark’s attention to the children of the Marganets orphanage. Since that time God has done a lot through the MUCH organization. Anatoly is one of the vessels of God. God does His work through this person there. Anatoly’s house is always open for strangers and his family is very hospitable. He is that person who knocks on the hearts of people of his small town where he lives.
Recently, it happened that this person needed help greatly. He needed to have an operation on one of his eyes. It was obvious that one of his eyes couldn’t see. When he wrote emails his letters were of a big size. The operation cost very much and he couldn’t raise enough money for it with his little pension.
I am very thankful to people who made it possible, who donated the required sum for his operation. You are a blessing for him. Today Anatoly can see with both eyes. On the day when he came back from the hospital he wrote to Mark and me to thank and to tell that he can see with that eye.
I know that God makes wonderful things and I am so praiseful to God that He has helped Anatoly to see a wonder.
Sometimes it is very difficult for me to see needs of others. Such help as this one always inspires me to do something for people in need. Today life is difficult and many people have locked their hearts and don’t want to see the needs of others. They need to have operations too, operations on their hearts. My prayer is for us to be able always to see needs of others and to be blessings for them…
Until next time,
Ira
November 2009 MUCH Newsletter
Hello family and friends,
As I write this newsletter, we are in the middle of grandmother’s summer. We had about two weeks of freezing temperatures, and now it has warmed up considerably. On Tuesday the 17th, I will travel to Poland to buy a new Ukrainian visa. I will stop on my way back to visit the children at the Dobromel orphanage.
Our Christmas Fundraiser is in full swing as December approaches!
Eastern Ukraine
In addition to our regular monthly support for clothing, shoes, jackets, boots, etc., four annual programs at Marganets Orphanage/School are changing the lives of our children. They are the Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program, the computer class, the massage program, and the music and dance program. These programs began as pilot projects, but they have shown such great results that MUCH started the Christmas Fund Raiser to maintain them.
The Transition Home in Marganets is a small project, but it builds self-image and dignity in a most fragile period in the lives of these children as they pass from difficult homes to the orphanage system. The children come having such basic needs as underclothing, socks and shoes.
Western Ukraine
At the Dobromel Orphanage, MUCH supports a great program for special children that is eight years old. With our help to buy clothing, shoes and food, Pastor Volodya can continue to brighten the lives of the children and change their futures in a spiritual, psychological and practical way.
Southwestern Ukraine
In Illichevsk, our massage therapy program has been underway for a number of years with outstanding results. Yet, many children with disabilities are still not receiving services. We hope to raise enough money to add a few more children to our program this year.
The total amount of the MUCH Christmas Fundraiser for 2009 is $5,270. If everyone who reads this newsletter were to contribute $20, less than dinner for two, about 300 of the 400 plus children that MUCH serves will be able to continue to receive the services provided through our 2008 Christmas Fundraiser.
I have given my life, my future, to help these children. Even so, I need help. Please look to God this Christmas Season and ask Him his desire for your gift giving. Imagine the joy that it is when God blesses through you!
Blessings of love and healing,
Mark
As I write this newsletter, we are in the middle of grandmother’s summer. We had about two weeks of freezing temperatures, and now it has warmed up considerably. On Tuesday the 17th, I will travel to Poland to buy a new Ukrainian visa. I will stop on my way back to visit the children at the Dobromel orphanage.
Our Christmas Fundraiser is in full swing as December approaches!
Eastern Ukraine
In addition to our regular monthly support for clothing, shoes, jackets, boots, etc., four annual programs at Marganets Orphanage/School are changing the lives of our children. They are the Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program, the computer class, the massage program, and the music and dance program. These programs began as pilot projects, but they have shown such great results that MUCH started the Christmas Fund Raiser to maintain them.
The Transition Home in Marganets is a small project, but it builds self-image and dignity in a most fragile period in the lives of these children as they pass from difficult homes to the orphanage system. The children come having such basic needs as underclothing, socks and shoes.
Western Ukraine
At the Dobromel Orphanage, MUCH supports a great program for special children that is eight years old. With our help to buy clothing, shoes and food, Pastor Volodya can continue to brighten the lives of the children and change their futures in a spiritual, psychological and practical way.
Southwestern Ukraine
In Illichevsk, our massage therapy program has been underway for a number of years with outstanding results. Yet, many children with disabilities are still not receiving services. We hope to raise enough money to add a few more children to our program this year.
The total amount of the MUCH Christmas Fundraiser for 2009 is $5,270. If everyone who reads this newsletter were to contribute $20, less than dinner for two, about 300 of the 400 plus children that MUCH serves will be able to continue to receive the services provided through our 2008 Christmas Fundraiser.
I have given my life, my future, to help these children. Even so, I need help. Please look to God this Christmas Season and ask Him his desire for your gift giving. Imagine the joy that it is when God blesses through you!
Blessings of love and healing,
Mark
Ira's Insights (November 2009)
Expecting a Miracle
In our life there are some seasons or Holydays that bring us the sweetest memories and warm feelings. Christmas is one of those Holydays. When I turn my memories back to my childhood I smell oranges and tangerines that my father brought. And the smell of tropical fruits is still associated with Christmas season in my subconscious. And of course the memories about this season bring me some kind of feeling that I call expecting a miracle. I liked that Holyday because it bound the members of family. I am sure that every reader can tell something wonderful about this miraculous Holyday. It can happen simply because we are from the same country called “Childhood”.
My childhood was during the Soviet Union and at that time Christmas was as a background. The biggest accent was on the New Year. People were preparing for this event very thoroughly. Everybody was in hurry to get a Fur tree by the 31st of December, to buy presents for their family and friends and they were waiting for coming of the Old Man, Frost. People said: The way you meet the New Year the same way you will live the year. And of course people were trying to do their best to meet it as they wanted to live the New Year.
During the Soviet Union period people didn’t speak much about Christmas. In my memories this Holyday was candies and cakes that had been bought for children who came to the door and sang Carols. Those songs were not as Christian songs that tell you about the birth of Christ but as Folklore songs. Also during that time some children visited their grandparents and Godparents to bring them kalatch (kind of fancy loaf of bread) and to get presents. Christmas was celebrated according to the Old Calendar - on the 7th of January.
I am very glad that many things have changed in my Country and today you can go to the church without any fearing to be thrown to the prison. And the attitudes of many people have changed toward the Holydays too. Now many people know that according to the New Calendar Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December and they know what this event means. Christmas has become more important for many people of my Country than meeting the New Year. We live in some kind of transitional period. Today many Christians in Ukraine celebrate this Holyday twice – in December and in January. Do you know who are the happiest ones – children! Now they can get more gifts on this wonderful Holyday. It is great for me to realize that this double Holyday can help more people, especially disadvantaged children– from orphanages, homeless children and special ones. And of course it can help us to become kinder and more soft-hearted.
Today God opens many doors for us, and the name of one of them is virtue. That calls us to help those who are not able to reward you for your kind heart. In our lives we meet many those who are not able to do this, those who are in despair and need a piece of hope. Believe me, even your little help can change the attitude of such a child toward life, can bring real delight to his little world, and can fill him with feeling called “expecting a miracle”… .
Until next time,
Ira
In our life there are some seasons or Holydays that bring us the sweetest memories and warm feelings. Christmas is one of those Holydays. When I turn my memories back to my childhood I smell oranges and tangerines that my father brought. And the smell of tropical fruits is still associated with Christmas season in my subconscious. And of course the memories about this season bring me some kind of feeling that I call expecting a miracle. I liked that Holyday because it bound the members of family. I am sure that every reader can tell something wonderful about this miraculous Holyday. It can happen simply because we are from the same country called “Childhood”.
My childhood was during the Soviet Union and at that time Christmas was as a background. The biggest accent was on the New Year. People were preparing for this event very thoroughly. Everybody was in hurry to get a Fur tree by the 31st of December, to buy presents for their family and friends and they were waiting for coming of the Old Man, Frost. People said: The way you meet the New Year the same way you will live the year. And of course people were trying to do their best to meet it as they wanted to live the New Year.
During the Soviet Union period people didn’t speak much about Christmas. In my memories this Holyday was candies and cakes that had been bought for children who came to the door and sang Carols. Those songs were not as Christian songs that tell you about the birth of Christ but as Folklore songs. Also during that time some children visited their grandparents and Godparents to bring them kalatch (kind of fancy loaf of bread) and to get presents. Christmas was celebrated according to the Old Calendar - on the 7th of January.
I am very glad that many things have changed in my Country and today you can go to the church without any fearing to be thrown to the prison. And the attitudes of many people have changed toward the Holydays too. Now many people know that according to the New Calendar Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December and they know what this event means. Christmas has become more important for many people of my Country than meeting the New Year. We live in some kind of transitional period. Today many Christians in Ukraine celebrate this Holyday twice – in December and in January. Do you know who are the happiest ones – children! Now they can get more gifts on this wonderful Holyday. It is great for me to realize that this double Holyday can help more people, especially disadvantaged children– from orphanages, homeless children and special ones. And of course it can help us to become kinder and more soft-hearted.
Today God opens many doors for us, and the name of one of them is virtue. That calls us to help those who are not able to reward you for your kind heart. In our lives we meet many those who are not able to do this, those who are in despair and need a piece of hope. Believe me, even your little help can change the attitude of such a child toward life, can bring real delight to his little world, and can fill him with feeling called “expecting a miracle”… .
Until next time,
Ira
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Survival for the Elderly
In Ukraine, the pension does not provide much money, so many of the elderly create some type of work that may help with their income. Some sell flowers that they grow at home; others sell sunflower seeds and nuts. Many will collect the things in their home that they no long use and try to sell them. They will choose a well travelled path, put a sheet down on the ground, and lay out their goods to sell.
I have been living in the same apartment here in Illichevsk, Ukraine for six years. Some people in my building have died, other have sold their apartment and moved away. There are a number of older women that I see as I go in and out of my building who are pleasant in conversation with me. Not a lot of words, but we have communication.
There is one woman on a pension who lives on the fifth floor that I interact with from time to time. It is difficult to know the ages of people here; many look much older than they are. This particular woman caught my attention one day when she was returning from her work. She had a small hand truck with three nylon bags stacked and strapped to it that she was dragging up the stairs, one backbreaking step at a time. Immediately, I grabbed hold of the bottom of the truck and helped her carry it all of the way to the fifth floor.
Over the years, I have helped her up the steps numerous times. Each time, as I hear her wheezing with every breath that she takes, I realize the reality of the cost of freedom for the people of this country. This woman, like many others, gets up early in the morning, takes her goods to a place in the city, and sits and waits. She may sit in that same spot all day. I have seen her with her item set out and clothes hung from a line between two trees.
I don’t know much about this woman, but I see that she has a life, she has purpose, and she moves forward every day. I have seen her apartment that she shares with another woman, or maybe one of them owns only one room. It is dismal, dark, and very depressing for me to experience, but I wonder what it looks like through her eyes. I wonder how she sees her life. Most of all, I wonder what her life was like prior to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
I have been living in the same apartment here in Illichevsk, Ukraine for six years. Some people in my building have died, other have sold their apartment and moved away. There are a number of older women that I see as I go in and out of my building who are pleasant in conversation with me. Not a lot of words, but we have communication.
There is one woman on a pension who lives on the fifth floor that I interact with from time to time. It is difficult to know the ages of people here; many look much older than they are. This particular woman caught my attention one day when she was returning from her work. She had a small hand truck with three nylon bags stacked and strapped to it that she was dragging up the stairs, one backbreaking step at a time. Immediately, I grabbed hold of the bottom of the truck and helped her carry it all of the way to the fifth floor.
Over the years, I have helped her up the steps numerous times. Each time, as I hear her wheezing with every breath that she takes, I realize the reality of the cost of freedom for the people of this country. This woman, like many others, gets up early in the morning, takes her goods to a place in the city, and sits and waits. She may sit in that same spot all day. I have seen her with her item set out and clothes hung from a line between two trees.
I don’t know much about this woman, but I see that she has a life, she has purpose, and she moves forward every day. I have seen her apartment that she shares with another woman, or maybe one of them owns only one room. It is dismal, dark, and very depressing for me to experience, but I wonder what it looks like through her eyes. I wonder how she sees her life. Most of all, I wonder what her life was like prior to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Sharing the Word
When I moved to Ukraine in 2002, I had the love of Jesus deep in my heart. My vision was not about sharing the plan of salvation, the common desire of most missionaries. Sure, I would if the opportunity presented itself, but that was not the main focus of my work, as I saw it. My goal was to meet their most immediate physical needs.
I have done that for seven years. Every now and then, I am asked if my work is evangelical. Do I tell the children about Jesus? As I shared in The Harvest is Plentiful, it is against the law to talk about God in the orphanages. Even so, my work expresses the love of Jesus through actions rather than only words.
In my travels, I have been invited to speak to churches. I’m not a preacher, but I think that I have plenty of stories to tell about the Living God. So, I take each opportunity to share how God has taken a simple person such as me, and love his children. The best stories are those that tell about all of the natural preparation that I went through. How God built character in me through my difficulties, and the different ways that I grew as a Christian over the past 34 years. The children are coming to the different churches where I speak, and they are hearing about Jesus through my life. They are hearing about a living experience with Jesus, one that is alive today, not only a story that happened 2000 years ago.
It is true that I have spoken in twelve churches in Ukraine during the past 7 years. And I have spoken to the children in a formal setting two or three times. As God opens the doors, this un-preacher will walk through. I will step up to the plate and wait upon my God. As He gives me the words to say, I will gladly share about the love of the Living Jesus in my life; not only the good things, but all of the struggles that it takes to get to the good things.
So now, when people ask me if I am sharing about Jesus, I will answer this way. As God provides the opportunity, I will speak as He gives me the words. If I get ahead of Him and His plan for me, my mission will stumble. So, I wait for His perfect timing to speak to the ears that He has prepared to hear His words through my mouth.
To God Be The Glory!
First Snow
This morning brought the first snow to my city of Illichevsk, Ukraine. The first snow is always welcomed with a great joy. I had to go to the market this morning to get some parts for a project that I’m doing. As I walked across the park, I saw that everyone had been anticipating this first snow.
City workers were out with their branch brooms (brooms made of tree branches), shovels, and scrapers, cleaning the sidewalks and walkways through the park. Although the children were all in school as I made my early morning trek, I will bet that their minds are on snow ball fights and sled riding rather than what their teacher is saying. My most endearing memory of today was the mother pulling her preschool child on a sled. The child was all bundled up with a blanket over her legs, as they did in the traditional sleigh ride in old Russia. I absolutely had to laugh out-loud when I saw a boy hit his mother with a snowball while she walked ahead of him, talking on her phone.
Life goes on as normal here. People put little coats on their dogs and take them out; when nature calls … you know. Laundry day is laundry day here. The wash gets hung out to drip dry or freeze, but it gets hung out. People know how to dress here. They are survivors of the deep freeze. The one woman whose picture I want most; will not allow it. She sits by the street selling sunflower seeds and nuts, year around. It amazes me that she has such patience.
So true winter has come to Illichevsk for a short season of three months. At times it may seem longer, but it is this challenge in life that keeps us sharp, alive, and invigorated.
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