Hello family and friends,
I wish for you a holy holiday season as we draw close to the days that different religions celebrate their joyous times. Here in Ukraine, Christmas is celebrated on January sixth. During this season of giving, we focus on others. Giving to the needs of others can be an overwhelming joy. For the one who receives, the gift can be a lifesaver. The programs that we support through your generosity are lifesavers in many ways.
We are in the midst of our Christmas Fundraiser. Your gift to MUCH will help ensure that we can continue to support our three major outreach programs in the coming year: the Massage Therapy Clinic in Illichevsk, Marganets Orphanage, and the Emmaus Scholarship Program. Other programs that we support on a year-to-year basis, depending on our financial situation, include Marganets Transition House, the Dobromel Orphanage, the Froonza Massage Therapy Program and special programs at Marganets Orphanage.
I visited the Massage Therapy Clinic in Illichevsk this week to take some new video of some of the children who benefit from our treatment program. Four of the six children are infants, less than a year old. A neurologist has diagnosed their muscular problems and prescribed treatment for them. On one hand, it is heartbreaking to see these little ones with such a difficult start in their lives. On the other hand, it is a great joy to have the opportunity to provide the Early Intervention Program for them. It is so heartwarming to watch Tanya, one of our two medical masseuses, work through the treatment program that will help correct the child’s problem. I saw progress in the children even as I watched. Many of the problems we see in the youngest children will affect walking. One of our goals is to correct the problem so the child will be able to walk and thus attend school at the appropriate age.
Dasha, a bright child with Cerebral Palsy that affects her legs, has grown since I last saw her at the Clinic. I compared video of her then and now, and I see the progress she has made over the past several years. When I first met her, she had problems with balance that made walking very difficult, but she is walking independently now and attending school.
Children will not outgrow their muscular problems. The time to provide therapeutic massage is while they are growing and the central nervous system is still developing. Unfortunately, growth, in itself, is causing the muscular system to develop without symmetry. This means that our task is to work faster than the child will develop, retraining the body to operate differently. Some call it rewiring the brain.
As I look to Christmas, my holy holiday season, I feel so very blessed to be able to give our children new opportunities to enrich their lives through your generosity. MUCH and all of its sponsors give hope to the children and their mothers. I see that hope in the mothers’ eyes, hope that their children will live a better life because of the treatment they receive through the Massage Therapy Clinic. Sasha’s mother is among those who are grateful for the Clinic and what it has done for her daughter. Ira will tell you about our visit with Sasha (see below).
On behalf of the MUCH teams here and in America, and for all the children and families whose lives have improved through your generosity, may your holy days be blessed and your New Year be filled with joy and peace.
Blessings of love and healing,
Mark
Friday, December 17, 2010
Ira's Insight
Before my story, I would like to tell you – Merry Christmas and Happy 2011 Year! May the New Year will be blessing for you and fruitful in what you are doing for God. What is Christmas for many people? Christmas season is always about good wishes, unexpected gifts, biscuits and special feeling of mystery that is reigning in the air. I like Christmas very much and what is connected with this, the most mystery holy day. It is special holy day when both children and adults want their wishes and dreams to come true. Sasha, the girl about whom I wrote in some of my previous Ira’s Insights, has a special dream.
Recently, Mark, Svetlana (Mark’s special friend), and I visited Sasha. In the cold flat, we met Sasha, her aunt and her cousin, a little girl with big blue eyes. Svetlana has a very pleasant personality. In her presence, you always feel comfortable. From the first minutes of our visit, Svetlana and Sasha became good friends. Svetlana brought for Sasha a picture book of biblical stories. There was a real mystery in the air when Sasha opened the book, and Svetlana told her about it. It seemed it was the first time when Sasha held such a wonderful book in her hands. Looking at her, I was overwhelmed. There was something that I couldn’t even describe with words. With a great attention and interest, she was looking through the book and was listening Svetlana’s stories.
Then we spoke about Sasha’s visit to Israel. What she remembered the most were palms in Israel streets and of course nice doctors at the clinic. In a serious way, not as a child, she told Svetlana what doctors said to her mother. She told us a story of her life – most of what was being in hospitals and taking different meds. For me it was touching to hear such a story from the girl who is just seven-years-old.
Suddenly Sasha changed the subject of our conversation – she wanted to speak about Santa Claus (in our culture, it is Grandfather Frost) and what presents he would bring her. Have you ever spoken with a child who wanted such Christmas gifts as pencils, a ruler, erasers and to be able to dance as all children? It is her dream. Sasha shared it with us, kept asking us whether her dream would come true. I am sure everyone who is reading these lines about Sasha wishes her dreams to be reality. I believe that once a miracle will happen in her life, and she will be able to dance as all children.
Until next time,
Ira
Recently, Mark, Svetlana (Mark’s special friend), and I visited Sasha. In the cold flat, we met Sasha, her aunt and her cousin, a little girl with big blue eyes. Svetlana has a very pleasant personality. In her presence, you always feel comfortable. From the first minutes of our visit, Svetlana and Sasha became good friends. Svetlana brought for Sasha a picture book of biblical stories. There was a real mystery in the air when Sasha opened the book, and Svetlana told her about it. It seemed it was the first time when Sasha held such a wonderful book in her hands. Looking at her, I was overwhelmed. There was something that I couldn’t even describe with words. With a great attention and interest, she was looking through the book and was listening Svetlana’s stories.
Then we spoke about Sasha’s visit to Israel. What she remembered the most were palms in Israel streets and of course nice doctors at the clinic. In a serious way, not as a child, she told Svetlana what doctors said to her mother. She told us a story of her life – most of what was being in hospitals and taking different meds. For me it was touching to hear such a story from the girl who is just seven-years-old.
Suddenly Sasha changed the subject of our conversation – she wanted to speak about Santa Claus (in our culture, it is Grandfather Frost) and what presents he would bring her. Have you ever spoken with a child who wanted such Christmas gifts as pencils, a ruler, erasers and to be able to dance as all children? It is her dream. Sasha shared it with us, kept asking us whether her dream would come true. I am sure everyone who is reading these lines about Sasha wishes her dreams to be reality. I believe that once a miracle will happen in her life, and she will be able to dance as all children.
Until next time,
Ira
November 2010 MUCH Newsletter
Hello family and friends,
As Christmas draws near, we are focused on our Christmas Fundraiser. The 400 plus children that we help each year are not expecting anything under the Christmas tree. For most of them, Christmas is only a story. But, MUCH continues to provide hope for their future, especially through our major outreach programs: Marganets Orphanage, Emmaus Food Program and Massage Therapy Program.
Marganets OrphanageIn 2002, I met the children of the Marganets Orphanage. Since then, MUCH has provided appropriate clothing, the Drug and Alcohol Awareness program, the Computer program, the Music and Dance Program, and the Massage Program, adding new dimensions to their lives. The children are displaying enthusiasm in their personal lives and positive educational attitudes, looking forward to a more promising future. Your support will help us to continue this progress.
Emmaus Food ProgramThat same year, I met the children of the Emmaus Food Program. MUCH has provided financial assistance to this program, improving the nutritional quality of the meals and supporting the life skills training program. Four years ago, we began to break the cycle of poverty in the lives of some of these children by offering travel scholarships that enable them to attend higher education in nearby Odessa. Your support will help us continue to change lives through higher education.
Massage Therapy ClinicThe unmet needs of disabled children from families with limited income came to my attention, and, after deliberation with local officials and parent organizations, MUCH opened the Massage Therapy Clinic in Illichevsk in 2004. During the past six years, MUCH has been changing children’s lives through the medical practice of massage. Not only are we changing their lives and that of their families, but also in the community, people are opening their eyes and their hearts to the needs of these children. Your support will ensure the clinic can continue to operate on a full time basis.
The MUCH Budget Committee will meet soon to establish the 2011 budget to determine to what extent the three major outreach programs can continue to be supported. Based on that conclusion, the status of the three annually supported programs—Marganets Transition Home, Dobromel Orphanage and Froonza Massage—will be evaluated. Your contributions to the Christmas Fundraiser will help MUCH continue to make a huge difference in the lives of many of the children in Ukraine. We have only just begun to share the love of Christ through your efforts. We have only just begun to change the future of Ukraine through their children. Please join us in this worthy adventure.
November has once again taken me on the road. This year, I received my visa in Krakow, Poland. Thanks to a contact in Krakow, a young man named Konrad helped me find my way to the Ukrainian Embassy. After receiving my visa a few days later, another young man, Paul, helped me buy a train ticket, and he invited me to a prayer meeting. There, I met a group of university students who are interested in coming to the Dobromel Orphanage in Ukraine to help the children.
I am writing this newsletter from the home of the Demborinski's in Ternopol, Ukraine. Bogdan and Luda have been my friends since we met at missionary school in 2002. I will be here a few days before moving on to Borislav to meet with Pastor Volodya. We will travel to visit the children in the Dobromel Orphanage. I will return to Illichevsk by the last day of November.
Ira is anxious to share more with you about Sasha's adventure (see below).
Our contribution to help Sasha travel to Israel was not in our budget. Orphanage #2 in Marganets is hoping that we can offer them some financial help in 2011 to meet a few of their many needs. They have seen the difference that our financial help over the years has made for the children at Orphanage #3. Your contributions to the Christmas Fundraiser will help us to continue our level of support for our major outreaches, which in turn will allow us to continue to support the annual projects and possibly respond to unique needs such as Sasha’s. As you make your Christmas plans, walk a few steps in the shoes of our children. Consider how your gift can alter their lives in 2011.
Blessings of love and healing,
Mark
As Christmas draws near, we are focused on our Christmas Fundraiser. The 400 plus children that we help each year are not expecting anything under the Christmas tree. For most of them, Christmas is only a story. But, MUCH continues to provide hope for their future, especially through our major outreach programs: Marganets Orphanage, Emmaus Food Program and Massage Therapy Program.
Marganets OrphanageIn 2002, I met the children of the Marganets Orphanage. Since then, MUCH has provided appropriate clothing, the Drug and Alcohol Awareness program, the Computer program, the Music and Dance Program, and the Massage Program, adding new dimensions to their lives. The children are displaying enthusiasm in their personal lives and positive educational attitudes, looking forward to a more promising future. Your support will help us to continue this progress.
Emmaus Food ProgramThat same year, I met the children of the Emmaus Food Program. MUCH has provided financial assistance to this program, improving the nutritional quality of the meals and supporting the life skills training program. Four years ago, we began to break the cycle of poverty in the lives of some of these children by offering travel scholarships that enable them to attend higher education in nearby Odessa. Your support will help us continue to change lives through higher education.
Massage Therapy ClinicThe unmet needs of disabled children from families with limited income came to my attention, and, after deliberation with local officials and parent organizations, MUCH opened the Massage Therapy Clinic in Illichevsk in 2004. During the past six years, MUCH has been changing children’s lives through the medical practice of massage. Not only are we changing their lives and that of their families, but also in the community, people are opening their eyes and their hearts to the needs of these children. Your support will ensure the clinic can continue to operate on a full time basis.
The MUCH Budget Committee will meet soon to establish the 2011 budget to determine to what extent the three major outreach programs can continue to be supported. Based on that conclusion, the status of the three annually supported programs—Marganets Transition Home, Dobromel Orphanage and Froonza Massage—will be evaluated. Your contributions to the Christmas Fundraiser will help MUCH continue to make a huge difference in the lives of many of the children in Ukraine. We have only just begun to share the love of Christ through your efforts. We have only just begun to change the future of Ukraine through their children. Please join us in this worthy adventure.
November has once again taken me on the road. This year, I received my visa in Krakow, Poland. Thanks to a contact in Krakow, a young man named Konrad helped me find my way to the Ukrainian Embassy. After receiving my visa a few days later, another young man, Paul, helped me buy a train ticket, and he invited me to a prayer meeting. There, I met a group of university students who are interested in coming to the Dobromel Orphanage in Ukraine to help the children.
I am writing this newsletter from the home of the Demborinski's in Ternopol, Ukraine. Bogdan and Luda have been my friends since we met at missionary school in 2002. I will be here a few days before moving on to Borislav to meet with Pastor Volodya. We will travel to visit the children in the Dobromel Orphanage. I will return to Illichevsk by the last day of November.
Ira is anxious to share more with you about Sasha's adventure (see below).
Our contribution to help Sasha travel to Israel was not in our budget. Orphanage #2 in Marganets is hoping that we can offer them some financial help in 2011 to meet a few of their many needs. They have seen the difference that our financial help over the years has made for the children at Orphanage #3. Your contributions to the Christmas Fundraiser will help us to continue our level of support for our major outreaches, which in turn will allow us to continue to support the annual projects and possibly respond to unique needs such as Sasha’s. As you make your Christmas plans, walk a few steps in the shoes of our children. Consider how your gift can alter their lives in 2011.
Blessings of love and healing,
Mark
Ira's Insights
In Ukraine, Harvest or Thanksgiving Day is celebrated only in the churches. Many people out of the church can’t tell you what it means. It’s very sad. God has given us so much to be thanked for and many people even don’t know about this! I have a great hope that those who love God will continue to proclaim His deeds among unbelievers. May this special day be a blessing for each of you, filled with a significant meaning!
For me this year, autumn was special. I am so appreciative to God for His help through MUCH to a 7-year-old Ukrainian girl, Sasha, who is suffering from a rare disorder characterized by multiple joint contractures. And I am very glad that I work for MUCH, helping with translating and could put my little input to this big project.
As you know, MUCH has helped with some finances for Sasha and her mother, Natasha, to go to Israel Clinic for Sasha to be examined. I was one of the first people whom Natasha called when they returned. She was so excited and so thankful to those who helped her daughter to visit the Israel Clinic. It was first clinic where her daughter was examined so attentively by professional and experienced doctors. She handed me a thankful letter and a card made by her daughter to give to those who helped them. She told that she can’t even express with words what she feels. As a mother, she wants to tell a simple motherly “thank you” to everyone for the help with the trip.
For now, many things are not clear for her. She is still corresponding with the doctor from the Israel Clinic about the operations for her daughter--operations on her chest, spinal cord, arms, feet. First operations should be done on her chest and her spinal cord. . Because of the disease, bones of Sasha’s chest and her spinal cord have deformities that cause problems for her breathing. Some doctors at the Israel Clinic think that it is better for Sasha to have operations on her chest and spinal cord when she is ten. But, mother has been told that it is very important for Sasha to have those operations as soon as possible because the situation with her breathing is getting worse. It is vital for her health. As a mother, she is a little nervous about the unclear situation. We spoke much about God’s time, patience and trust to God.
Sometimes it seems to us that our steps are very little in what we do. Too many “but” appears on our way. I think it is a real art to overcome those “but” both physically and mentally. Our prayers, dreams are like traffic lights. When our prayers are answered, it is green light. Sometimes we meet “yellow light.” It’s test for our patience. It is a test how we trust our Heavenly Father. God is sovereign. It happens that we meet “red light” in our life. For some reasons, God doesn’t answer our prayers. We have to trust Him. Only He knows what is good for us in this or that life situation.
I believe that for Sasha and her mother it is “yellow light.” God will answer her prayers in the right time in His wonderful way. She is waiting for answers from doctors very patiently. As a mother, she wants those operations to be done in the nearest future but at the same time, she realizes that it is God who controls this situation. I am thankful to God that now she has comfort in her heart about the operations and pray that God will continue to give her His wisdom.
Until next time,
Ira
For me this year, autumn was special. I am so appreciative to God for His help through MUCH to a 7-year-old Ukrainian girl, Sasha, who is suffering from a rare disorder characterized by multiple joint contractures. And I am very glad that I work for MUCH, helping with translating and could put my little input to this big project.
As you know, MUCH has helped with some finances for Sasha and her mother, Natasha, to go to Israel Clinic for Sasha to be examined. I was one of the first people whom Natasha called when they returned. She was so excited and so thankful to those who helped her daughter to visit the Israel Clinic. It was first clinic where her daughter was examined so attentively by professional and experienced doctors. She handed me a thankful letter and a card made by her daughter to give to those who helped them. She told that she can’t even express with words what she feels. As a mother, she wants to tell a simple motherly “thank you” to everyone for the help with the trip.
For now, many things are not clear for her. She is still corresponding with the doctor from the Israel Clinic about the operations for her daughter--operations on her chest, spinal cord, arms, feet. First operations should be done on her chest and her spinal cord. . Because of the disease, bones of Sasha’s chest and her spinal cord have deformities that cause problems for her breathing. Some doctors at the Israel Clinic think that it is better for Sasha to have operations on her chest and spinal cord when she is ten. But, mother has been told that it is very important for Sasha to have those operations as soon as possible because the situation with her breathing is getting worse. It is vital for her health. As a mother, she is a little nervous about the unclear situation. We spoke much about God’s time, patience and trust to God.
Sometimes it seems to us that our steps are very little in what we do. Too many “but” appears on our way. I think it is a real art to overcome those “but” both physically and mentally. Our prayers, dreams are like traffic lights. When our prayers are answered, it is green light. Sometimes we meet “yellow light.” It’s test for our patience. It is a test how we trust our Heavenly Father. God is sovereign. It happens that we meet “red light” in our life. For some reasons, God doesn’t answer our prayers. We have to trust Him. Only He knows what is good for us in this or that life situation.
I believe that for Sasha and her mother it is “yellow light.” God will answer her prayers in the right time in His wonderful way. She is waiting for answers from doctors very patiently. As a mother, she wants those operations to be done in the nearest future but at the same time, she realizes that it is God who controls this situation. I am thankful to God that now she has comfort in her heart about the operations and pray that God will continue to give her His wisdom.
Until next time,
Ira
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