SGA Supporters Fund Outreach to Emotionally Struggling Orphans

SGA-Supported Orphans Reborn Team in Smolensk, Russia

One of the most difficult topics for the orphans is forgiveness. They feel that they suffer when they are not guilty of anything, and realize that they are in the orphanages because of the actions of others. In their hearts, they still love their parents and wait for them to come to take them home. But it is so difficult for some to forgive when:

• you remain in the orphanage for Christmas, while other children are taken by some relatives. 
• you remember your dad is beating your mom.
• you have scars made by your own father when he was so drunk that he didn’t realize what he was doing. 
• you’re being bullied. You don’t get any comfort, but somewhere in your dreams there’s a kind mother who will intercede and hug you. 

Every time when we begin to discuss forgiveness with the children, we know that there will be difficult questions and ask for God’s wisdom.

In one lesson, we discussed forgiveness and shared what the Bible has to say about it. We told the children about our forgiving Heavenly Father and discussed forgiveness in their lives. A boy named Mathey said, “When you do not forgive, you a have a heavy stone in your heart. But I am afraid to get rid of this stone, I get used to it. But I want to feel joy and lightness.” We had a very good discussion with him, telling him what can we put into our hearts instead of this stone. 

When we hear such questions, we understand that we are doing serious ministry. Mathey is a very attentive boy—he always asks serious questions and thinks a lot about our lessons. Another of the boys came to Nadya after the lesson and said that he cannot forgive his mom. He had a very angry expression on his face, but also tears in his eyes. He said that he would never forgive her, but also whispered, “But I want to love her, I need to love somebody.” Nadya gave him a hug and they prayed together. 

In addition to all this, we gave the children an opportunity to ask each other for forgiveness if they feel that they have done anybody any harm. Two boys actually had a quarrel before the lesson, and one these boys raised his hand and asked for forgiveness. Everybody clapped. The boys became friends again! 

After one of the lessons the head teacher of the orphanage asked us to have some tea together. She called several active teachers as well. They told us about the children and the influence of the Bible lessons. They see very positive results. The children are very active in listening and they retell the stories to each other during the week. Besides, they said that the lessons influence the teachers as well. They look at their own life in a new way, and think about what we tell them. During that tea break they asked some questions about God and Christianity! We appreciate your help and prayers. Please pray for these children with us.