Can you imagine hearing your child ask “could you hug me like someone you love?”

So many orphan children across the former Soviet Union long to be held “like someone you love.” 

Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close (Psalm 27:10).

Through the SGA-supported Orphans Reborn ministry, men and women are faithfully taking time to make sure children feel the “arms” of God through their own love and compassion.  At times, this comes at the sacrifice of their own families. Yet, God continues to paint a beautiful picture for all to see. Through the eyes of children who have a home and loving parents, we can see the same love being shown to an orphan—God’s child.  When families are able to serve together and watch each other in action, eyes are opened to a greater love and a greater desire to be a part of that love. What a privilege to be able to serve alongside someone you dearly love, and to pass that special gift on to a child who is patiently waiting for it.  Please continue to pray for these families who sacrificially give of their time to be the hands and feet of Jesus. 

Kristi Mock shares an amazing story of God’s love being shown to those who long to be loved . . .

A recurring problem among all the ministers is that they often devote much of their time serving and helping others—while overlooking their own loved ones. Because of this, our children, husbands and wives may be suffering. We should not neglect our families while serving Christ. But sadly, we often do.

 It is possible to serve others and your own loved ones at the same time. However, it takes an adjustment to the manner in which we minister. For example, instead of leaving them at home, take your family and children along with you to serve orphans. In this way, your loved ones can understand you better and meet others in need of love as well. And most importantly, it becomes not only your ministry, but the ministry of your whole household.

During the spring retreat, many of our children were with us. Simultaneously, they are in the loving arms of their parents and also witnessing their mom or dad embracing other kids who also long for affection and care.    

Above is a photo of Kristina (SGA ministry worker) with her most proactive and enthusiastic child—her daughter Alyona—whom we saw often at the retreat, working right next to her mom. I thought that Alyona would hardly ever need attention from her mother, as she is no longer a little girl and had many friends around her. But time and again, I noticed them eyeing each other and Alyona looking at her mother as if she were an angel. At all times, Alyona saw orphaned girls surrounding her mom, who they absolutely adored. The girls had longed for a mom like Kristina, so they wanted to spend every waking minute with her. Alyona saw her mom warmly and tenderly hugging these girls in motherly affection. In watching these interactions, I realized that it was the Lord wrapping His arms around those girls, holding them close to Him. Kristina was hugging them like her own loved ones!

Despite the multitude of children who wanted to spend time with Kristina—whether during cleaning or simply to be embraced in her arms—Kristina would always find her beloved little girl. And her eyes were filled with so much love.

I am blessed that our children can be with us, work with us, and witness what we do! May they be 100% sure they will always be first in our lives.”