Ukrainian Starfish

Today I attended the 2nd Annual Ukrainian Adoption Reunion in Indianapolis. There were dozens of children from a dozen or so Ukrainian orphanages who now have forever families.

Little Anya said I “have a family that loves me.”

An older girl, Tanya, told of her five years in the orphanage. She said she was afraid to think about the future for fear of what it might hold. But then “a miracle happened.” She also related how her first few weeks in school here in America were horrible and depressed. After she learned English things got better. She said her parents did not give up on her, and “Thanks for that!”

Parents also talked of how they are being blessed by their new families. Greg, who has adopted 9 children in two years, told the Ukraine judge that it was the love God put in his heart for the children that motivated him to adopt so many.

All you had to do was look across that assembly at the faces of the parents and children to know why we do orphan ministry. My heart soared as the children who have also been adopted into God’s eternal family raised their hands—including Annie of whom I wrote last weekend.

Precious were the tears of Lydia. Her heart for the children and the conduit of God’s love are responsible for the blessing to all these children and families. God has truly blessed you, Lydia.

Lydia asked for prayer for what we can all pray:
· For all the children already home,
· For all the families who are adjusting to their new lives,
· For all the children who will come to America this year,
· For the families who God will raise up to host and sponsor the children,
· For all the orphans around the world, and
· For all families God will touch for the cry of the orphans.

As the Story of the Starfish relates, every child matters.