Ukraine Update

by Jared White - Missionary Associate Operation Lazarus

Jared & Amanda White

It is difficult to believe that we are already at our half way point for this trip! So far, our time in Ukraine has been even more productive than we hoped that it would be. We are so blessed to be here and are especially thankful for the new members of the Operation Lazarus team, Sasha and Anya Zelenenko! They have been such a blessing to us. Their heart for their kids and for the Lord is so encouraging. As nationals, they are able to connect with the orphans and share the Lord with them in many ways that we cannot. Moreover, sharing an apartment together provides Amanda and I with frequent opportunities to practice our Russian and to be together for times of prayer and encouragement.

Thank you all for your prayers, because God is answering them! During the first few weeks here we had a difficult time getting in contact with some of the young people that we already had relationships with, such as Vanya, Andrei, Nastia, Anya, Yulia, Yana, and Luda, but praise God, as of Wednesday we have been in contact with all of them! Moreover, thanks to the work of Andy and Jaimee, Bridges of Faith, and local volunteers at the summer outreach at Camp Gorney, we also have many new young people spending time with us each week for prayer, English lessons, and just plain old love and attention! So that you can be praying for the new kids that have shown a special interest in spending time with us, their names are: Timur, Kolya, Olya, Ira, and Valya.

Your prayers are also being answered regarding our ability to visit the local orphanages. With the help of Anya and Sasha and their tactful communication, we have been able to visit several orphanages that are traditionally closed to outside visitors. This has enabled us to follow up with new relationships made at the summer outreach. Please be praying that God will give us continued favor with the teachers and the directors of the orphanages, as we are currently working on a plan to bring English lessons and various activities to the kids at the orphanages, as many of the younger children are not able to come to us!

Please also be praying for the spiritual growth of all the kids. We recently started providing a time during the week for the kids to come specifically to gather for prayer, worship, questions about God, and sharing what God is doing in their lives. Pray that they would be hungry for God’s truth, that they would be filled with the Holy Spirit, and that they would learn that they can hear from God and encourage those around them! God is so good. We are thankful that we have the opportunity to be part of what the Lord is doing here in Ukraine – thank you for being part of it as well, with your prayers and support!