August 2011

Two Boys Survive the Impossible, You Helped

Building relationships with desperate kids in the Ukraine

Abandoned and Alone
Abandoned by his mother, and left by his unemployed father to fend for himself, Svletislav does the best he can to survive. We recently met Svletislav, an independent little boy who looked too young to be all alone. We asked him some questions and he revealed his heart-wrenching story.

Svletislav is from a little town in Ukraine called Poninka, with a population of about 5,000. The typical living situation there is comparable to inner- city conditions in the U.S., but Poninka is in far more desperate need. The large manufacturing company that provided most of the jobs for the village recently shut down, leaving many families destitute, including Svletislav’s.

The good news? Our friend, pastor Oleg, now serves little Svletislav by visiting him and bringing him food, love, and compassion.

Headed for the Mental Home
In the region of Cherkasy, south of Kiev, lives another little boy named Sasha. Both of his parents struggle with alcoholism. Sasha is usually left on his own. He is so malnourished, that this seven-year-old boy has the physical appearance of a four-year old! When Sasha gets desperately hungry, he runs to visit his neighbor’s house where he raids her kitchen for food. Because he has no one to help him, Sasha has trouble keeping up in school. His mind is healthy, but if he can’t raise his grades, he may soon be placed in a special home for the mentally handicapped. CHF is exploring ways to help Sasha and other children like him in the Ukraine.

Determined to Beat the Despair
Meeting Svletislav and Sasha made us even more determined to start a Mercy Network of churches in the Ukraine who will regularly and consistently take initiative to serve needy children and families in their communities. Children need so much more than food! They have spiritual, emotional, and physical needs that must be addressed. With your support, CHF will help those churches build trust- relationships through time and ongoing care.

Your gifts help us serve children like Svletislav and Sasha, not just in Eastern Europe, but around the world. Thank you!

This article came from a recent issue of FrontLines. Download the full issue.
Read stories like this in your inbox. Subscribe to CHF's Compassion Connection.