Just last year, I
had talked with Ludmilla (Assistant Director) about
the possibility of helping with dental work for the
children. In December we were able to bring two
dentists, one American and one Ukrainian with a mobile
dentist truck to the orphanage to provide dental care. We had an incredible three days at Komarivka.
We were not able to see all the kids but we have a
plan to return on a regular basis to see the others,
staff included as well as follow-up care. We pray that many will be
smiling at the end of this outreach. Sure bad teeth
will be removed, relieving pain and teeth will be
cleaner and whiter but even more important than that
they will hear about the one who make their hearts as
white as snow -free from sin because of the Savior's
sacrifice for them. Praise God for this provision through Mercy Trucks (www.mercytrucksUA.org ), YWAM and
Smile Alliance partnering with our ministry to the
orphanage in Komarivka. God's blessing was upon this
whole trip.
We welcome dentists and
other helpers for future outreaches at Komarivka -
write to us.
We also had two programs with games, puppets and
sharing. The kids not only
learned about keeping their teeth clean but about the
way God uniquely made each of them and His love for
them. We gave out beautiful scarves (Thanks Mom) and
bubbles ( WCC brought these this fall and they were
forgotten) but the children had fun blowing "chilly
bubbles" anyway.
We have traditionally
done a Christmas Party on St. Nicholas' Day.
The party began with a puppet show for all the
children complete with life-size characters and
clowns. The children enjoyed the excitement of this
festive program and the puppeteers shared
the most amazing present of all, Immanuel and his gift
of eternal life!
As a part of the
program, our missionary families also sang Christmas
carols with the children rejoicing in the
gift of God's Son. After the program of presents (thank you Church of
Bethel and Dean and Denise's small group),
prizes and songs, the children enjoyed a
Christmas party with cakes, cookies and other treats.
The hall was decorated with over 150
red, white and green balloons! There were many smiles
that day in the village of Komarivka. Thanks
for blessing the children in such a special way.