How Orphans Reborn expanded after a set-back
It has often been said that when one door closes, God then opens another one. When we trust Him with all things, we can truly be at peace when life events disturb us and move us out of our comfort zone. Nadezhda, who leads an SGA-supported Orphans Reborn team in Russia, recently had one orphanage close in her region, but God opened an opportunity for new children to hear of their Savior.
Nadezhda has been visiting an orphanage with about 45 children in it for several years, but just a couple of months ago, the orphanage was closed. However, she loved her ministry to the children so much that she didn’t give up. With prayer, Nadezhda began looking for other opportunities to minister to neglected and disadvantaged children. It took her awhile, but she managed to have a meeting with the administration of another orphanage for children with special needs. She asked if she could come to hold a Christmas Celebration with a puppet theater and presents for the children. To her surprise, she received a quick answer—yes!
When the team arrived, it was the first time believers had ever set foot on the premises of this orphanage. The grounds are vast, the buildings beautiful—large and very clean inside. There was a wonderful hall for various children’s events. Nadezhda and her husband, Pastor Vladimir, went inside with Christmas presents in hand. The actors for the puppet theater were already there. When the stage and actors were ready, the staff began bringing the children in. There were 130 children in total for most of the celebration, many of whom are confined to wheelchairs or bedridden.
The performance was wonderful, with a clear Christmas message. The children watched in awe, even those who seemed unable to concentrate or listen, because the beautiful sets and acting captured their attention. After the performance, Pastor Vladimir shared his short message about Christmas and the meaning of the birth of Christ. At the end of the message, they started distributing the Christmas presents. Both children and staff received gifts. Afterwards, when all children left the hall, the orphanage staff shared their impressions with many kind words about how much they enjoyed the performance and how it captivated both the children and the staff. Nadezhda approached the chief administrator and asked her about regularly attending the orphanage, and she was invited to come back later and they would discuss specific topics and timing. Praise the Lord! Nadezda is very joyful and excited—one orphanage with 45 children was closed, but another with about 130 children has now opened its doors. Nadezhda asks for prayers for her ministry, and for her relationship with the staff and children in this new field of ministry.