An Orphans Reborn report from Smolensk, Russia from Olga Ignatenkova

Every year our church organizes a Christian camp. We have children from poor families as well as orphans. Sometimes reaching these children takes time and more than one event. Let me share with you about two boys named Daniel and Vlad, who I hope you will pray for with us.

Vlad came to camp and caused quite a few issues. It was his first time in a Christian camp, and he comes from a very dysfunctional family. His mother was recently remarried and had a baby. Vlad has been completely forgotten. His reaction to everything was aggression. He did not want to be part of the activities at all. He always kept to himself and was aggressive with all adults. But over the 12 days of the camp, his behavior changed. He began to sit with the other kids and eventually started singing songs with us — and answering us in a quieter voice.

After one conflict, I had a sincere talk with him at night when the other boys were sleeping. He began to cry and told me about his family. I gave him a hug, and he burst into tears. His heart melted at last. He wants to go to church and Sunday school, and we are praying that this desire will stay with him.

Daniel’s mother and grandmother died in a car accident only two weeks before the camp — and he had already lost his father before that tragic event. One of his classmates, whose entire family goes to church, learned about the loss of Daniel’s mother and grandmother, and they wanted him to be able to go to our Christian camp. But we had no vacancy. So Daniel’s Christian classmate gave up his place in the camp to make room for Daniel to come.

Even though there was still some tension, we gave him as much love and care as we could and planted seeds in his soul. Please join us in praying for these boys, that God will bring them to Himself in saving faith!