LAMb International

MEET ANYA - OUR NEW LITTLE GIRL AT DAYSPRING

2012-02-18T21:59:00.000-08:00

DAYSPRING IS NOW HOME TO ANYA - AGE 6

She is 6 years old and already a joy to our hearts. Another sad story, but at this time safe and loved. Little Anya came to us from our area - from family with serious issues. She was so scared she would not say more than yes or no. We thought she had speech problems, but as time progressed words came forth. We understand now how fear will freeze the tongue. But dear little Anya does talk and she is chatting away.

The family at Daysping have received her with open arms. Little Anya - our newest addition to our family. Again - we will work with the parents to ensure visits and hopefully - if possible - reconnect her. Her family is now our family too.

WELCOME ANYA!!!!! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT TO HELP THESE LITTLE GIRLS.

The LAMb Team

POSSIBILITIES

2012-02-14T11:35:00.000-08:00

POSSIBILITIES - PROBABILITIES - AND MIRACLES

A seed of a thought raced through our minds when we were informed that the man that built Dayspring has almost completed a second home. Since LAMb had purchased Dayspring from him, he contacted us to see if we might want to purchase this house.

Dayspring is a Family Resource Center that is designed to provide family for up to ten girls that would have ended up in an orphanage. Dayspring is not yet at capacity, athough another child was received there yesterday. More on her in a later post.

This post is about the potential for a second home. It would be called Jeremiah House and would be used as a transition house for children aging out of the orphanages. Many children age out of the orphanages after grade 9 or about age 15. Often the only alternative is technical school or the streets.

The harsh reality is that only one third of these children will be 'successful'. The rest struggle with drugs, alcohol, prostitution. Many end up being trafficked or in prison.

We have written a model program for Jeremiah House and we know, right now, of a number of children that are in need of this home....a need that "digs" into our hearts.

Potential, possibilities: YES. But then there are the realities we need to deal with. The house has a price tag of $47,000 and from past experience with Dayspring we know it would take another 12 to 15 thousand to complete for family use.

The Lord instructs us to "watch and wait". We have been watching and waiting. Is now the time?
If this potential project touches your heart and you have a desire to be involved in making Jeremiah House, in Kyrgyzstan, a reality, please contact us at lambinternational@gmail.com

THE RIVER IS CONFUSING

2012-02-08T08:52:00.000-08:00

LAMb International is committed to a

A WORLD WITHOUT ORPHANS.

Yet, how can this happen?

We must cover the river - and it is both difficult and confusing. Our work can be difficult, complicated and not always understood on one side of the river only. Let me explain:

1. In Ukraine we have an entire project called Adopt Ukraine. Our staff work deligently speaking to churches and telling people about the children in orphanages. They then are there to answer questions and help nationals follow up with volunteering and even becoming adoptive parents.
2. We work closely with two different groups who help children to be adopted internationally, including helping them with different laison work where we can.
3. Our organization in Ukraine - ILDC is committed to training government workers, NGO staff, prospective parents and church leaders who are working with children and families.
4. We work both sides of the ocean as an advocate for adoption - nationally and internationally. We know it is and injustice for us to do only one or the other - we must cover the river if we are to see a Ukraine Without Orphans. Unfortunately we are just a small fish in a great big sea. We cannot alter the present sitaution for ever person, but we can and have seen a difference made for many different children.

LAMb is and always will be committed to covering the river. We work with deligence to help where needs surface, to aide when we can, and to serve those childen who are the most vulnerable of society. We want children to have famililes. Our hearts are torn out for those who are still in the orphanages - who see families come and go with adopted children, when we see the cry of the orphan - "will you be my mother?"

LAMb International and CBN are once again sponsoring a conference in Ukraine - the second of such conferences - it is to bring families who have adopted together to gain support, receive knowledge and to enjoy each other as they share their stories of how they have become a family. This conference - March 30 - April 1 will bring over 200 people together and will be once again giving a message - ADOPTION IS WONDERFUL AND we can work together to see a UKRAINE WITHOUT orphans.

We are NOT AN ADOPTION agency - we are advocates of adoption - INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL. We are adoptive parents, our speakers will all be adoptive parents, as will all our workshop leaders. And as we come together in a country where there is the Law of Secrecy about adoption, we are thrilled that over 200 (100 families) will step out into the public and say - I have created family through adoption!

Covering the river is our passion - supporting any and all who work on the river our goal. Together we can support one another and together we can see children have families and the orphanages of yesterday, changed into better use. Together we can make a difference in the world - ONE STEP AT A TIME WITH A PASSION FOR A WORLD WITHOUT ORPHANS.

The LAMb Team

A THANK YOU TRIBUTE TO YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY AT CHRISTMAS

2012-02-02T19:04:00.000-08:00

A TRIBUTE TO YOU WHO WERE SO GIVING TO HELP OUR TEAM CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH THOUSANDS....

As most of you know our team members - the Wright family along with a traveling team from Canada went to Kyrgyzstan to conduct the 2011 Christmas Blessing. It was our goal to raise $20,000 for the event and in the end we raised over $30,000. This ended up being what was needed to conduct the full range of events needed and planned by our on the ground team there.

The Wrights along with those who joined in - were able to deliver over 20,000 pounds of food, give gifts to over 3,000 persons and share parties, dinners and just good times to hundreds. Hope and Dignity were returned to our dear friends. It was a reminder to them of what generosity can do - and a teaching time to show them how to do just that. Many nationals joined in to give, serve and learn. As we hope to bring Hope and Dignity to the helpless and hurting - we pray our nationals will become activated fully when we are not there to do the same.

You are helping us teach a national to serve one another and we are so thankful for all you have allowed our team to do!

THIS VIDEO JUST MIGHT CHANGE YOUR LIFE!

GREAT JOB LAMb Team!

CONFIRMED - SLAVIK HAS BEEN FOUND

2012-02-01T11:13:00.000-08:00

WE ARE SO EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE IT IS TRUE -

SLAVIK HAS BEEN FOUND.

READ THE STORY FROM OUR ON THE GROUND STAFF - NATASHA AND THE TEAM

FROM NATASHA! I have very very good news for you. So, I will start from the beginning. Today Dasha, Davina, Zukra, Madlen and I went to Chui Orphanage........... When we were ready to leave, I saw a boy and the boy was Slavik whom we have benn looking for!!! He has been at Chui Orphanage only for 5 days. It was true that he was working in Kazakhstan for a Dungan family.........He said that Dungan people paid him some money and he bought some food for him. When he tried to cross Kazah border second time he was caught by Kazah border guards and they sent him to Bishkek Children Police Department. All this time he has been in different places in Bishkek. And now he is at Chui Orphanage. He has no clothes, just torn pants and not very warm coat.

JOHN SENT A TEAM OVER WITH CLOTHING AND A NEW COAT FOR HIM RIGHT AWAY....PRAISE GOD!
SLAVIK IS SAFELY RETURNED TO TOKMOK! NOW - THE NEXT STEPS?....

GUEST BLOGGER!

2012-01-30T19:48:00.000-08:00

Hi! This is Kim Gebele . . . a newly appointed board member of LAMb International! I wanted to post this blog update for Mom and Lynn while they are on vacation - more like a workation but they are relaxing and getting the much needed respite! God has GREAT things planned for the upcoming year and they will need this rest (and as a daughter, I am glad to see them get a little rest!).

Lying on Your Back Doesn't Mean You Can't Still Minister!

Many of you know that my Uncle Don is a quadriplegic and he along with my Aunt Johanna are part of the founding partners of LAMb. Over the years Uncle Don has been in and out of the hospital and rehab centers recovering from surgeries, etc. Each time he and my Aunt Johanna is a blessing to the hospital and rehab staff. Sometimes, they see for themselves the miracle Uncle Don is as he leaves their care and returns home. Sometimes (often) defying doctors expectations. While in their care they bless them with their positive outlook on life and their ability to continue to Praise God for what He as done in my uncle's life and their family.

After all of these years of Uncle Don being a blessing to them (the hospital), they are returning in kind and blessing the work he is part of, blessing LAMb and those they serve.

Here's an email that we just received from Uncle Don! Praise God! Kindred staff . . . THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATION!

We recently received a donation of 100 stethoscopes! Over the past 10 or 12 years Don has spent a considerable amount of time at a small local medical facility here in Tucson Arizona. The administration and staff have been very kind and considerate to us during this time and we have established many friendly relationships. We often share with them the activities of LAMb International. They are usually very interested in the conditions, equipment, staff and patients of the hospitals and similar facilities we assist. Last week, this hospital, Kindred Hospital, donated 100 (yes, 100!) brand-new stethoscopes to LAMb International USA to help the doctors, nurses and therapists at these facilities. Many thanks to Kindred Hospital of Tucson Arizona and to Dr. Sunil Natrajan, Don pulmonologist who initiated the process.

Don & Johanna Buchman - LAMb International USA

You can be sure that the recipients of these stethoscopes will be blessed! They will be getting something that isn't easily obtained in some of the countries that LAMb ministers in. Some of the hospitals fight to barely survive to serve the needs of their loved ones, neighbors, and communities. Sometimes with no supplies at all trying to nurse the sick (both children and adults) back to health.

This is indeed a blessing!!!

100 stethoscopes in more than three full boxes!

Steven, a Kindred Hospital staff member, delivering the stethoscopes!

BEDS FOR KEMIN, Kyrgyzstan - WORK CONTINUES NO MATTER

2012-01-29T20:21:00.000-08:00

BEDS MEAN MORE SENIORS WILL SOON BE WARM, SAFE AND WELL CARED FOR AT KEMIN SENIOR HOME KYRGYZSTAN!

We might be on the first vacation we have had for many many years - we are so excited to share the work continues. Our on the ground team made a deliver this week and it was received with lots of excitement. Remember, we got a call that Kemin home for seniors that have been rescued from homelessness. The director - Tanya said they had need of more beds so they could take more seniors into the home and care for them. Well, YES OR COURSE WE WILL BUY MORE BEDS.

So our team - led by Natasha went on the hunt and rounded up 7 beds - all used but in GREAT SHAPE. She looked in the paper and found beds for sale and went around with a driver and gathered them up and had them delivered.

GOOD JOB TEAM - YOU DID REALLY GOOD. Seniors will be safe, warm and well cared for by Tanya and Cola and soon we will see them and learn their names and hear their stories.

IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO.

The LAMb Team

A REMINDER OF HOW HELPING CAN REALLY MOTIVATE OTHERS TO HELP!

2012-01-26T12:52:00.000-08:00

In Kyrgyzstan, they do not have what we consider as a GP. It is up to an individual and their family to navigate through the system on ...

CHECK OUT JOHN'S BLOG FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL STORY
www.actofkindness.blogspot.com

CAN YOU BELIEVE WITH US? A WORLD WITHOUT ORPHANS!

2012-01-25T14:05:00.001-08:00

OUR PARTNERS SHARE IN THIS GREAT VIDEO - MADE IN UKRAINE

Karen, Steve, Christy, Rya, Oleg, and so many others speak here - 12 minutes of your time please!

WE LEAVE HERE ON MARCH 17TH FOR UKRAINE AND THEN ON TO KYRGYZSTAN. WE ARE BELIEVING IN A FUTURE OF:

UKRAINE WITHOUT ORPHANS

KYRGYZSTAN WITHOUT ORPHANS

A WORLD WITHOUT ORPHANS

When you begin to understand the plight of what an orphan experiences, you cannot be silent. Join us and do what ever you can to bring families to orphans. We can do this - A WORLD WITHOUT ORPHANS - ONE COUNTRY AT A TIME

ISKRA, KYRGYZSTAN - PROGRESS CONTINUES

2012-01-24T16:45:00.000-08:00

WE ARE SO PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE EVEN MORE PROGRESS AT THE ISKRA HOME FOR DISABLED MEN!

We are so encouraged to see the progress at Iskra. At one time this place was a dark and unfriendly place. It was a home for men who were not only disabled, but lacking any hope, dignity or joy. The men tell us of how they were always fighting and how everyone was unfriendly.

Now today, we hear and see some very different things. Men are full of smiles, there are men working on crafts, borrowing books out of the recently placed library, working together to paint, fix things and make their home a place in which they not only live - but REALLY LIVE.

The dismal dining room now sparkles with new lights and a new ceiling, new windows that let in beautiful natural light and with heater that really work. No more sitting in the dining room and chilling as you eat. The WALLS are almost done completely. And NEXT we will put down a new floor - one that is even and will allow them men to come in without fear of tripping over broken concrete.

We just heard another group has "discovered" Iskra and we are so pleased to hear they are wanting to help in the dining room too. There is some hope they might be able/willing to purchase tables and chairs for the men. Of course the needs are GREAT - but we are so happy to see the progress and know the men are getting a chance to smile, laugh and begin to HOPE ONCE AGAIN.

Larissa said, "The men used to come in to eat with their heads down and just went to a table to eat. Now they come in look up and smile. They keep looking at their ceiling and smiling. It is really good."

Thank you so much.

The LAMb Team

WHEN HELPING BRINGS HOPE

2012-01-21T15:28:00.000-08:00

A WONDERFUL EMAIL FROM OUR COUNTRY DIRECTOR IN KYRGZSTAN- NATASHA

Let's identify when helping really helps.

Our team delivering food and mattresses to the seniors at Kemin Senior Home

1. He was abandoned in Kyrgyzstan in 1991 when the Soviet Union fell. He was a fighter pilot from Ethiopia. This week we hired him full time to work with us. We love him dearly and he is a critical part of our team. Welcome aboard Hymanot!

2. The two young women are on our team - again more nationals; Madlin and Zukrah. Each with critical roles for our team - Madlin as our Child Advocate and Zukrah as our Assistant Country Director.

3. The children - Jenya and Dasha - visiting the seniors at Kemin Senior Home for the homeless. These children visit weekly with our team above. They are going to put together a play for the seniors and the seniors are so excited and happy to have our little girls from Dayspring as frequent visitors.

4. And the seniors - they are now offering hope to our little girls - love, relationship and an opportunity for them to serve as well.

So - children serving seniors and seniors serving children. Pretty cool, eh?

ANNOUNCING A GIANT LEAP OF FAITH FOR OUR TEAM

2012-01-21T14:39:00.000-08:00

WE ARE SO EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT OUR TEAM MEMBERS - THE WRIGHTS HAVE TAKEN THE LEAP OF FAITH

Joy unspeakable joy! John, Julie, Bekah and Emma will be out in the field of ministry full time. Julie has officially resigned from her job. We are behind them 100% and believe this is a very special day for all of us. The Wrights have served Kyrgyzstan for many years - going back and forth - working jobs to help with expenses - doing fund raising and then heading back to build HOPE AND DIGNITY to the nationals of Kyrgyzstan. Today - we announce FOCUS, COMMITMENT AND COURAGE.

NOW - WE NEED YOU TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE TO HELP THEM

WE NEED MONTHLY SUPPORTERS FOR OUR TEAM MEMBERS - THE WRIGHTS. YOU CAN DO THIS BY CLICKING ON THE BUTTONS ABOVE AND IDENTIFYING THEM AS YOUR SUPPORT DESIGNATION. ALL FUNDS WILL GO DIRECTLY TO THEIR SUPPORT.

Thank you so much!

The LAMb Team

YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN US IN APRIL

2012-01-20T05:26:00.001-08:00

Short Term Mission: Kyrgyzstan from Mapleview Community Church on Vimeo.

JOIN US FOR THE MISSION TRIP THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOREVER~

KYRGYZSTAN IS WAITING FOR YOU

REQUESTS THAT TOUCH THE HEART - we thank you!

2012-01-18T19:21:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK WE RECEIVED A REQUEST FROM KEMIN SENIOR HOME THAT TOUCHED OUR HEARTS - "We need more beds." This has great meaning to us as it means there are more seniors coming to Kemin - senior rescued from the streets - rescued from conditions of abandonment, need and loss. When we obey James 1:27 what joy comes to our heart. ...."...to look after orphans and widows in their distress...."

The request came to purchase more beds - about 7 - to accommodate more seniors into the home. This home is serving the most vulnerable of society - the elderly. We are honoured to be working with Cola and Tanya in their desire to help these seniors. Over the years you - our sponsors have installed a heating system, bought coal, food and clothing. You have helped put flooring down, bring in furniture, new chairs in the dining room. You have allowed us to divide rooms, make a nursing station, a craft area and a chapel - all in the home.

We are presently gathering funds to help complete a fence so they can have a garden. You have helped bring slippers, coats and appliances. Many changes are directly due to YOUR SUPPORT. And now we need more beds. WE SAID YES - YES - YES. We want to help. You can sponsor this - $500 and it is done!

NEW BEDS FOR KEMIN - ON THE WAY - WE KNOW IT WILL HAPPEN - AND WE ARE THRILLED.

Thanks from the LAMb Team

CHILDREN AND SENIORS

2012-01-16T18:30:00.000-08:00

WHEN CHILDREN VISIT SENIORS - DIGNITY LIVES

We were thrilled to get the news from our staff in Kyrgyzstan about the joining together with a visit between our dear seniors and our little girls from Dayspring. The staff go to Kemin Senior home each week to visit the seniors - spending time with the seniors, hearing their stories, taking them different little gifts and of course food.

Yesterday Natasha emailed us to let us know this week they took the little girls from Dayspring to visit the seniors - and guess who told stories this time? The little girls. They chatted non-stop with the seniors and the seniors were ECSTATIC. Natasha said it was one of the best visits ever at Kemin Senior Home.

Just imagine the HOPE AND DIGNITY it brings the seniors to be honoured with the presence of little children who come for one purpose only - to visit THEM!

Good work team - just plain good work!

BRINGING HOPE AND DIGNITY TO NICARAGUA PASTORS

2012-01-10T16:47:00.000-08:00

Barnabas Group Update
Pastor Glen Pitts

LAMb Team Member is heading to Nicaragua!

If you saw ten men carrying alog – nine were at one end and only one was at the other, to which end wouldyou go? You would go to the end wherethere was only one man. Right? In many ways that’s exactly what I am feelingled to do, to the degree I can, among those called to ministry.

Nicaragua is one of thepoorest countries in Central and South America. They are second only to Haiti in the western hemisphere. Most pastors in this country live on next tonothing! That’s why to me they represent the “one” at the end of the log –struggling unfairly to carry the load. And that’s why I feel compelled to help them.

I have committed myself withGod’s help to step up for three four-day conferences in 2012 (February, June &November) to help some of these amazing foot-soldiers. Thirty-five pastors will be selected by thepeople on the ground in Nicaragua for this unique opportunity.

What we ask from them, beyonda token $5 per conference, is simply their fullest commitment to this trainingprocess and a personal openness to be used of God in greater ways to reach anddisciple others for Jesus.

I am reaching out to a few inour circle of friends to ask for their prayers and generous help!

MIGHT YOU BE SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO SERVE THOSE IN NICARAGUA?

You can do this by helping Glen Pitts our team leader! He says, "I am praying that God willplace it upon some to step up":

Sponsor who can/will cover the cost of one entireconference - $5,250.
Sponsor one pastor: $150 per conference or$450 for all three conferences.
Give what you can - even $10 will go a long way in this very poor country!

THE TEAM RETURNS - BUT REALLY WHERE IS HOME?

2012-01-09T16:10:00.000-08:00

THE TEAM HAS RETURNED TO CANADA AND READY TO HEAD BACK TO CENTRAL ASIA AND UKRAINE IMMEDIATELY!

Not surprising the team is ready to head back. We all return soon, in fact the return begins in March with the Schoolers and Johnstons heading to Ukraine and then on to Kyrygzstan. The Wrights will follow just a few weeks behind by arriving into Kyrgyzstan in April.

We will be joined by the Gebeles in April and then later by a team. (YOU MIGHT WANT TO JOIN THIS TEAM - JUST CONTACT US TO SIGN UP!)

Emma Wright (pictured above) has served as our Life Skill Specialist for over a year at Dayspring. She lived there and worked with the children. She was a HUGE asset to the program. We have loved her stories and her humbleness in all she contributed. One story she just gave to us really touches our hearts:

She tells of Jenya's first days of going to school once she came to Dayspring. Emma went to school to pick her up and students wanted to know who Emma was. Jenya shared that Emma was in her family and that she (Jenya) was now a home girl.

You see - Jenya before coming to Dayspring, Jenya was a street girl, an orphan in her thinking - and she now saw herself as a home girl - a girl having a home, a family. Oh how the tears flowed when we read Emma's report.

EMMA - MAY YOU BE BLESSED FOR ALL YOU HAVE GIVEN, FOR BEING A PART OF THE FAMILY..... WE LOVE YOU DEARLY. Your family will miss you. :(

THE LAMb Team

WHERE ARE THE TEAM MEMBERS FOR LAMB

2012-01-07T12:59:00.000-08:00

GLEN PITTS IS IN CANADA - PREPARING TO LEAVE FOR NICARAGUA!

THE WRIGHTS ARE HEADING TO CANADA - HEADING BACK TO KYRYGZSTAN IN THE SPRING OR SUMMER!

THE SCHOOLERS ARE IN BELARUS - HEADING BACK TO UKRAINE AND KYRGYZSTAN IN MARCH!

THE JOHNSTONS ARE IN NORTH AMERICA - HEADING TO UKRAINE AND KYRGYZSTAN IN MARCH!

THE DON BUCHMANS ARE IN ARIZONA - AND STAYING PUT!

THE ADAM BUCHMANS ARE IN OHIO - AND SERVING FROM THE BUCKEYE STATE!

THE GEBELES ARE IN OHIO - HEADING TO KYRGYZSTAN IN APRIL!

Plus we have staff in Ukraine and in Kyrgyzsta. Thought you all might want to know.

SCHOOLER UPDATE - THE LAMb TEAM CONTINUES..

2012-01-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

The Journey Continues: LAMb Team Spread Around the World: When I think of the exciting things ahead for the LAMb team, it is awesome to see how God has lead us in ministry and work opportunities aro...

VITAMINS BEING SORTED AND DELIVERED

2012-01-06T17:30:00.000-08:00

OUR TEAM HEADS BACK TO CANADA TOMORROW, LED BY JOHN WRIGHT - THE TIME IN KYRGYZSTAN HAS BEEN A MAJOR SUCCESS. The Christmas Blessing continues even now without the team, as our on the ground volunteers and staff continue to carry out parties and deliver gifts to children. In addition, the vitamins have been sorted and are now being delivered. Vitamins will be delivered to the orphanage monthly to ensure children get the vitamins in an ongoing basis - one a day! Imagine what the benefit will be after a year of a consistent vitamin program.As the team returns, we are gearing up to return. We will be taking a team over this spring as well. If you might want to join us - to help and serve those we serve, please contact us. We need you.

Kyrgyzstan is a beautiful country with beautiful people and they are WAITING!Join us!The LAMb Team

OUR BABUSHKAS GET HONORED

2012-01-05T03:37:00.000-08:00

BABUSHKA VALENTINA

BABUSHKA VERA

WHAT A JOY TO SEE OUR ON THE GROUND TEAM HAS HONORED OUR BABUSHKAS....These dear ladies are so helpful and considerate of our foreign ways. The team took them to dinner and just look at the fun they had!

Babushka Vera and Babushka Valentina (picured) alone have on many occasions stepped into helping us - like when the police came to our door and were yelling about something - never did find out what. However our Babushka Valentina came hurrying down the steps and stepped in front of them - rambled on and on with them. She then tuned to Lynn and asked for his passport. She grabbed his passport - held it with an iron grip and put it in the faces of the police and what we were seeing is the police begin to "melt". She promptly told them to leave and away they went and so did she without another word.

When I left for a couple of weeks and headed to Ukraine - Babushka Vera showed up every day with a little dish of something to feed Lynn. He was well taken care of!

THAT'S OUR BABUSHKAS and the team blessed them today!

THANK YOU TEAM!

GATHERING THE TEAM FOR KYRGYZSTAN

2012-01-03T10:05:00.000-08:00

SHORTH TERM MISSION TRIP TO KYRGYZSTAN - OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE...APRIL 28 - MAY 11, 2012. We are inviting you to join us in Kyrgyzstan for the opportunity to serve. If you have been thinking about this - now is the time. Just contact us and we will get you the details. This team will be building a playground at Dayspring, sharing and loving on homeless seniors, working with disabled adults and spending quality time with lots of orphans. We NEED you to extend His hands and feet in meeting needs and bringing HOPE AND DIGNITY to hundreds!LAMb International Short Term Mission Trip - April 28 - May 11, 2012.Contact us at: lambinternational@gmail.comThe LAMb Team

THE TRIBUTE - TO OUR TEAM

2012-01-02T08:20:00.000-08:00

OUR CHRISTMAS BLESSING HAS TURNED INTO A TRIBUTE TODAY....with bringing our on the ground volunteers and staff to a celebration of thanks. The team hosted a bowling day with all. It was a day of fun filled laughter and good tidings. We are so honoured to have such a great bunch of people who help us over and over again doing what is needed to bring HOPE AND DIGNITY to the hundreds/thousands who cross our path. Check out the rest of the pictures on John's blog: www.actofkindess.blogspot.comThe LAMb Team

LYDIA AND HER STORIES

2012-01-02T04:08:00.001-08:00

LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN

This new year gives each and everyone a chance to do things differently. I am reminded of something I was shown years ago: a billboard with the words; "RUBY, THINK DIFFERENTLY." I never understood how that billboard appeared and what it meant for others, but as I was driving in San Francisco and saw that, I felt it was specifically for me. Think differently. It can mean many things to many people.

Today, January 2, 2012 I want to encourage everyone to THINK DIFFERENTLY. ENGAGE YOUR LISTENING SKILLS! Find a senior and ask questions, give them time to tell their stories. They have them, they just need someone to listen. Visit a nursing home, a home for the disabled and ask questions - have them share their stories. You will be amazed at the wonderful history that will be revealed. And you will be blessed as you bless!

Lydia in the picture is with James Weening from Ontario - Lydia lives in Kemin Senior Home in Kemin, Kyrgyzstan. She was a teacher and has many stories she loves to tell. We love her dearly and love to listen to her share the different memories she has. Oh yes, some are sad stories too. Like the time her son-in-law kicked her out of the house; the loss of her daughter and her finding herself homeless without a place to live. And then she goes to her blessing - the rescue of her from the streets by Tanya and Cola - the directors at Kemin Senior Home and that she now has a place to live out her life. OH THE STORIES - JUST LISTEN AND LOVE! YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY.

BLESSINGS THIS NEW YEAR

THE LAMb Team

OH FOR A PAIR OF BOOTS

2012-01-01T13:03:00.001-08:00

THE DELIVERY WAS JUST MADE - TO A HOME FOR DISABLED ADULTS

You need to read the report from our son-in-law and daughter as they made the delivery. We loaded their truck as they left Ontario this week. It was full of very special items of clothing along with a great number of brand new t-shirts for this home where disabled and often forgotten persons live - in Ohio:

"What a blessing Friday to deliver the clothing & talk to some of the staff. Yesterday they went through the clothing and it was like Christmas again. The man who got the boots was so excited he slept in them last night and wouldn't take them off."

This was a very special delivery of clothing to a very special group of people we love and have the honour of visiting from time to time.

THANKS KIM AND RANDY FOR DELIVERING THE BLESSING!

THE LAMb Team!

DAYSPRING - 2011

2011-12-31T12:13:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE. We are honoured by you over and over again. This year DAYSPRING really became a reality with children running around Acel's feet. She is busy now with five children and enjoying her days being mother to all. We are so blessed by the giving and sharing of both her and Talant, her husband.

DAYSPRING is growing - and we have all of you to thank for supporting the project. We are looking forward to building a new playground in the spring, thanks to a generous donation. We have support for one child to attend School of Blessing - thanks to a supporter. We are building this project little by little and will keep you informed of the needs later. Today we just want to thank you and tell you from Dayspring....

HAPPY NEW YEAR. MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU..

THE LAMb Team

BROTHER TO BROTHER - CULTURES APART

2011-12-30T19:19:00.001-08:00

JAMES WEENING - from here in Barrie, Ontario is one of our team members in Kyrgyzstan getting the amazing opportunity to share in the Christmas Blessing. He is here with Jenish from Bishkek, Kygyzstan. Jenish is a committed servant of God. He leads so many different project - most specifically the work being done at Teen Challenge. Right now he is the "buddy" for James in our Christmas Blessing. This blessing is the creation of our on the ground team the Wrights. Christmas Blessing 2011 is serving over 2,000 orphans, elderly and disabled.

You cannot imagine the mark it is making - bringing Hope and Dignity to all. The BEST JESUS CELEBRATION you would ever find in Kyrgyzstan!

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR GENEROUS FINANCIAL SUPPORT, PRAYERS AND WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT AS WE CARRY FORTH.

THE LAMb Team

CHRISTMAS BLESSING - CATCH THE BLOG TO BE IN THE KNOW!

2011-12-29T11:12:00.000-08:00

John and Julie are in full gear...the parties have begun! We are thrilled to have a NEW LAMb "explorer" there with our on the ground team - the Wrights. James Weening from Barrie is there too - scouting out and helping out. Go James! We are praying for you and for your time serving our dear friends, children, elderly and disabled.

Check the blog:

www.actofkindness.blogspot.com

THE LAMb Team

ISKRA, KYRGYZSTAN UPDATE ON MEN'S HOME

2011-12-29T10:59:00.001-08:00

WOW..Larissa just sent this picture of the completed ceilings in the Iskra Men's Home - (Jordan! look at this!). We are so excited to see in this picture three MAJOR renovations - the heating system is DONE, the ceilings are DONE, and the new windows are DONE!

Now, our team on the ground right now will be bringing new track suites, socks and under ware for ALL 250 men! Watch this happen. Thank you all for the donations for the heat, windows and the ceilings. Walls and floors are next...then tables and chairs and new eating utensils.

WHAT A BLESSING FOR THESE FORGOTTEN AND ABANDONED MEN! HOPE AND DIGNITY BEING RESTORED.

THE LAMb Team..

9 SMILING FACES ARE LANDING IN BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN

2011-12-27T15:15:00.000-08:00

THEY SMILE SO HARD IT HURTS - BUT IT IS OH SO GOOD! Our LAMb Team is arriving into Bishkek as I type this blog. They have traveled over 30 hours and have been sitting, sitting and sitting some more getting ready for this GRAND ENTRY into Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Our 9 team members are being led by LAMB Search and Rescue leaders - John and Julie Wright. The Wrights are critical to the work that is being done on the ground in Kyrgyzstan - most specifically this trip for the CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS.

As they deliver food, clothing, gifts, vitamins and have lots of parties with the children (orphans), the elderly and the disabled, they bring HOPE AND DIGNITY once again into the lives - bringing SMILES AND MORE SMILES.

Thank you for all your generous support in funds and prayers to make this possible.

THE LAMb Team

SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM ON THE MOVE TOMORROW MORNING

2011-12-25T15:55:00.000-08:00

WHEN THE LAMb SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM GOES TO WORK - LOOK OUT! Things happen! Our prayers are with you team - as you journey tomorrow to Kyrgyzstan to carry forth the Christmas Blessing. We are behind you with prayers, encouragement and love!

The LAMb Team

KYRGYZSTAN CHRISTMAS - BLESSINGS TO CONTINUE TO SO MANY

2011-12-25T14:49:00.000-08:00

TEAM LEAVES TOMORROW.

We are so excited to know our team is leaving tomorrow early in the morning. One of our team members is a young man from our home church who wants very much to know more about the people of Kyrgyzstan. In addition, we have hundreds of pounds of vitamins going and some fabulous blessings for our dear orphans, seniors and disabled.

Our team leaders John and Julie Wright are ready and loaded with the resources to make a real difference in the lives of many. The schedule is packed full, and will compliment the work already being done by our team on the ground in Kyrgyzstan. Already, there have been food drops, orphanages blessed, children taken to parties and so much more.

JUST WAIT TO SEE THE BLOGS AND TO READ THE RESULTS. Imagine with us for just a minute:

1. You are 8 years old - you have a mother that cannot properly care for you and you are about to see the love of strangers give you, your mother and your family food, a dinner together in a restaurant, vitamins for a year and lots of love.
2. You were a homeless senior - now living in a safe and warm home that has been supported and visited by LAMb teams over and over again - and now they are going to show up to bless you with Christmas gifts, a special meal and some great fellowship and sharing. Giving of time is one of the most precious gifts of all time.
3. You are living in a home for disabled adults - same routine day after day and now the team is showing up AGAIN - the team that brings joy, surprises, food, and oh so much love. Yes, there is JOY, HOPE AND DIGNITY that flows from the hearts of the team to the lives of those in the disabled home.

ARE WE EXCITED? YES, WE ARE MORE THAN EXCITED. WE ARE SO THANKFUL FOR YOU YOU YOU YOU YOU WHO HAVE MADE THIS POSSIBLE. We do NOTHING but show up and stop for the one in front of us. YOU make this possible.

Thank you,

The LAMb Team

TOMORROW IS THE DAY...VITAMINS WILL ARRIVE FOR KYRGYZSTAN

2011-12-22T19:44:00.000-08:00

WE ARE EXCITED TO KNOW SOMEWHERE AROUND 2000#'S of vitamins will arrive tomorrow. They will be distributed to our team going to Kyrgyzstan on the 26th of December. 10 people will travel with two suitcases each - one carrying 50#'s of vitamins and the other just a few pieces of clothing and another 30-40#'s of vitamin. Just think - this trip that will make about 900 #'s. We are distributing vitamins for a year for those getting the vitamins. We will have an organized and efficient system to ensure these vitamins are into the hands of orphans, elderly and our seniors who are disabled. The next team will be taking the next shipment over.

John and Julie Wright will lead the team. They are our true "search and rescue" team. However, this trip rather than a "search and rescue" it will be return and restore. Potatoes, carrots, rice, vitamins, gifts and lots of love will be in store for our dear friends in Kemin, Iskra and in the different orphanages. Stay tuned for lots of stories and lots of ways you can pray and support our team in the future. We are so excited for the members of the team joining us...some from Quebec, some from around Norwood/Stirling and another team member from here in Barrie. Lives will be changed both here and there!

We are so thankful for your generous gifts this Christmas to make this truly a CHRISTMAS BLESSING for over 2000 dear friends in Kyrgyzstan!

Spacibo! (Russian for thank you!) THE LAMb Team

VITAMINS FOR KYRGYZSTAN

2011-12-19T18:38:00.000-08:00

WE ARE SOOOOOO BLESSED TO HAVE THE VITAMINS BEING DELIVERED AGAIN - NOW SOMEWHERE OVER 2000#'S

We need all your prayers for Grace and Mercy as Randy and Kim bring these vitamins over the border into Canada for the team to take to Kyrgyzstan. It is a HUGE shipment of vitamins and street value HUGE. They were donated to LAMb International for the needs in Kyrgyzstan. We are prepared with the documents for this - have sent the appropriate letters, have the documents from the donor and just want to have the Grace and Mercy at the border for an easy crossing.

PLEASE PLEASE JOIN US AND PRAY FOR THIS. Randy and Kim have rented a huge van to bring them up - we have the teams gathering 20 large suitcases for carrying them. All our "ducks are in a row" we just need the shipment to arrive safe and sound in order to get it into the bags for the flight on the 26th of December!

Merry Christmas to you ALL and thank you for all your support.

The LAMb Team

WHEN A FIVE YEAR OLD UNDERSTANDS

2011-12-18T17:31:00.001-08:00

SHE KNOWS WHERE KYRGYZSTAN IS LOCATED, UNDERSTANDS CHILDREN SOMETIMES ARE SENT TO ORPHANAGES, SHE ASKS QUESTIONS AND MORE QUESTIONS.... Her name is Evie and she is my great niece. I was amazed by the questions and by her knowledge of Kyrygzstan and the plight of the orphans. She asked about their families, "were they sad they did not have a mommy and daddy?", "how do they live?", "do they have enough to eat, warm boots?" And she wanted to look at picture after picture of the children, the people, the grandma and grandpas. She told me what she knew about Kyrgyzstan and she was accurate.

Her curiosity was first sparked by a project she did for her Kindergarden class - a report on Kyrygzstan and the work of LAMb International with the orphans. But it did not end there - she asked me - if she could please go with us to see the children and help. While other children were playing with toys from Christmas giving - she sat close to me and wanted to know more and more.

It so brought to mind the responsibility we adults have to grow children in the way they should go - to understand and be thankful for their blessings and to be sensitive and caring for those in need. Little Evie will keep in contact via email, she will follow the blog (and she knows how - as she helped me work through some computer challenges!) and she will grow to get questions answered. One question she asked again and again...."How old do I have to be to go with you to help?" I suggested to her maybe 12. Not perhaps the answer her parents wanted - but for sure - we will take that question up again and again. How this child opened my eyes once again of how important the work our team does - the Christmas Blessing that is started and ongoing for the next several weeks -how critical it is for us to SHOW UP AND STOP FOR THE ONE IN FRONT OF US...and how we must continue to spread the word to those who will follow us in helping others - even a five year old who is right now learning how!

Tis the season

2011-12-16T10:44:00.000-08:00

Maybe it's just me? Maybe? Seems wherever I go I hear "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings" and when I respond with Merry Christmas I seem to get that look. Not exactly sure what that look is, but it's something akin to 'get with it buddy'. Maybe it's just me getting a little older.
When I was looking for gift bags in a large retail store, 99% of them said happy holidays. One just had the word merry repeated again and again. As I began to reflect a bit, I wondered if somehow business and people had forgotten why there is a holiday coming up at this time of year. Or what is the significance of "seasons greetings"? Do we say seasons greetings when spring arrives or any other season for that reason. No, the reason for this season is special. Of course not everyone may believe in or participate in Christmas, but that does not change the fact that this season originates from and revolves around the birth of Jesus Christ. For me the greeting remains "Merry Christmas".

Lynn - who's calendar still says Christmas on December 25th.

Blessings bigger than your door

2011-12-14T15:52:00.000-08:00

Most of you who follow this blog know that we were involved with the 'pie in the face' challenge. The idea was that each one who let their name stand would 'receive' a pie in the face if they raised $500. Again most of you know we not only met that target but exceeded it. The goal was to be able to have a Jesus party for over 2000 orphans, to give each of them a small gift and a years' supply of vitamins.

So far so good. Well some of the vitamins arrived today. Six out of eight boxes arrived. We still don't know what UPS did with the other two. We had some feeble idea of picking up this boxes and bringing them home with us to Canada next week. Then transferring them to the team of nine that is leaving for Kyrgyzstan on Dec. 26th.

Guess what? Each box weighs one hundred and fifty pounds. Yes, 150 lbs!! Times six, actually eight when we find the other two. That's 1,200 pounds. Just barely will a box go thru a doorway, let alone into my truck or backseat. Oh for the days when I had a Yukon XL, but those days are gone replaced with a 6 cylinder gas sipper.

My thought is this. When we ask God to bless us, we better make sure our door is big enough to hold His blessing. Praise Him for His abundance.

By the way, arrangments are in the works to ensure these vitamins reach their destination. We want to thank all of you who were/are involved. Thanks on behalf of every orphan, senior and disabled person who will receive this gift.

GEARING UP FOR THE KYRGYZSTAN CHRISTMAS BLESSING

2011-12-10T05:21:00.000-08:00

WE ARE THRILLED AND EXCITED....LIKE THE SONG...I'm so excited....

Why? Soon our team will be arriving into the Bishkek airport geared up for the Christmas Blessing of a life time for 2000 of our dear Kyrgyzstan friends. Orphans, elderly and the disabled will be the subject of this blessing. Each will receive a small gift, vitamins for a year, and a Jesus Party to celebrate Christmas together.

The fundraising was a HUGE success - raising over $30,000 for the blessing. The project is patterned after Ed Dickson Ministry McJoyful Christmas in Ukraine where Ed takes thousands of kids to Mc Donalds for Christmas. They also get vitamins, and a gift. We have always loved this and have witnessed first hand the joy of taking an orphanage to Mc Donalds and seeing the excitement as they get their "happy meals." Well, first, Kyrgyzstan does not have Mc Donalds and second, we need to have a coordinator for this and that is where John steps up.

Last year was the first event in Kyrgyzstan - blessing 1,000 orphans. This was funded through the creative Pie in the Face contest, where volunteers step forward to get a pie in the face by raising $500 each. We had 40 plus volunteers this year. The Wrights will be leading a team - leaving Canada on December 6th - to head for Kyrgyzstan to carry out the wonderful event of blessing 2,000.

What ever you do - stay tuned for the updates and pictures as they conduct the Kyrgyzstan Christmas Blessing.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SPONSORSHIP AND MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EACH OF YOU.

THE LAMb TEAM

Y.A.C.

2011-12-08T15:35:00.000-08:00

In football there is a term called YAC. It means Yards After Contact. It refers to how far the player, who receives the ball, goes after being hit or tackled. It is term which is relevant to our lives and the lives of others. How far do you get after being 'hit'?

My case in point refers to Don, one of the co-founders of LAMb International. He is ever faithful and ever serving. Once again, a few short weeks ago, he was hit with what turned out to be septic. Needless to say it was touch and go for awhile. The good news is that early next week he should be able to return home.

Nonetheless he is hard at it while still in hospital. Yesterday, in his intensive care isolation unit, we had a LAMb US Board meeting. Today after visiting with him for over four hours he wanted his computer set up. It is voice activated and he is busy with the LAMb newsletter that is to be sent out in the next day or so. Check out the photo. As we were leaving to come home, he was suiting up to work.

What a testimony to YAC. Yards Achieved thru Christ. There are those who might have counted him down and out. But just as Don is a faithful servant, so also is our Lord faithful. Don is back in play, gaining more Kingdom ground. A lesson in persistence and faith demonstrated for each of us.

Thank you Don.

P.S. I know Don would want me to thank each of you for your prayers. Thank you.

AUCTION SUCCESS AND THE PIES HAVE BEEN TOSSED!

2011-12-04T07:55:00.000-08:00

THE EVENT IS OVER AND IT WAS FABULOUS! Ian and Arlene along with their daughter Hannajoy put on one fabulous silent auctioN. Many will be blessed by the support raised on this day. The final totals are not in yet, but we will keep you posted when we learn the numbers.

One of the highlights of the day was the Pie in the Face being given to both Lynn and myself. The contest raised over $30,000 for those orphans, elderly and disabled in Kyrgyzstan. John, Julie and Bekah will be leaving with a team on December 26th to have one of the most exciting of times - delivering BLESSINGS GALORE. Gifts, food, vitamins and the JESUS PARTY THAT WILL BE WAY OVER THE TOP!

WE THANK YO ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT ON THIS INCREDIBLE EVENT - THANK YOU FOR CARING and working with us to bring Hope and Dignity to many.

Be Blessed in this wonderful Christmas Season!

Merry Christmas! 7

LAMb SILENT AUCTION TOMORROW

2011-12-02T06:15:00.001-08:00

TOMORROW IS THE DAY....AND OF COURSE YOU ARE INVITED - YOU WILL WITNESS LYNN AND RUBY GETTING THEIR PIE IN THE FACE AND:

1. SILENT AUCTION WITH SOME GREAT CHRISTMAS IDEAS
2. SALE OF LOVELY CRAFTS MADE BY ORPHANS IN KYRGYZSTAN
3. DISPLAYS OF THE WORK OF LAMB
4. DOOR PRIZES
5. GREAT DONATION IDEAS
6. OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME A PHILANTHROPIST!

MAPLEVIEW COMMUNITY CHURCH
1-4PM
BARRIE, ONTARIO - CANADA

SUNDAY SERVICE AT MAPLEVIEW COMMUNITY CHURCH

2011-11-29T04:41:00.000-08:00

IT WAS SUCH AN HONOR TO BE SHARING AT OUR HOME CHURCH ON SUNDAY. HERE IS A LITTLE VIDEO WE MADE FOR THE END OF THE SERVICE.

ON Saturday, December 3rd we invite you to come to the event at our church in Barrie, Ontario - It is a fundraiser for the work of LAMb International. There will be an awesome silent auction with some real great Christmas idea:

- Round Trip tickets for two to Alaska
- Week at a lake cottage that sleeps 9 - with use of the canoe
- Lots of certificates for dinner out
- Photography sessions for the family portrait
- Oil changes
- Massages
- Facial treatments
- Leather hand bag
- Desserts for a year
- Gift Baskets
- Certificates for different services
- Tutoring
- Tax preparation services
- Cottage weekend
- 10 hours of long distance phone time
- on and on and on..

JOIN US: 1pm to 4pm. at Mapleview Community Church in Barrie, Ontario.

Lynn and Ruby will be getting their pie in the face at 3:45pm. This is in direct response to the raising of the funds to bless 2,000 in Kyrgyzstan this year. Orphans, elderly, and disabled will benefit from the $20,000 raised for the Christmas Blessing in Kyrgyzstan. Our team leaves on December 26th for the event - right now around 9 people will be going to make this one fabulous Christmas treat for 2,000. Vitamins for a year for each, a Christmas gift and the party of a lifetime!

BE BLESSED....we are so honoured to part of Mapleview Community Church, LAMb International, IHS, and ILDC and to be serving an awesome God.

THE LAMb Team..

LEADERSHIP TRAINING - IT CAN BE FUN!

2011-11-29T03:20:00.000-08:00

LAMb International trainer - Lynn Johnston - joining in the fun!

The leadership series - Level 1 now completed!

Many serious moments to discover strengths and needs.

Our Executive Director of ILDC - Oleg joins in the fun!

ILDC MAKES A MARK IN TRAINING - WHO SAID TRAINING COULDN'T BE FUN.

Keeping in mind "most" adults are just babies in big bodies, the ending of our leadership series in Ukraine demonstrated how 11 exceptional leaders could have fun while learning. The series ended with the participants creating a summary of their 10 days of training. There were skits, pantomimes, poems and some great stories.

11 leaders were given certificates of completion for the series. There were five two-day modules in the series:

Module 1: Fundamentals of Leadership
Module 2: Conflict, Communication and Change
Module 3: Helping Staff Improve Performance
Module 4: Professional Development
Module 5: Collaboration and Teamwork

Leaders were from many different organizations; government services, Father's House, SOS Family Strengthening Project, Christian Broadcasting Network of Ukraine, Alliance Ukraine Without Orphans, One Hope, and other individuals wanting to strengthen their leadership skills.

This was Level 1 leadership - next of course is Level 2. The request has been made for other leaders wanting Level 1. ILDC is once again on the move!

CHRISTMAS IN KYRGYZSTAN - 2,000 TO BE BLESSED

2011-11-28T10:47:00.000-08:00

OUR TEAM IS LEAVING THE 26TH OF DECEMBER AND HEADING TO KYRGYZSTAN

WE ARE THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE the Kyrgyzstan PIE IN THE FACE is over and we have reached our goal of $20,000! Every person will get a pie in the face (THOSE WHO RAISED THE FUNDS!) and every one on the KYRGYZSTAN list will be blessed. 2,000 in all. ORPHANS, WIDOWS AND THE DISABLED.

Vitamins for a year, a gift, a party and lots of love.

The PIE IN THE FACE event is a brainstorm of our team members the Wrights. Last year 1,000 were blessed and this year that will be doubled. We thank you all for helping us reach this goal. The Wrights, and the LAMb Team are so excited about this Christmas Blessing!

TRAUMA SERIES STARTED IN UKRAINE

2011-11-24T01:24:00.000-08:00

WE ARE SO EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE NEW TRAUMA SERIES HAS STARTED IN UKRAINE. We just completed Step 1 of the series and had 32 participants - ending the day with extremely eager participants to enrol in Step 2.

Step 1 - Over view of Trauma - Wounded Children Healing Homes
Step 2 - Trauma Toolkit
Step 3 - Caring for Children Who Have Experienced Trauma
Step 4 - Advanced Trauma Modules

We are so grateful to our partner and team member Jayne Schooler and to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network for their contributions to this series. Step 1 - we present the book - Wounded Children Healing Homes by Jayne Schooler and Betsy Smalley and do a foundation training to Child Traumatic Stress In Step 2 and 3 we have been granted permission from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network to translate and train their standardized comprehensive materials for those in the Russian speaking countries.
Step 4 will be materials offered by experts in the area of Trauma - advance and ending our series for certification of participants of the entire Trauma Series.

Next event will be Step 1(2nd time) in January with training for 12 participants at an NGO requesting this training for their team. We are training trainers in this event and will soon have a compliment of national trainers - delivering this across Ukraine.

What a beginning. ILDC (LAMb co-founded and registered this organization in Ukraine) is on the move.

WE ARE SO THANKFUL TO OUR SPONSOR - WHO STARTED THIS - WHO GAVE US THE FUNDS TO TRANSLATE AND PUBLISH THE BOOK - WOUNDED CHILDREN HEALING HOMES.

UPCOMING EVENT - TO BRING HOPE AND DIGNITY

2011-11-22T12:32:00.000-08:00

YOU ARE INVITED to A SILENT AUCTION AND INFORMATION EVENT....We are pleased to announce this upcoming event. Ian and Arlene Forsyth are hosting this event for LAMb International. There are over 100 items at this SILENT AUCTION - SUCH AS:

2 Round Trip Tickets to Alaska
1 Week in July at a cottage for up to 9 people
Lots of gift certificates for meals, spa treatments, etc.
Tax preparation
Personal trainer time
ON AND ON....

Orphan Care - WE WILL HAVE LOTS OF ITEMS MADE BY ORPHANS WHO ARE LIVING IN KYRGYZSTAN - THESE ITEMS WILL BE GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFTS AND ARE FOR SALE. ALL PROCEEDS FOR THESE GO DIRECTLY BACK INTO ORPHAN CARE!

FINALLY in addition - Lynn will GET HIS PIE IN THE FACE AT 3:45PM

DETAILS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2011
1PM - 4PM
MAPLEVIEW COMMUNITY CHURCH
BARRIE, ONTARIO CANADA

CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS....SEE YOU THERE!

UKRAINE - NEXT WEEK...

2011-11-13T07:54:00.000-08:00

EXCITING TIMES - JUST FINISHED THE ADOPTION CONFERENCE IN OHIO - NEXT WEEK OFF TO UKRAINE

When you love this city and you love these streets......these are words from one of our favourite songs by Robin Mark. The song is called Revival and we sing it often when we are in Ukraine or Kyrgyzstan. It speaks so loudly of how we feel.

BUT THIS IS AN UPDATE FOR YOU.....

1. OHIO - Completed the conference in Ohio - what a success. Our team member had a bright idea about a year ago. She (Jayne Schooler) wanted to offer the first ever faith based conference in Ohio for foster and adoptive parents. Yesterday was the completion of that conference. Over 240 participants - what a success. Key note speaker was Heather Forbes and she was AWESOME. So many people said it made a difference in how they would parent in the future.

2. UKRAINE - We are heading to Ukraine on Saturday - and we will have some announcements to make soon about some exciting activities there. We just want to say - stay tuned and know that the residents of Bari Ogli - are the focus of this attention. Bari Ogli has over 200 disabled men and women. Krivoy Rog has many volunteers that have been involved with the institution and they are ready for a TIME SUCH AS THIS - to make a difference, take a risk and see how we together can bring HOPE AND DIGNITY to many. Stay tuned.

3. UKRAINE - We are completing the leadership series next week - leaders from several different NGO's, churches, etc. This will be session five and the final session.

4. DAYSPRING - It is Candle Time - How about ordering some of the most exciting candles you would ever hope to light? We are blessed by the Lamplighter Orphan Care Ministry to be conducting their second annual fundraiser for Dayspring - Candles just in time for Christmas. Soy candles that are amazing. Contact us and we will tell you how to get these amazing candles in time for Christmas. $6 each. And EVERY DOLLAR GOES TO DAYSPRING. I am taking orders and will deliver the candles to you the week of December 19th.

5. PIE IN THE FACE CONTEST - Lynn has raised his $500 and gets his pie on December 3, 2011 at the Event for LAMb which is to be held at Mapleview Community Church in Barrie, Ontario. The question was asked - recently by one of our daughters. "Who gets the second pie if he raises another $500?" The answer HE gave was - "well of course Ruby." Now, I have to say - I did not say that - BUT FOR 50 MORE ORPHANS TO BE BLESSED - YOU BETTER BELIEVE I WILL TAKE A PIE!

ALL FOR NOW.......LET US KNOW HOW MANY CANDLES YOU WANT.....

BRINGING SOMEONE ALONG - DECEMBER 3RD EVENT

2011-11-05T04:42:00.000-07:00

LAMb International will have an event on December 3RD, 2011 at Mapleview Community Church in BARRIE, ONTARIO. The event is a fundraiser, silent auction, information time. Being organized by Ian and Arlene Forsyth, this event will feature the different work of LAMb. There will be stations set up to help others see what is happening in both Ukraine and in Kyrgyzstan. The event will run from 1pm to 4pm in the afternoon.

Here is what you will see:
1. Videos - OF LAMb activities
2. Silent Auction items for Christmas - lots of great things
3. Auction of one week at a beautiful lake cottage in Ontario
4. Auction of round trip airline tickets to Alaska - FOR TWO PERSONS
5. Pick up a Gift Card - for Christmas to send to a friend - with a specific donation/purchase
6. Lots of visuals.
7. Lots of items made in Kyrgyzstan for sale.
8. AND SO MUCH MORE.....

AND MOST IMPORTANT - LYNN WILL TAKE HIS PIE IN THE FACE AT 4PM AT THE END OF THE EVENT....THE FUNDS THAT HAVE BEEN RAISED FOR THIS PIE IN THE FACE - GO DIRECTLY TO THE CHRISTMAS BLESSING THAT IS BEING CONDUCTED BY LAMb INTERNATIONAL IN KYRGYZSTAN OVER THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.....2,000 orphans will receive a party, gift bag and one year's supply of vitamins.

JOIN THE FUN.....

100 COUPLES - ALL NATIONALS WHO HAVE ADOPTED!

2011-10-28T08:37:00.000-07:00

OUR ILDC DIRECTOR AND HIS FAMILY: Oleg and Rya adopted their daughter when she was 17 years old...rushing to get the adoption finalized before she turned 18.

AWESOME DAY OF PLANNING....A CONFERENCE IN MARCH THAT WILL BE FOR UKRAINIAN ADOPTIVE FAMILIES. Yes, we are getting ready for our second conference which we are co-sponsoring with CBN, Alliance and our organization in Ukraine ILDC. LAMb International is committed to bringing quality education and training to these families. Christian families from all over Ukraine will come to Kiev for a special weekend. Our guest speakers are all adoptive parents, national and international experts in the field of child welfare as well. We will feature our own Pastor David Schooler and wife Jayne Schooler. Jayne is an expert in adoption and has authored seven different books on the topic.

We will give every attendee one of Jayne's books, she will give a key-note speech and both she and David will conduct workshops for parents. (STAY TUNED FOR THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE OTHER KEY NOTE SPEAKERS AND PRESENTERS)

Yesterday - the President of Ukraine announced that it is time for orphanage reform and that children need families not orphanages.

You can join the movement - attend an Orphan Sunday service - support the effort - here or at your local church that has taken on this commitment to do whatever one can to make a difference and see A WORLD WITHOUT ORPHANS.

WE BELIEVE!

THE LAMb Team

THE DISABLED - HURTING AND ALONE NO MORE

2011-10-26T23:34:00.001-07:00

BARI OGLI

Our time in Ukraine for the last many years has been divided between many different activities - cities, towns, villages and people. We have laughed, cried and even sometimes felt exhausted to the point of woundering if we had the energy to continue. Yet, God has given us strength and energy that only can be explained by giving credit to divine intervention. We are in our Winter Years.

Yet - our hearts are broken over and over again when we see the conditions for "living" that our dear disabled children and adults are given both here and in our beloved Kyrgyzstan. We have watched hope and dignity start to return to our men at Iksra, Kyrgyzstan Home for Disabled Men. We see the renovation happening piece by piece, step by step. And we see the progress. But most of all we see the HOPE that is coming into the eyes of our dear friends - the men of Iskra.

In Ukraine, Bari Oglie is outside of the city of Krivoy Rog, where we have spent a great deal of time over the last years. At Bari Oglie, unlike Iskra there are both men and women and like Iska - over 200 persons living at the institution outside of the city. With the help of the local church in Krivoy Rog, Bari Oglie has received visiting teams who have grown to love the men and women and have offered to help in any way they might be of service. We have watched improvement happen here and again step by step, piece by piece, improvements and HOPE are lighting up the hallways. Local volunteers grow in both countries - and what a difference they make - residents inspired to step out and work along side of the volunteers to make their "home" a better place in which to live.

We see men and women making gardens and national crafts. We hear music coming from talented players, hearts pouring out in song when a resident picks up a guitar to play for the group. There are smiles coming from faces when they see their beloved volunteers returning to visit, play or instruct. Staff welcome visitors where once they would "snarl" or frown when one would walk down the halls. Or they would quickly run ahead to lock and close certain doors. Oh how things are changing. Where we would be allowed only to visit some and where areas were perviously off limits to us - there is now an open door to the entire institution - every floor, every door, every person are now open to our volunteers and almost always to our teams. What a difference as there is no more hiding. Bari Oglie and Iskra are changing thanks to so many who care.

Yet, there is more to do - so much more. The buildings need so much renovation, it takes a great supply of items to keep crafts, sewing, and creating going on. Even buying guitar strings is a major purchase in these facilities. New guitars, garden tools, plants, balls, basketball courts, sand for the volley ball courts, fresh fruit and vegetables in off season - all are burdens for the homes. It takes outside help to make a difference. We have seen the benefit of those helping make a huge difference at Iskra and Bari Oglie. Two countries, two homes and two reasons to return over and over again. And now we want to go one step further....

ARE YOU READY?

Let's work to bring men and women into society - those functioning at a high level who are ready to learn, grow and move into the community. One person, two persons, three persons, learning life skills, practicing living outside of the institution and then perhaps really being ready and able to move into a home with others who are now part of society. This is called de-institutionalization. Do you believe? We do. The volunteers are ready - they are strong and they are committed. Yet, this will be a project that will require all of us - all of you who have the passion and desire to take a risk - step out and say clearly - YES, LET'S DO THIS!

WANT TO KNOW MORE - contact us.

THE LAMb Team

2000 ORPHANS CAN BENEFIT..BUT YOU MUST HURRY

2011-10-18T09:39:00.000-07:00

LET US PUT A PIE IN HIS FACE - ALL FOR ORPHANS!!!!

WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO RAISE $20,000 BY US THANKSGIVING. WE WILL BE CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS WITH 2000 ORPHANS IN KYRGYZSTAN. HERE IS HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Lynn has agreed to take a "pie in the face" if he can raise his part of the funds - his $500. So for each donation, specifically for the pie in the face contest - he will be that much closer to getting his PIE! He has also sent out the challenge - the person donating the most can actually be the one who gets to toss the pie! Now, if you live to far away - I (Ruby) will be glad to do the honours.

We have over 40 people willing to take a pie! This means if all get pies, we will have raised OVER $20,000 for this event. We need $20,000 for 2,000. Each child will get a party, a gift bag and a year's worth of vitamins!

LET'S GET ER DONE! HIT THE DONATE BUTTON AND IDENTIFY THE DONATION IF FOR LYNN'S PIE!!!!

THE STREETS OF KYRGYZSTAN

2011-10-16T17:45:00.000-07:00

WE WERE SO HAPPY TO SEE THIS MEDICAL TRUCK - bringing medical help to Tokmok. This aid has been there for two months, giving many a chance for the first time to get medical needs met. What a blessing.

Our next stop - Ukraine. We will be in Ukraine on Saturday. Watch the blog for our updates from Ukraine....some exciting new developments will be announced soon.

LEAVING - ANOTHER CHUNK OF OUR HEARTS TORN OFF

2011-10-15T00:08:00.000-07:00

Our partner - Christy from Crosslink - with our little darling at Dayspring - Dasha. We have her heart surgery sponsored and Christy is going to MAKE SURE IT HAPPENS! Thank you Ed Dickson, Loads of Love for sponsoring the surgery and Christy and Kyle from Crosslinks for coordinating the operation(s)! Great partnership.

HOW MANY PIECES CAN BE BROKEN OFF BEFORE YOU NO LONGER HAVE A HEART LEFT? We just thank God He continues to renew our hearts daily. Leaving Kyrgyzstan was very emotional - perhaps one of the most emotional for some time. We dug deep this trip and worked from dusk to dawn attempting to bring HOPE and DIGNITY to those forgotten and/or discarded.

Our dear seniors, the disabled and the children.

We have left with a great desire to return - to first go home and make the needs known - to share their stories - to pray for all - but most of all we return to North America to renew. We renew resources, strength and our hearts.

Saying good bye was difficult. But we answer the question with eager anticipation, "When will you be back?" - No longer do we hear "Will you come back?" THEY KNOW!

THANK YOU...

WHEN YOU LOVE THESE MEN

2011-10-14T07:41:00.000-07:00

OH WHAT A PARTY....300 SAMSAS, 300 ICE CREAM CONES, 300 BOTTLES OF PEACHAIDE. Every man gets his own. Seven organizations in partnership showing up on the same day to celebrate the renovations of the dining room!

Crosslinks - Kyle and Christy
Military Band (missed their picture)
Prison Ministry coordinator and team - Nazira
Prison Mnistry musician
Iskra Men's Home - new director Juemadill
Teen Challenge - Jenish and his traveling musicians
LAMb International - Jodi, Gabriella, Madlin, Zukrah, Larissa, Tanya, Lynn and Ruby

It was an amazing time watching the men have a great time and the honour bestowed on them. To have Jenish to bring graduates from his rehabilitation centre to entertain, and to have the prison ministry group celebrate the men and their special day.

JUST AWESOME - and we have more plans - fix the basketball court - continue renovations of the dining room. Just continue - step by step.

AND ON ANOTHER NOTE - we started the renovations at the Bishkek Humanities University today - getting closer to having a fully functioning learning lab. Things are on a roll in Kyrgyzstan! Thanks to YOU!

SAYING GOOD BYE IS NEVER EASY

2011-10-13T04:40:00.001-07:00

WE LEAVE FOR NORTH AMERICA ON SATURDAY AND RETURN TO KYRGYZSTAN AT A LATER TIME - Lydia said she might be gone by then. We asked her to please wait for us - let's get together again. Our friendship is strong. We hugged and cried. Maria got her up to look out the window as we were leaving - to say one more good bye.

We had a wonderful day - just enjoying each their company. And they loved all the MEAT. Our heart break to know this meat meal was so important to them - almost all seniors ate three or four pieces of chicken. MEAT - something we all take for granted. We have delivered lots of rice over the time here - but what about protein for the winter? Cheese, eggs, meat, beans? Oh for more so much more. Our hearts break knowing the reality of the winter to come.

On the happy side we were able to share with Kemin that we have sponsors for their entire winter of coal! THANK YOU ALL. YOU HAVE BLESSED US GREATLY AND THEM SO MUCH MORE.

THE LAMb Team - loving and caring for the seniors at Kemin Sunshine Home - The Gift of God Friendship Center!

CANADIAN VISITOR AND ONE PERSON "PART" CANADIAN - ALL TO SERVE IKSRA

2011-10-12T19:48:00.000-07:00

NEVER KNOW HOW TO DEFINE ED DICKSON. Ed and Pastor Bill from Canada came to Iskra Men's Home with us yesterday and we had a grand time seeing all the renovations. The men were hard at work painting the new heaters, and working in the dining room.

It will be a fabulous party tomorrow as we join together with Kyle and Christy tomorrow morning to celebrate the progress being made. We will have a concert, deliver 300 samsas (meat pies), 300 bottles of juice, 300 ice cream cones. Whew...what a time we will have and how fun it will be to give EVERY man his own bottle of juice, pie and cone. (Just imagine the van with 300 bottles of juice heading that way - Isar once again will bless us with his BIG new bus!)

Yesterday we shared and just spent a little time with the men - focusing on the group of men who are locked into the second floor behind the building. Pastor Bill shared with them and several men asked him to pray with them so they too could have a closer relationship with God. What a blessed time. We gave the men little treats, lots of hugs and lots of hand shakes. How we do love these men.

Pastor Bill had some wonderful stories he told them - and they were totally captive in their attention. WE ARE SO THANKFUL FOR TEAMS AND VISITORS WHO CARE ENOUGH TO SHARE AND SPEND TIME WITH US WITH THESE DEAR MEN.

THANK YOU ED AND PASTOR BILL...YOU BLESSED OUR DAYS.

MAKING BORSOK

2011-10-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

THREE CHILDREN AND SIX WOMEN - But we got the job done! We had a Borsok lesson tonight at Dayspring. What fun, recognizing by the end of the evening that this was an amazing unplanned Life Skill lesson for the three children as well.

Jodi, Natasha and I wanted to learn to make the national Kyrgyz bread - Borsok. We invited Acel (Dayspring Family Resource Parent) and Aigula to teach us how to do this. In all we ended up with three additional students - the children.

Great fun, great result and a great Life Skill lesson for the children.

AND THE BORSOK WAS VERY TASTY!

THE FUTURE WE CAN SHAPE

2011-10-12T04:54:00.000-07:00

DASHA, MELODY AND ED

WHEN PARTNERSHIP SHINES....

We are so excited that children are now arriving at Dayspring - we will work hard to find permanency for EACH OF THEM. We will work with their families for reunification where possible, look for adoptive homes if not.

But today was even more special than we might have ever imagined. Ed Dickson is here with us from Loads of Love. We took him to Dayspring and he met our little darling - Dasha. Immediately he was on the floor watching cartoons with her and Melody. What a sight. As we were leaving Dayspring to head to Iskra Men's Home, Ed heard us talking about the heart operation she needed and the cost of what was projected. Dasha has two holes in her heart.

Ed asked, "you say she is not sponsored for the operation?" And you guessed it. Ed said, "We do that. Consider the surgery done." These operations are costly over $1000 each. Thank you ED DICKSON AND LOADS OF LOVE.

WHAT GREAT PARTNERSHIP...

Then we were off to see a home for the disabled we had just heard about - they would not let us in YET. We will return and try again. Today the director was not there and the staff were not prepared to break the rules and let a stranger in.

And then to ISKRA to check out the renovations. The men were hard at work painting the new heaters. Things are really shaping up in the dining room The staff and doctors are just ecstatic. Friday we are having a grand party there! STAY TUNED.

A DAY OF BLESSINGS

2011-10-11T09:16:00.001-07:00

TODAY BEING A TRUSTEE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ASIA - took on a new meaning for me. We attended initiation day - they day new students are welcomed into the university. There are over 90 new students for IUCA this year and this is the fourth year of the university.

This university gives hope and dignity to youth needing an education and otherwise not able to get one. Most students are on financial aid as they come from small towns, villages and from the rural areas surrounding Tokmok. The standards are high and there is a commitments from the trustees, faculty, founders and President of the university. No student will "buy" a grade, "buy" a diploma. All students MUST earn what they receive. This is not so for some universities here.

We met the students, watched them perform different dances and songs. I am honoured to be a trustee for the university - Lynn is honoured to be part of the CASA board that has made the commitment for financial support to start this university. We are small and insignificant in the work each of these groups do, but are honoured to be part of them.

Today - was a celebration - four years in existence and this year they have just implemented a Law School into the university along with the other disciplines. And the plans are in place for a medical school. Who could have ever guessed four years ago that this little idea - brought to reality by the dreamer of Mercy Foundation - Captain Yang would have turned into what it is today.

I SEE THE HOPE - ORPHANS WHO COULD NOT HAVE BUT NOW CAN - UNIVERSITY EDUCATION FOR REAL! AND SUPPORT TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN.

YOU CAN SUPPORT A STUDENT FOR JUST $50 PER MONTH!!!! WE ARE LOOKING FOR 10 SPONSORS - ARE YOU ONE OF THEM?

SPECIAL NOTE - WE HAVE A FAMOUS GUEST WITH US FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS - ED DICKSON JOINED US AND WILL BE WITH US TOMORROW. WATCH THE UPDATE.

EMMA'S RICE A RONIE CONTINUES

2011-10-10T07:50:00.000-07:00

Upper left - the "extension" cord for the work on the clothes lines. Upper right - Gabriella amidst the "sea" of rice - still smiles after the long journey from Canada. Lower left - a delivery of rice. Lower right - our tea at Aigula's.

ANOTHER FABULOUS DAY IN KYRGYZSTAN. First, our team from Canada arrived today. Jodi and Gabriel came in eager to begin and ready to head out for their time of giving and serving. So they joined us for the rice deliveries.

Today was day two of our rice deliveries. We now have delivered a total of 111 bags of rice. On day one we tallied 42 the first outing and then gatherered 8 more and delivered those. Then today we picked up another 61 bags and off we went. We spent most of the day in Tokmok going to the different homes of people we know giving them rice for the winter.

One stop was at the Baby Orphanage where we left two bags of rice and took orders for what else they were needing right now. As always they have an ongoing need of fruit, juice and diapers.

Then on to deliver more rice - stopping by Aigula's to drop off rice and of course she was all set up for chai (tea) for us. So a stop for borsok, salad and tea. Remember, Aigula is the wonderful woman whom we had the pleasure of giving her keys to a home (purchased by Ed Dickson) several years ago. Today, she has moved into her own rented home and has a business of sewing - set up by our LAMb team member John. They have a lovely tidy home that really makes us proud of what she has accomplished.

Then a few more deliveries. As we were out and about we passed a building which was pointed out to us by Natasha. "There is the home for disabled adults in Tokmok. It has both men and women and I have heard it is a terrible place - very needy." Hmmmm why have we not heard of this before? So tomorrow, that is a stop for us. We will go and learn more about this place and see if we can serve them in some way. This is a home in our city where we live when in Kyrgyzstan.

Finally back to see the results of our flooded apartment. They fixed the problem, and we also saw that our helper Vlady (who does lots of construction for our team activities- and hires our father from Jessica's family) was at our building with his worker "Joe - AKS Jessica's family - installing clothes lines for our apartment building's babushkas. It is interesting, how he needed electricity and connected to the electric box, his type of extension cord - (see the picture). ((Karl this will really stir you up!)) Anyhow flood in control, water cleaned up, and a clothes line to hang out all the clean up rags and rugs. The day is good!

We dropped our Canadian team off of a two hour nap and then retrieved them to take them grocery shopping. After shopping they joined us for planning and for dinner. Our goal was to plan and also keep them awake until 9pm tonight. Success.

Planning meeting with Jodi and Gabriella. Great days ahead!

Planning is completed and tomorrow we have a full day - and will post later the results.

WHEN THE VILLAGE GIVES BACK

2011-10-09T18:59:00.000-07:00

WHAT A FABULOUS DAY. Today was very full, starting with Chinese Church and then to market to pick up some supplies for the return to the East Iskra Village afternoon luncheon. Remember, this is the village where the Wrights worked with Larissa (out on the ground person) to bring water into the village. Since this time, this village has been a very special place for the Wrights and now the rest of our team. The village has about 100 children - many of which seemed to be born after the water was installed into the village. They laughed when telling us this yesterday - as we all agreed that it TRULY MUST BE IN THE WATER!

So, the visit to the village was due to an invitation by the village to come for a "feast" in the afternoon. We were told we could not say NO. So away we went. We added our cookies and drinks to the "feast" and had an incredible time.

* One of the biggest cazans (huge cast iron pot) cooking rice which was to be the national Plof!
* A table set up to seat the village and us - interesting that men do not eat with the women here, unless you are a guest or a senior male.
* The children danced for us and recited poetry they had learned in school. One of the village mothers teaches them to dance.
* A most delicious meal of plot, chicken and goodies.
* Laughter, fun and fellowship in this amazing little Muslim village.

We left with tears and please from the to not forget them and to please come again soon. And we will. We let them know their beloved Wrights would be back in December and they were thrilled and that we would be back in the spring. We heard promises of learning English, being ready and of course the common statements, "We will wait for you." And you know what? They really do wait for us....always asking Larissa - when will they be back.

EVENING TIME: INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ASIA - Skype Pizza Party.

We had 11 students from IUCA into our home for this party arranged by Altanai to bring students together for pizza and a time to chat on Skype with the students from Canada that are in the youth group from John and Julie Wrights youth group. Bekah coordinated the youth on the Canadian side and Altanai on the Kyrgyzstan side. We simply provided a place for hosting the event. It was awesome.....except for the FLOOD IN THE LOWER APARTMENTS DURING THE EVENT.

* 11 University students - talking to Canadian youth group members.
* Pizza brought by Altanai from a new pizza (the only one) place in Tokmok - a very new thing here
* Simply a great evening of sharing, laughing and praying together.

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL GROUP OF YOUNG STUDENTS

THE FLOOD: Well, our apartment is on the first floor. All the apartment above us empty their waste water down through pipes and out of the building - pipes that we are also connected to along with three other apartments. So with the sewer system backing up - we had water all over the apartment floors in all the four apartments in our building. As of this moment - we cannot run any water at all. UGH. It was a mess. After a call to our friend Dabu and his arrival to discover the problem, he notified everyone on all three floors to NOT run any water down any drains, flush any toilets until it was fixed. Seems someone did not obey the request as this morning we once again had water on the floors and our neighbours were NOT HAPPY. 7AM the chatter began in the halls. And you can be certain our babushkas don't take disobeying the rules lightly. IT WAS A VERY ACTIVE HALL WAY THIS MORNING!

LATER TODAY - Our Canadian friends have arrived and are resting now. We will be picking them up in about an hour and heading out for a day of rice deliveries - Emma's Rice A Ronie day. 61 more bags to deliver. This will make our total of rice delivered of 109 bags of rice and the requests continue....

TOMORROW - IUCA initiation day!

KEMIN ORPHANAGE FOR DISABLED CHILDREN

2011-10-08T08:13:00.000-07:00

DATELINE: OCTOBER 8, 2011
What a day. We started off heading to the bazaar to get fruit and then over to get ice cream to take to the orphanage in Kemin. We picked up 100 ice cream cones, 60 bananas and 60 oranges and off we headed to Kemin with a van load of helpers.

Our LAMb team consisted today of our primary team (Madlin, Natasaha, Zukrah, Larissa, Tanya, Lynn and Ruby). We also had with us Madlin's son David and two helpers from the Youth Gymnasium Church - Amos and Leana. Our driver Isar got the fun of dodging lots of animals today as well.

We had two stops - Kemin Orphanage for Disabled Children and Kemin Senior Home. All were going to receive the treats...and all did. All were very happy and very excited.

At Kemin we were eager to spend time with the children in residence. Our first activity was to make the shapes as seen in the video and then to watch the video by Max Lucado, that reminds the children they are all very special. Lynn shared the video and the rest of the team worked the crafts. It was a day of loving and reminding the children they are loved and very special.

IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL DAY....

TOMORROW?
1. CHINESE CHURCH
2. Invited to a meal in the village of East Iskra. The invitation said you MUST NOT SAY NO!
3. PM - Pizza Skype Party for a few youth from IUCA and a Skype call with the Sunday School Youth that John Wright teaches.

MONDAY?
ANOTHER BIG RICE ALL DAY - Delivering 61 bags of rice.

TUESDAY?
IUCA INITIATION DAY

WEDNESDAY?
BISHKEK - MEETINGS
LYNN POTENTIAL PRISON

THURSDAY?
KEMIN SENIOR DAY - COOKING AND SPENDING THE DAY WITH THEM

FRIDAY?
ISKRA PARTY - CELEBRATION OF THE WINDOWS, HEATING SYSTEM, CEILING ELECTRIC DONE, BARS ON CRAFT WINDOWS, ETC
WITH CROSSROADS AND TWO VISITORS FROM CANADA - JODI AND GABRIEL

SATURDAY - :( WE FLY OUT

ISKRA - HOME FOR DISABLED MEN - KYRGYZSTAN

2011-10-07T04:57:00.001-07:00

LOOK AT WHAT YOU ALL HAVE ACCOMPLISHED...WE ARE SO HONORED TO SERVE THESE MEN AND TO BE THE ONES TAKING THE BLESSINGS TO THEIR HOME. THANK YOU SO MUCH...

The heating system has been fully installed this week. This is the dining room for the men of Iskra. It was a dismal place just months ago. The changes are dramatic and you should see the smiles on the faces of the men as they walk around with us looking at the progress of their "home." We were blessed by donor to make this happen.

The dining room - the chairs might look okay, and tables too, yet they are broken, bent and in need of being replaced.

Today we ordered the electrical repairs - new wiring in the room, with lights, outlets and switches. Something they have not had in the past. It will all be done next week and THEN? THE CEILING GOES IN FOLLOWED BY THE WALLS AND THEN THE FLOOR. FINALLY NEW TABLES, CHAIRS, CUPS SPOONS, PLATES.

The windows are now all replaced in the dining room. Larissa said she now wants planters for plants for the men. We think that is a grand idea! This project of the windows is thanks to our friends and partners in Bishkek - Crosslink.

AND WHAT IS NEXT? WE WILL HAVE A GREAT PARTY FOR THEM - CELEBRATING THE IMPROVEMENT SO FAR. We have guests coming from Canada, Crosslink will be there and we will have a REAL PARTY ON FRIDAY NIGHT AT ISKRA. LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL.

OUR PRECIOUS SENIORS AT KEMIN

2011-10-06T03:31:00.001-07:00

SENIOR DAY WAS SO SPECIAL TO ALL OF US...Our team went to Kemin and to Iskra for the day of honouring the seniors. This blog is just about Kemin. We sang, danced, had a time to eat together and just enjoy company of each other. Our seniors are always so happy when we come to visit them. There are 25 living at Kemin at the moment and about 35 who attend daily for meals. What a change from the beginning.

The community is beginning to see the benefit of the home and have started to help in little ways. People come to see what they are doing - and even the local authorities have said there is some chance the building could become permanently theirs - we are just holding our breaths. As you know when the government gives you a building to USE...and you make improvements - things begin to get complicated sometimes. This is the case here - there is a person who wants the building and is putting pressure on the village to sell it to them. However we believe it is on holy ground and protected for our beautiful seniors. Pray for this protection to continue.

So much improvement has taken place over the last couple of years:

So many rooms painted
Lots of flooring put down
New beautiful chairs for the dining room
A little chapel made upstairs
Complete heating system installed including a brand new coal furnace and brick furnace room
Repairs on doors, windows
Gardens planted
Lots of beds, mattresses, blankets, pillows brought in
Cupboards for crafts and supplies installed
New stove and new refrigerator
Lots of dishes, flatware, knives, pots and pans
Clothing, socks, boots, coats and sweaters delivered
Vitamins delivered (always need more)
Craft items delivered
Coal delivered year after year
Lots of music, videos given

ON AND ON. It is beginning to be a

What is next? We desperately need a fence around the property to keep out animals from the gardens and to keep out vandals who have seen the improvements and are looking to destroy. The fence is started, we just need a little more help to complete it. Just $3000.

We thank you all for making seniors your priority....you have really made a difference.

CHAMPION IN THE WINGS

2011-10-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

HER NAME IS JUDY...AND SHE REALLY IS A CHAMPION

How do we honour such a champion. She loves helping children, families, the disabled, enjoys seeing others grow and develop - knows Child Welfare better than anyone we know and is even a lover of cats. She has a great sense of humour, is a great traveling companion and would rather be here in Kyrgyzstan than in Ohio behind the scenes.

Dr. Judith Rycus is our champion. She is the Program Manager of the Institute for Human Services in Columbus, Ohio. She and a colleague, Dr. Ronald Hughes co-founded the organization - a non-profit. The organization is known for providing quality tools for those working with vulnerable children and crisis families. Judy has been instrumental in helping develop the Ukraine International Leadership and Development Center, as well as being a champion for international work in many other countries; Belarus, Russia, Kazakhastan, Kyrgyzstan, to name a few. In fact one can never know the full impact of her work.

A major work coming from IHS and Judy is the Field Guide to Child Welfare. We have been distributing this all over Ukraine and Kyrygzstan for the last several years. It is a tool that is cherished by those receiving the guides.

To know her impact is really impossible. However when we were together in Ukraine in June, the government of Ukraine honoured her with a medal of recognition. It was given to her at a fruchet we conducted in her honour. The representative from the Ministry of Child, Youth and Sport came and bestowed the honour. In addition, Judy was given a beautiful certificate and watch from the Kiev Region Governors office in recognition of her contribution to the work in Ukraine.

We are so honoured to be the team that delivers such quality tools to the counties LAMb is involved in. AND WE ARE SO HONORED TO BE A PART OF THE INSTITUTE FOR HUMAN SERVICES ------WHERE HELPING REALLY MATTERS.

THE LAMb Team

JESSICA'S FAMILY AS WE LOVINGLY CALL THEM

2011-10-04T05:36:00.000-07:00

WHAT A JOY IT IS TO SEE WHEN HELPING REALLY HELPS. Today we visited Jessica's family, and we took lots of goodies over for the children, oranges, bananas, peaches, popped corn, drinks, etc. They were not expecting us, but were overjoyed for us to be there. The children ran inside quickly to tell mom and dad we were there.

As many of you know - the father was given work by one of the men who does a great deal of work for our LAMb Team as a contractor. He worked all winter, but has not had work this summer - as the contractor did not have work. Yet, for the improvements he helped make other places - he improved things at home too!

1. They build a new brick heating unit in their living room (see picture.)
2. Now they have a new cupboard in the kitchen (see picture.)
3. AND PERHAPS BEST OF ALL - they now have water inside the home - (see picture.)
4. They built a little block building to keep wood and coal for their stove.

We were so pleased to visit with them, see their new kittens, and just enjoy the children.

After a short moment - our breath was taken away. Mother told us she has protected the toys we have given the children so they will alway remember us. At that point they ran to the bedroom and brought out an old suitcase (see picture) and opened it. Sure enough, there they were - stuffed animals, hot wheel cars - the entire lot of little toys. Oh my how humbling.

Once again - the common question and statement - "Please don't forget us."

DISTANCE, TIME AND SEPARATION - BUT FORGET - NEVER. THEIR EYES PIERCE OUR VERY BEING.

WOUNDED CHILDREN AND HEALING HOMES

2011-10-03T18:57:00.000-07:00

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN HELPING SEVERAL COUNTRIES? There are children suffering all over the former Soviet Union - children who have been in orphanages and have not had the healthy beginnings they need to develop physically, socially, intellectually, emotionally or spiritually. We can make a difference. Here is a GREAT opportunity to impact several nations:

We have translated, edited and published 1000 copies of Jayne Schooler's book - (our team member) on Wounded Children Healing Homes. This book was originally published in the United States by Navigator Press. It is a HOT item that helps anyone who is working or living with a child who has been wounded by trauma in their lives. For example, loss, abuse, violence.

This book comes off the Press in Ukraine in just two weeks! We need more copies and we have found that we can print 1000 more copies for just $1500. A small cost for such an impact. It is in Russian - and will be distributed for free. The cost for the first 1000 was $5000 (which included the translation, editing, design layout and printing.)

This is a BARGAIN....$1500 AND WE ARE DISTRIBUTING FREE MATERIALS TO HELP UKRAINE, BELARUS, RUSSIA, AND KYRGYZSTAN.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR A TRAUMATIZED CHILD? LET US KNOW....

A GIFT OF A LIFETIME....

TOMORROW IS SENIOR DAY IN KYRGYZSTAN

2011-09-30T11:12:00.000-07:00

THE SENIORS OF ISKRA LIVE HERE - WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER AND HONOR THEM WITH A CHANGE! THE FOLLOWING PICTURES ARE OF THEIR DINING ROOM.

The heating system is failing and WILL NOT HEAT THE DINING ROOM as it is.

Most of the disabled men have difficulty walking - and some are in wheel chairs - imagine their difficulty walking on these floors.

The men are waiting for the day when they can say they have a home - instead of an institution!

HEADING TO KEMIN AND ISKRA TOMORROW.

DATELINE: September 30, 2011
What a day - we spent the entire day at Dayspring pulling together forms, file systems and plans for the future. It was a very busy day for the staff. We would like to report that Dasha our little darling has settled in and is showing smiles and giggles too. She has had a visit with her mommy and we will work hard to have many more. Reunification is our goal is possible. All children need families and our family at Dayspring is a welcome respite for our little one. She loved her shopping trip with Dayspring mommy Acel and was eager to show off her new clothing. She only had the clothing she wore when she came.

TOMORROW: We are heading to Kemin in the morning - Senior Day - we will take gifts to our 32 seniors and just tell them how much we love them. We will enjoy company with them and then head to Iskra to take some gifts to our friends at the home for disabled men - many there are seniors too. AND we will see the progress of the renovations going on. We should have our window grates in, and the heating system started. So much more to do.

- Complete the heating system
- Plaster the ceiling
- Plaster the walls
- Fix the floor - just to begin with and this does not include the needs for the kitchen, for dishes, spoons, and so many other things.

But watch - we know you care and ANY donation designated to this project goes immediately to work. You will see pictures in our next blog.

YESTERDAY: We had the celebration for the opening of the Bishkek Humanities University Child Welfare Specialization. We honoured the President of the Association of Social Workers - Vera; and the Dean of the Faculty for the BHU Social Work Department. It was an awesome fruchet with the faculty and friends of BHU. We thanked Chris Tappan from New Hampshire for her hard hard work in being the key person to work with the faculty in implementing the courses. Chris has done an awesome job and will greatly missed by all the faculty and students of the University. We also recognized the United States Embassy for their contribution in this project - giving Chris the financial support needed to do the work she has done. Chris was recognized by the Embassy as a Fulbright Specialist and approved to help us with this incredible project.

We have more work to do before completion - but things are well underway.

The LAMb Team
Serving on the Silk Road
(Thanks to Jayne Schooler for taking these pictures when she was here just two weeks ago.)

ED DICKSON - WHO IS HE?

2011-09-29T08:53:00.000-07:00

WHEN HELPING GETS FORGOTTEN

ED DICKSON - WHO IS HE? Many of you know him on this blog and some of you don't. But in reality everyone knows him through the work of our TEAM. Let me explain just a little.

THE STORY AND MY THOUGHTS: Tonight we had a celebration in Bishkek for the opening of the project to strengthen families and protect children at a level of developing social workers. This project is really large - it has involved hundreds of hours, lots of talented people and the reality is now being seen. Bishkek Humanities University is now implementing a specialization for their social workers in the area of child and family. We have been working on this project since 2008. Tonight we hosted a fruchet (a stand up snack table) for the celebration. Complete with flowers, gifts and speeches. Success, outcome, completion, all very exciting words for this day.

Now, the story. I intended (still will later) to post a blog about the event - giving credit to individuals here and there about their involvement. I could not do the story. All day today I have been thinking of how it REALLY started. And how so many other successes, outcomes and completions come about - so many of the individuals with blogs and ministries have the same beginning we do. We met Ed Dickson. Ed Dickson invited us to Ukraine. Ed Dickson set up venues for us in which to serve. Ed Dickson encouraged us and inspired us with his work.

So my thoughts all day were about who is really to be given credit for the incredible projects success and again and again, I thanked Ed in my mind. Ed is truly the real champion here. Because of Ed there are hundreds and thousands of outcomes, successes and completions.

ED YOU ARE A CHAMPION - AN EXAMPLE - A MODEL.

Ed might not have been at the fruchet, but he was there in spirit. Ed this is YOUR victory - your success, your outcome.

The LAMb Team

SERVING ON THE SILK ROAD

2011-09-27T06:54:00.000-07:00

The staff in planning at Dayspring around the "BIG" dining room table!

Natasha and Dasha at our staff meeting - Dayspring.

HITTING THE GROUND RUNNING

DATELINE: Monday, September 26, 2011
We arrived yesterday and it was a 5:30am arrival. We headed to Tokmok, unpacked, showered and then headed back in to Bishkek.
1. Meeting at SOS Children's Villages to make plans for upcoming training of staff. Planning a potential project for family strengthening in Osh.
2. Headed to meet with Chris Tappan - our champion on the ground for the Bishkek Humanities Child Welfare Specialization project. All is moving forward as expected.
3. Then headed to check out a venue to host a Furshet to honour two individuals who were instrumental four years ago in working with us to visualize the BHU Social Work problem.
4. Finally hit the road for Tokmok and crashed for the night.

DATELINE: Tuesday, September 27, 2011
What a day!
1. Mercy Foundation devotions early this morning - great time to reconnect and share.
2. Invited three families for dinner - Pastor Sasha and family; Elena from Mercy Foundation and Dabu and Tanya. All accepted - tomorrow night first dinner in our home for Pastor Sasha and Elena - then Friday night dinner in our home for Dabu, Tanya and Anita. Fellowship means everything!
3. Off to Dayspring for an all day staff meeting. So much planning. Plans confirmed for the Senior Day on Saturday, the renovation beginning at Iskra, the Emma journey of rice delivery, and of course the future plans for Dayspring.

DAYSPRING UPDATE - we are thrilled that we have little Dasha as our first child. She is tiny for her age of 8 and quite shy. She was timid to come around us, but very connected to Natasha. She sat on her lap most of our staff meeting - and every once in a while she and Natasha had little lessons. "What colour is that?" "What is the name for that?" Dasha has never been able to attend school due to health problems. Madlin, our Child Advocate has taken her to several medical appointments and we have been directed to take her to Bishkek for extensive medical tests. She will likely need to remain in the hospital for about a week. The team will take turns to be with her there. It has been identified that she might have a serious heart problem - as that is why she has not been allowed to attend school. So tomorrow, Acel "mommy" will take Dash shopping to get some clothing and personal items and on Thursday she will go to Bishkek to meet the specialist at the hospital for an assessment of the next steps. All education plans and reunification plans will be developed once the medical issues are clearly identified.

AND

Now, we have been told she is not to fall or get to "rowdy." And guess what she likes to do most? JUMP. She just loves jumping. And she is showing what she has learned in language and writing. She found the wall of Dayspring to be a great canvas board. Sound pretty normal, right? We just laughed and decided we needed to stock Dayspring with the wonderful Magic Erasers from the US.

Please pray for Dasha and pray we will have a sponsor for our first child. She is truly a little darling. We have been notified by Social Services that there are four other little girls that might need placement soon. Pray for them before we even know their names. They are all precious in HIS sight.

The LAMb Team - serving on the silk road

HEADING TO KYRGYZSTAN - JUST 25 HOURS TO GO....

2011-09-24T13:22:00.000-07:00

HERE WE SIT....waiting. We will have a very busy schedule once there and lots of plans to do lots of things. We will:
1. Head to Kemin to see the seniors - cook for them and take them some new things. And we will be taking food.
2. Be at Iskra Men's Home for the Disabled - to start/continue with the renovations of Wetheir dining room. Thanks to the donation of $5000.
3. We will have the IUCA students who are invited by Altanai - to a special evening of celebration of their faith. Paula from Ontario will be joining us along with lots of our team members in Tokmok - we expect about 40 students.
4. Emma's rice project - will take place - delivering over 100 bags of needed rice for winter - and of course delivering lots of love and encouragement too. Thanks to a donation of $3000.
5. Lots of training.
6. Time with Russian Church and pastor.
7. Time with Mercy Foundation - coaching team of young people who are working on their leadership for this great Christian organization.
8. Training with SOS Children's Villages and with the Family Strengthening project.
9. Lynn will be spending time in the prisons - with a team of nationals joining him.
10. Dayspring - working with staff - the project and getting to know our little Dasha.
11. Working with Tokmok leadership on the next steps for Dayspring.
12. Meetings galore to anchor the Dayspring project, the training for the Ministry and for the upcoming days with teams and our time there.
13. The search continues for Slavik.
14. And some special work to uncover how we can help those who wait and wait....and wait. We believe in a Kyrgyzstan Without Orphans - and families are waiting - we just need to help where we can.

AND SO MUCH MORE. WANT TO JOIN A TEAM? LET US KNOW - WE ARE PLANNING A TEAM FOR THE SPRING OF 2012.

THE LAMb TEAM!

DAYSPRING HAS OFFICIALLY OPENED DOORS TO CHILDREN

2011-09-23T09:26:00.000-07:00

YES, DAYSPRING IS NOW OFFICIALLY OPEN FOR CHILDREN

The journey has been a long one, but one that is totally in the control of our Heavenly Father. Yesterday, Dayspring received through the open doors a little girl - the first child to be placed into our new pilot project. She is a little darling that will need lots of prayers and some loving arms to carry her through this time of fear and questions. Her name is Dasha. Appropriate to say she is a darling, right?

You might want to be the family to sponsor her - let us know.

We are in the process of creating our policies for privacy on the children of Dayspring. We will not be posting individual pictures that are face shots - but will do group pictures at a later date. We will also not be telling their full stories on the internet. We want to protect their stories as much as possible. We will tell general stories of the children in the future - when more children are with our family at Dayspring.

For today - we ask for your prayers and for your love for our little Dasha. May we be a bearer of blessings to her and to her mother. We ask you to pray for her mommy too. We will be working to get Darla home with her if possible.

Thank you so much,

The LAMb Team

WHEN CHILDREN SMILE - A HEART SINGS

2011-09-15T18:05:00.001-07:00

Lynn and I were blessed to serve in Kherson, Ukraine at a conference for adoptive and foster parents. We were there to work with the parents, but also had a wonderful opportunity to do one session each day with the older children. It was awesome and we received so much more than we might have been able to give.

It did not take long before the children were gathering around us each time we were out in the public areas. It was delightful to have them so open and come up to us - foreigners - and tell us their name. In this picture are two of the younger children that really thought Lynn was the BEST! Every time they say him - they would come running. I snapped this photo as he was sitting with them and showing them some photos from the conference. We don't know their stories - but you can see their hearts in this photo.

Interest and delight!! What joy children can bring.

The parents at this conference are all Ukrainians and the children have been adopted from the orphanages. Again - a reminder of the movement toward a UKRAINE WITHOUT ORPHANS.

NEXT STOP? KYRGYZSTAN - WE LEAVE A WEEK FROM SATURDAY. STAY TUNED FOR WHAT GOD HAS IN STORE. WE WILL "just show up and stop for the one HE puts in front of us." And - the update on Dayspring - hopefully we can introduce you to the children coming to Daysping...children you can "adopt" in your hearts from afar.

THE FUTURE WE CAN SHAPE

2011-09-12T03:11:00.000-07:00

His name is Karill. He was living in a home for disabled children when a family visited to take aide and crafts to the home. Karill touched their hearts and soon became their son. Adoption in Ukraine and adoption in Kyrgyzstan is on the increase with nationals. Join us in believing in A WORLD WITHOUT ORPHANS!

John Wright recently posted this message he received from a friend in Bishkek - it says it all - WE CAN HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE!

Bishkek the capital of Kyrgyzstan 3 million people limitless Internet, coffee shops, new buildings, I pad’s, etc… sometimes I almost forget I am in the 7th poorest country in the world until I take another look around me!

• The other day I passed an older Russian man sitting next to a scale (where people weigh themselves) asking 1 Kyrgyz som for this service and about block later a Russian lady with two small wooden stools next to a cardboard box reading peoples fortune’s for a small amount of money.
• I also noticed a small boy with clothes that looked like they had never seen a washing machine and he hadn’t eaten in a long time. There was no smile or joy anywhere on his face only sad resignation that his life was in the pits. It hit me right in the gut this boy had NO hope for today, let alone a future.

These children are supposed to be the future for Kyrgyzstan??

What will happen if these boys and girls are left alone? Well our news tells us every day what happens: drugs, murder, sex without love, more abandoned children and the cycle goes on and on. The Taliban get most of their recruits from orphaned boys, drug lords all over the world get their new recruits from boys with no fathers, and the girls end up in prostitution or single mothers with children they can’t take care of, our societies becomes numb to the need and these children are forgotten!

The GOOD news is that God doesn’t forget and wants us to reach out to these children and put them into loving homes and families to help reach the potential God has given them. When we invest into these special children we invest into the future of the countries we live in. The children of today will be the future leaders of tomorrow either good or bad depending on how we respond to them.

HERE IS HOW YOU CAN HELP;

1. Go to iucascholarshipfund.com and donate to help a youth in Kyrgyzstan go to a university. We commit to helping those who otherwise could not even begin to consider this.

2. Donate to help the different work of LAMb International with the Dayspring Project.

3. Join one of our teams to Ukraine or Kyrgyzstan.

4. Read the blogs of our LAMb team and let us know you are praying for us - email us!
actofkindness.blogspot.com
dandjschooler.blogspot.com
and of course this blog.

5. Become a monthly supporter...JUST HIT THE BUTTON ON THE SIDE OF THIS BLOG!

THANKS FOR EXTENDING YOUR HAND IN GRACE AND MERCY - YOU TOO CAN BE A PHILANTHROPIST! IT JUST TAKES A COMMITMENT TO HELP SOMEWHERE.

LAMb - TELLING THE WORLD

2011-09-10T08:41:00.001-07:00

In Ukraine we can often find things that are so helpful to us - and this is one of those situations. We found we can get a beautiful banner for about $25 each. So, we had them made and are carrying them home. Take a look -

UKRAINE WITHOUT ORPHANS IS OUR MESSAGE - our daughter and son-in-law have been working hard creating conference tables that carry the message of the orphan. We must be active in this work, as the heart of the orphan cries out loudly all over the world, from Asia, Russia, Africa - on an on. Consider what YOU MIGHT WANT TO DO TO HELP THE CAUSE...

LAMb International has a fabulous team - our on the ground team - John and Julie Wright, Emma and Bekah Wright, Pastor David and Jayne Schooler - all committed to make a difference - bringing hope and dignity to those suffering from the loss of both.

I AM SPECIAL

2011-09-08T11:47:00.000-07:00

Adoptive and Foster Parent Conference

2011-09-08T11:11:00.000-07:00

The last five days we have been involved with an Adoptive and Foster Parent Conference at a center just outside of Kherson in Ukraine. There were about 50 families in attendance.

Our days started at eight am with breakfast and the workshops began at 9 am each day. There was a large selection of topics. Topics such as "My Home is a Happy Home", "Biblical Marriages", "Helping Your Child Grieve", "Communication", Wounded Children Healing Homes", "Conflict", "Identity", "Social Styles", "Change", "Healthy Sexuality in a Sexually stylized World", "Fear", "Behavior Management", "Honesty and Truth", "Talking With Others About Adoption", "My Family in 2021", plus lots of active discussion.

The classes for parents ended at 2 pm, just in time for lunch. The classes for the children ran from 6pm for an hour.

The evening programs started at 8pm and included skits, singing and other entertainment.

The interactions with these families was fabulous. For those of you who have adopted or fostered, you will understand many of the challenges these families face. What a blessing it was to be able to come together to learn, share and discuss.

Included are a few pictures of the parents and children 'at work'.

FOR A BOWL OF RICE

2011-08-23T18:00:00.000-07:00

WE HAVE JUST RECEIVED WORD - EMMA'S DREAM WILL COME TRUE. 100 BAGS OF RICE TO BE GIVEN TO OUR DEAR FAMILIES AND PROJECTS.

A generous donation is making this possible! Can you imagine. Rice is a major "LIFE SAVER" for winter for many. Yet, the prices have increased beyond imagination and most families will eliminate this from their diet. We cannot supply the entire nation, but 100 will be blessed. Emma's dream will come true! We will be purchasing 100 (50 POUND Bags )bags of rice and a large amount of flour. Thanks to you.

And now we are ready to start the purchase of coal for Dayspring, Kemin and several churches we want to help this winter. Want to be a 'COAL ANGEL? LET US KNOW.....

$80 PER TONNE.....THAT IS GIFT OF WARMTH FOR THE WINTER.

THE LAMb TEAM

TEAM KYRGYZSTAN/UKRAINE - SPRING 2012

2011-08-19T05:37:00.000-07:00

BREAKING NEWS!!!!! KYRGYZSTAN AND UKRAINE TEAM
SPRING 2012!!!! JOIN US!

Our team on the ground in Kyrgyzstan sends word about our seniors - saying they are all wanting our North American team to return soon. They continue to say "Please don't forget us!" And we won't.

Maybe you will want to join our SPRING TEAM? We will be taking a team in April/May 2012 (April 20 - May 5th) and this team will likely work with us in both Ukraine and in Kyrgyzstan. ARE YOU INTERESTED? Let us know and we will send you the information. The team will be limited in number.

LET US KNOW!!!!
The LAMb Team

SEPTEMBER 24TH - BACK TO KYRGYZSTAN

2011-08-17T15:45:00.000-07:00

SERVING DOES NOT STOP!

OUR TEAM IS GEARING UP FOR THE RETURN TO KYRYGZTAN...Pastor David and Jayne leave on the 27th of August; Chris Tappan leaves on the 6th of September and we will be following on the 24th of September. There is much to do and the team is ready, willing and hopefully able. Here are SOME of the activities:

1. IUCA (International University of Central Asia) opens for the new year with new departments, etc. Pastor David will be conducting a board meeting and getting things in order for the year.
2. Jayne will be working with Dayspring and doing some training with the staff....more preparation to ensure children are well taken care of and families are strengthened. She will also be doing a fair bit of training for LAMb - with the Ministry of Social Protection - developing trainers.
3. Chris will also be doing training for LAMb with the Ministry of Social Protection and also working on our project to strengthen the system of social protection for children by working on the project we have with the Bishkek Humanaties University.
4. Lynn will be working with the prison ministry and working to establish an ongoing work with nationals in this area - working with nationals who are committed to serving those in prison.
5. Ruby will be doing a lot of training and consultation in the are of child abuse and child development; working with the Ministry of Social Protection and with other key national organizations who are committed to helping families and children.

ALL OF US WILL BE FOCUSED ON BRINGING THE LOVE OF CHRIST TO THE NATION BY:
SERVING THE SENIORS IN KEMIN; THE DISABLED MEN AT ISKRA; THE ORPHANAGES SURROUNDING OUR CITY; BLESSING FAMILIES WITH AIDE, SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT.

LAMb International is committed to RELIEF, RESTORATION, AND DEVELOPMENT BY "Stopping for the one in front of us...."

Our on the ground team of nationals are visiting our seniors weekly - taking fruit, treats and lots of love.....SERVING DOES NOT STOP....

ADOPTION CONFERENCE IN CRIMEA, UKRAINE

2011-08-17T04:01:00.000-07:00

She adopted with the help of our staff in Krivoy Rog - Vika Melenchinko - Adopt Ukraine is helping families in Ukraine adopt! We are so excited to see the success of this iniatitive. Adopt Ukraine was started by LAMb International about five years ago. Many families have adopted as a result of the work of Adopt Ukraine.

LEAVING SEPTEMBER 1 - FOR UKRAINE
We are working hard to prepare for the upcoming conference in Southern Ukraine - there will be about 100 families with their children; birth children, adopted children and foster children. We have been asked to conduct a conference for this four day weekend reatreat - where we will be staying on the shores of the Black Sea.

This will be our second conference for this group of families. We conducted a retreat for them about five years ago. Our focus will be on STRENGTHENING FAMILIES - with workshops on Communication, Spiritual Development for the Family, Trauma, Attachment, Managing Difficult Behaviors, Conflict, Marriage, etc. We are excited to be able to once again share with these families. Please pray for God's blessing to fall upon the families as they gather in the beautiful area of Ukraine known as Crimea.

AND stay tuned for lots of stories....as we witness first hand again the movement of Ukraine - getting closer and closer to UKRAINE WITHOUT ORPHANS...

BEING QUIET JUST MEANS PREPARING FOR WHAT IS NEXT....

2011-08-15T06:32:00.000-07:00

Her name is Katya and she is asking for us to "Please do not forget us! You are the only ones that help us."

BLESSED QUIETNESS - HOLY QUIETNESS - WHAT ASSURANCE IN MY SOUL - ON THE STORMY SEAS HE SPEAKS PEACE TO ME - HOW THE BILLOWS CEASE TO ROLL. (and the quietness is in our soul as we know your willingness to help - as our hearts cry out to "cease the billows")

Yet, the billows continue to roll and tug at our hearts. The call for coal needed to prepare for winter, the cry of the orphans still waiting for their "release" from the complicated situation in Kyrgyzstan, the overwhelming needs of the little ones in the orphanages, our men's home for the disabled needing desperately to have a new kitchen, spoons, cups and plates, our seniors who need winter blankets and coats.

Oh the billows roll and in the months we have been passing we have been hard at work, thinking of ways to cover needs, preparing for more training, gearing up for time and more time to serve in the far reaches of Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

What are we doing? Praying, crying, laughing and preparing. And we are actively working on bringing Slavik home....stay tuned.

Please know we appreciate you all for helping us...look at the teams next steps:

1. Pastor David and Jayne leave for Kyrgyzstan on August 27th.
2. Lynn and Ruby leave for Ukraine on September 1 to conduct a retreat for Christian families who have adopted and/or are fostering children.
3. Lynn and Ruby then head to Kyrgyzstan on September 24th.
4. John and Julie leave for Kyrgyzstan in December...
5. Pastor Glen preparing for Nicaragua..
6. Lynn and Ruby preparing for Siberia...and Ruby preparing for an opportunity to help with creating centers where best practice in child welfare will be promoted in three or four centers in the Russian Federation..
7. Pastor David and Jayne preparing for an adoption conference in November...
8. Dayspring children - the doors are now open and ALL IS MOVING FORWARD....
9. Ruby preparing for training of trainers in Kyrgyzstan - developing key professionals for implementing best practice methodology in child welfare
10. Lynn preparing for the prison ministry in Kyrgyzstan...
11. Pastor David preparing for a full fundraising campagne for tuition for the needy students of the International University of Central Asia...
12. Jayne preparing for the a video that will be helpful for families who have adopted - being created with the sponsorship of CBN - USA.
13. John - agressively raising funds for the many different projects of LAMb International...
14. AND ON AND ON......

And that is just a glimpse. There is so much more...but we need you to continue caring and serving in your own way too. Thanks so much FOR ALL YOU DO AND FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT.

The LAMb Team

The Land of Buryatia - Siberia

2011-08-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

Siberia - the City of Ulan Ude
Natasha and Ruby at the Forum - President of Buryatia held dinner for invited guests.
The bondfire - and the Buryatia greeting.
The Lake Baikal village of Sohio.
Another Buryatia greeting.
Lenin still is evident on the square in Ulan Ude - this is Soviet Square.
The beautiful children of Ulan Ude.
Buddist Temple in Ulan Ude...this is a major complex of temples where study is conducted - seven years for the newly recruited young men.
The St. Basil church on Red Square in Moscow.
And finally - where so much history has marked the era of the former Soviet Union - RED SQUARE

KNOW HIS HAND IS EVER PRESENT...we have faced some major challenges and major rewards in the last three weeks here in Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Siberia.

We still await the information on the location of Slavik - and trust he will soon return to Kyrgyzstan and the safety we so are praying will be surrounding him.

We passed through Russia and headed to the Land of Buryatia - and the city of Ulan Ude and then on to Lake Baikal - for the first ever forum on child welfare - titled: The Russian American Forum on Child Welfare. It was here we articulated many different resolutions for the improvement of child welfare in Russia. We pray these resolutions will be received well by authorities and services for children and families will improve as a result.

Our time in Buryatia was filled with activity. Buryatia is very close to the Mongolian culture and is filled with the mystery of Shamans and Buddist temples of study. One cannot be in the area for long, before you begin to understand the people and the challenges they face. As this area of Siberia is as beautiful as any area one might visit in the world, it is isolated from the rest of Russia and faces the hardships of distance and history. The past history of Siberia is often misread to be the present reality and definately not the case. Buryatia people are kind, gentle people, and want the best for their land, country, children and families.

An amazing evening ending our time in Buryatia was spent by the shores of Lake Baikal around an amazing campfire. National songs were being offered by our Buryatia hosts and they asked for us to sing for them. We broke out in song - singing Amazing Grace - resounding the words so near and dear to our hearts. Amazing Grace - how sweet the sound........that saved a wretch like me....I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I SEE.....

Children and families were the focus of this time in Siberia - making life better for them. It is our prayer that every word and every action of our time with our friends in Buryatia will be a lasting impressing for a better tomorrow and one that truly is filled with AMAZING GRACE.

THE JOURNAL WILL HAVE MORE ....NEXT?

LAMb International will be in Ukraine in just a few weeks - we will be teaching at a conference/retreat for Christian foster and adoptive parents in the south of the country on the shores of the Black Sea. Stay tuned for more on this and updates on Slavik.

POSTPONED

2011-08-07T04:04:00.000-07:00

Please be advised that the TASTE THE MISSION event scheduled for August 13th has been postponed.

This event will be re-scheduled for later this fall. If you, or someone you know, was planning to attend please let them know.

Thanks, the LAMb team.

Tech Glitch for TASTE THE MISSION

2011-08-02T05:16:00.000-07:00

A few blogs ago you were invited to TASTE THE MISSION, a discovery of culture change. This will take place in Barrie, Ontario on August 13th from 7pm to 9 pm.

The e-mail address to reply had an error. It should be ianjforsyth@gmail.com

E-mail us if you need more information or directions.

Please let us know if you can make it.

Food, music and fellowship as we hear from the LAMb team what the Lord is doing in Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan and other regions of the world.

Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support.

DAYSPRING UPDATE

2011-07-30T09:28:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Dayspring.

CHILDREN NEXT WEEK? JUST MIGHT BE....

The documents are finally all signed. We had them done once, then so many things happened...essentially they just do not know how to handle this very different type program - we do not fit into a box that has already been defined:

1. Mayor's office decided they needed some different guidelines - needed new documents....to reflect this. Did that and then....

2.The government changed their structure - needed new documents..checked out what they wanted and did that...turned them in and then...

3. We have a new mayor...new documents again.

They are complete and we are ready - our area mayor's office said they are ready to place children now.

ANOTHER INCREDIBLE TURN OF EVENTS - the Governor's office (this is the mayor and vice mayor's boss) heard about Dayspring and the Vice Governor came for a visit. She was mightyly impressed with the program concept and the idea of family for children - children who will not be living in an orphanage. She ask for me to come to her office, since I did not meet her at the Center.

My visit was astonishing to say the least. She wants this pilot to work as much as we do. She asked about more homes as such and we said - "let's get this one working well first." Her comment - she picked up the phone and called the Vice Mayor and requested a plan by Monday of how and when they planned to utilize Dayspring, reminding them of all the children who are "living homeless" at the local outdoor market.

Dayspring is new and the concept is so new to Kyrgyzstan. The slow movement is for a purpose and will make us so much stronger as we move forward. WE ARE READY. After a team meeting today - we are so excited to know we have come this far and are still so sure it is THE RIGHT THING TO DO.

HANDS OF HOPE WE HONOR YOUR FOR ENTRUSTING US WITH THIS INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY!!!!

UPDATE ON SLAVIK

2011-07-30T06:14:00.000-07:00

My heart just dropped to my knees when we visited Slavik's grandmother Galena today. First, his uncle Volodymre was there and he was sober. Grandmother was eating and she really looked good considering she had just had a stroke not long ago. She still cannot talk clearly, however Anya was able to pick up some words and write to her on paper to help her understand us.

His sober uncle was willing and able to give us some detailed information. He knows about where Slavik is working in the field in Kazakhastan and when we talked about sponsor funds available for helping him when he returned to Kyrgyzstan - he began to have ideas of how we might contact him. The uncle agreed to talk to a person he is sure has the phone number of the man who took him (bought him?) to Kazakhastan. He took Talant's phone number and said he would call Talant with this man's number and then a plan could be made to bring Slavik back to Kyrgyzstan. This is huge progress as nothing else has been as encouraging up to this time. We really had not idea of exactly where he might be. This seems very hopeful.

The grandmother said she really wants to know where he is as well. I really believe she is grieving over him not being there and does not understand what is going on. Remember he was living with her up until the stroke. And the proof of him there hit me between the eyes.

I looked up into this cupboard of sorts while we were comforting the grandmother and my eyes stopped at a clear reminder of Slavik and our time together. There in this cupboard was a white and blue book with the title "ABOUT ME" in Russian. It was a Life Book. We had these made in Cleveland, Ohio for the children at the orphanages in Kyrgyzstan. Slavik made his life book, choose a baby picture from the many pictures sent to us from families (one he felt might have looked like him as a baby) who had adopted Kyrgyz child and put the picture in the book. He filled out pages about his favorite things and what he dreamed about in his future.

THERE WAS HIS BOOK - Where is Slavik? We pray he will soon return to Kyrgyzstan. Maybe his family cannot keep him, nor perhaps should they be permitted to keep him, maybe he won't want to be helped. Yet we cannot just MOVE ON WITHOUT STOPPING FOR HIM.

HE IS THE ONE IN FRONT OF US!

INTERNET IS BACK ON - SO SORRY ABOUT THE DELAY IN THIS IMPORTANT DATA

2011-07-30T06:12:00.001-07:00

TASTE THE MISSION

2011-07-28T08:16:00.000-07:00

You are invited to attend "TASTE THE MISSION".

Come and hear the story of 'the river' and catch the vision for A WORLD WITHOUT ORPHANS.

Saturday, August 13th 2011, 7 - 9 pm. In the Kempenfelt room, 2nd floor, at the Nautica Condominiums 33 Ellen Street, Barrie, Ontario, Canada.

RSVP by August 6th to Ian or Arlene Forsyth at IANFORSYTH@GMAIL.COM

Thank you for your continued support.

Ruby is presently completing a week of training with social work leaders in Kyrgyzstan and will be heading on to Siberia on the weekend. Please keep her covered in prayer as she travels and serves.

SLAVIK

2011-07-23T06:26:00.000-07:00

...the hidden shall be found....

Today started and ended with the search for Slavik. First thing this morning we went to a home thinking it was his father's or mother's to find it was an aunt - in fact the aunt that is caring for Slavik's sister - Vika.

When we first asked about Slavik, she indicated he was with his grandmother. After discussion about the fact the grandmother had a stroke (which did not seem to surprize her) and that Slavik was no longer there - she said he was probably with his mother in Orlovka. Still somewhat resistant, we told her about the sponsor wanting to help him - a sponsor who wanted to give a significant amount of funds for his support. She came out of the gate and suggested she send Vika to Orlovka and see what she could find. And she would call Natasha later. Progress.

Then after making our rounds in Iskra and Kemin, we continued on to Orlovka to see what we could find out. We went to the address that we were told was the mothers - only to find another woman - one who knows the family well. She told us Slavik was with a family who is working in the fields - possibly in Kazakhastan or in a city outside of Bishkek. She became very helpful when she heard of the sponsor (which we have some promises of only - by the way) and then sent us to a different part of the village to find the mother. We did not find her - even after asking the village "she knows everyone person". However we are not to be discouraged - we headed back to Tokmok with a plan.

Next - we ask Sergae and Anya to return to the persons they talked to and let then know about the "sponsor"...telling them we must see Slavik in order to give the funds.

REMEMBER HIS FACE EACH MORNING AND NIGHT AND PRAY FOR HIS SAFE RETURN. He is 11!!! and at the hands of someone just wanting him for ALL THE WRONG REASONS - work OR?

DAYS HAVE HIGHS AND LOWS - BUT THE CONSTANT IS LOVE

2011-07-23T05:24:00.000-07:00

First we start loading the watermelons, then six people and then more watermelons - making a total of six people and 50 watermelons!

And then we tell Dabu - well we can likely get in 50 more - ya!

Then the watermelon parade starts at Iskra - hey all come get a watermelon - lunch has a treat today!

And the cost for this 50 watermelon treat? A grand total of $32.00. Hey you watermelon babies out there – hit the donate button and this can happen every week for just $32.00 a week. Who said you needed to be rich to bless others?

WHAT A DAY!

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES

2011-07-22T09:11:00.001-07:00

With the minister - looking over the training materials for next week!

AWESOME DAY IN KYRGYZSTAN...

Today was really busy and full - but oh so productive. I will update quickly and hope it all makes sense to each of you.

1. The ministry is a go for the training. The minister is really keen to help her country develop strong families and see children with families not in orphanages.

2. We are moving forward in finding Slavik..and we are so happy to say the minister is helping us - involving the immigration police. Let's continue to pray for a fast and safe closure to this child selling ordeal. Tomorrow Natasha and I are going to see his parents and propose a little deal.

3. Tomorrow we will be out to Iskra, the home for disabled men and Kemin, the home for homeless/abandoned seniors. We will be together with most of our LAMb team who are the nationals here on the ground AND WITH ABOUT 50 LARGE WATERMELONS!!!! JUST IMAGINE THAT ROLLY POLLY VAN! We are so excited.

4. Got some more good news - hopefully the ministry will help us in renovating the kitchen for the men...we have one gift, but need about $5000 more to do the job.

5. And some more good news - the funds have arrived for the floor in the dining room at the men's home. Remember - a former director literally ruined a perfectly good floor - ripping up stone tiles and piling them up - for what purpose? That left a very uneven and dangerous floor. Such a dreadful situation....but soon to changed thanks to a wondeful donor!!!!

6. I will be doing a journal with lots of information - if you are not on the journal - let our partner know: lambinternationalusa@gmail.com

7. International Adoption continues to be a challenge here - had a long and very clarifying talk with the Minister today. It is not going to be resolved soon. At lease not as soon as we all so desperately want. 65 children remain in Kyrgyzstan who have been matched with parents in the US. It is a burden of waiting they have carried for going on three years. The children in the meantime are growing up in orphanages. Please pray for a resolution that brings these children home to their parents.

LET'S WORK TOGETHER - PLEASE JOIN US FOR A WORLD WITHOUT ORPHANS!

WE CAN DO THIS...

KYRGYZSTAN IN THE MORNING....

2011-07-20T02:04:00.000-07:00

The LAMb retreat -- a true Kyrgyz style shasleke evening!

There has been too much time that has passed - so much has happened since our last post.

CANADA
Then we had the LAMb retreat. It was held at our cottage on Round Lake just outside of Havelock, Ontario. It was a time of planning for the future - of visiting our vision and mission. We praised God for what He has done and what is to come. We are all excited about the future and are just waiting for what God has in store for our team.

UKRAINE
Lynn and I were in Ukraine with our partner and friend Judy Rycus. We had a board meeting for ILDC - Ukraine. It was very good. Our team there is working hard to make a difference.
Judy received some very deserved rewards for her contribution to Child Welfare in Ukraine. Judy is one of the co-authors of the Field Guide to Child Welfare. It is fully translated into Russian and has been widly distributed in Ukraine as well as in Kyrgyzstan. In fact we are printing 1500 more copies for distribution right now. There are four books - so figure that out - 1500 X 4. WOW! That is a lot of printing.

KYRGYZSTAN
Ruby is heading there alone. There is much to do...training child welfare leaders, getting the new papers signed for Dayspring with the NEW Tokmok mayor, the NEW department in charge of the placement of children in our city and hopefully ending the long journey of bringing children to Dayspring. The government changed, city leadership changed and that changed everything for us too. Don't you just love bureauracy?

So much more to do as well - the journey to find Slavik will continue. (See the blot from the Wrights for the full story. actofkindness.blogspot.com) Slavik was sold to work and sent to Kazakhastan. He had previously lived at the Tokmok Home in Tokmok - a Mercy Foundation orphanage. He then went to his grandmothers, who had a stroke and sent him to live with relatives. It seems he was sold to a person for about $20. He is 11. OUr team know him well. We cannot just accept this - we MUST do all we can to bring him back to Kyrgyzstan and care for him. Pray please for Slavik.

Heading out to our dear seniors, visiting the Iskra home for disabled men, visiting an orphanage and checingk on countless others. The days will go all too fast.

SIBERIA
Then off to Siberia for a conference/dialogue on Child Welfare. We will be there with the Department of Justice from the US, our partners at IHS, Ron Hughes and Judy Rycus and with several other invited guests from APSAC. We are hoping that the sharing of ideas, we can be of service to our Russian colleagues. This dialogue is an invitation to share our work - our practices and our hopes for the future - A WORLD WITHOUT ORPHANS.

AND GEARING UP FOR A TEAM IN THE SPRING....ARE YOU INTERESTED? LET US KNOW WE NEED YOU TO JOIN US AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

THE VILLAGE CHURCH AND THE WORK OF MANY...

2011-06-23T07:31:00.000-07:00

LYNN IN PETEHOTKYE - WITH THE VILLAGE CHURCH WAS TIME OF LEARNING FOR ALL.

With a team about five years ago - a small building was bought to be used as a church - it was a lovely brick structure that was being built to be a home - abandoned and left to turn into ruins if not bought and used. Enter our Canadian team from our church, along with Ruby's mother from Arizona, saying, "We can buy that church!" For just $2,000 the building and land was purchased.

Today the group of believers are flourishing - reaching out to the community around and to villages near by. Many different groups have started as a result of this little group in Petehotktye - multiplying by personal contact after personal contact.

Lynn had the wonderful privilege of being with the members of the church and surrounding groups over the last weekend, teaching a leadership conference and then preaching in their special evening service.

Then on Sunday, Lynn preached the service in Krivoy Rog at the Church of Praise. A wonderful weekend sharing and loving on our partners in Ukraine!

Lives being changed - one at a time. Hope and dignity.

HOPE AND DIGNITY FOR ORPHANS

2011-06-17T16:00:00.000-07:00

ONE OR OUR PARTNERS - ALLIANCE UKRAINE WITHOUT ORPHANS is making tire marks across Ukraine - one bike at a time. We are so excited to be a partner of this organization and to be working together toward a UKRAINE WITHOUT ORPHANS. Just a couple of days ago - orphan children from Western Ukraine and orphan children from Eastern Ukraine - jumped on bicycles and headed to Kiev - the capital of Ukraine. They are riding about 100km a day and will arrive into Kiev on June 24th.

The purpse of the ride is to bring awareness of the orphans in Ukraine.

Pastor Gennadiy (a true champion for the children of Ukraine) thanks all those people who responded to the call to take part in the action and did everything for it to happen: “ ........ We dream for the last boarding orphanage in Ukraine to be shut down in Ukraine and for there was not to be a single kid without parents. Once (in the past) we put a target – to have no street kids in Mariupol. And it came to pass. Now we are moving forward to another purpose and I am certain that it can be fulfilled if we all want it and do our best”.

AND there are over 40 orphans riding new bikes hoping for a good ending to their journey. ONE DREAM IS FOR ENOUGH SPONSORS TO BUY A BIKE OR TWO TO ENSURE EVERY CHILD RIDING GETS THEIR OWN BIKE - COST FOR THESE BIKES? $250. You can donate on our donate buttons and we will buy a bike in your name for a child....JUST THINK OF THE SUMMER FOR THESE ORPHANS - RIDING WITH THEIR FRIENDS, SHARING BIKES AND LOVING THE DREAM OF THE FUTURE FOR CHILDEN IN UKRAINE.

UKRAINE WITHOUT ORPHANS - 2015

2011-06-17T01:24:00.000-07:00

WE BELIEVE - WE HOPE - WE PRAY - WE WORK TO REACH THE VISION!

The time in Ukraine has been very exciting - QUICK RECAP....

1. Completed training with key leadership - which was part three of a five part series.

2. Established a plan for a implementing a training for key church and NGO leadership who are working on the projects they have developed for moving toward a UKRIANE WITHOUT ORPHANS. Will develop the training, train leadership and develop trainers to carry forth the same training.

3. Established a plan for delivering a key trainng program to a governmental agency for their rehabilitation center, their crisis family/children's center and their shelter.

4. Established a plan to develop a key training for key leadership who meet together to make decisions on child placement, reunification with families, etc. Will develop the training, train trainers and complete the first training of the series before turning over to national trainers.

5. Committed to join a committee/work group to make a difference in how children are placed - for the quality of oversight for children in care.

COMING UP NEXT:

1. Judy Rycus from IHS in Columbus, Ohio is arriving to work with our ILDC team.
2. Board meeting of our Ukraine organization - International Leadership and Development Center
3. Meeting with key persons about future work with orphans, adoption and strengthening families
4. Lynn is working with the church in Petehotyke - a weekend conference and evening service.
5. And we return to Ohio on Wednesday...before heading back to Canada. We have two days of "tent making" in Ohio before we go home.

Remember - we believe ALL CHILDREN DESERVE A FAMILY - and orphanage care is not the best resource/option for children in need. Although the orphanages are needed for now, the only way change of placement will occur is to implement new and innovative options NOW. Watch the changes for Ukraine - they are happening. The movement is real.

We ALL ENVISION A UKRAINE WITHOUT ORPHANS.

ILDC: FIRST VOLUME OF THE FIELD GUIDE TO CHILD WELFARE ...

2011-06-09T09:28:00.000-07:00

EACH RESOURCE MEANS CHILDREN ARE SERVED BETTER AND FAMILIES ARE STRENGTHENED.....

WE ARE SO GREATFUL TO THE INSTITUTE FOR HUMAN SERVICES FOR GIVING US THIS GREAT TOOL... click on the link below and read what our Ukraine organization is doing!

ILDC: FIRST VOLUME OF THE FIELD GUIDE TO CHILD WELFARE H...: "Finally we have got to the finish line. Our publisher has reprinted first volume of the Field Guide (1500 copies) and we expect it to be del..."

AS THE JOURNEY CONTINUES FOR THE SCHOOLERS

2011-06-07T18:13:00.000-07:00

SERVING IS THEIR PASSION

We want to celebrate two our team members - Pastor David and Jayne Schooler. When they joined our team we were delighted at the skills, experience and knowledge they would bring to our team. We have John and Julie as our "search and rescue" experts, and Pastor David and Jayne as our experts in counseling, spiritual development, education and training. Then recently we were blessed to have Glen Pitts join us with expertise in building programs, systems and strengthening people to serve as God has called all to serve. This is our Canadian Team! (We will celebrate the rest of the team at a later time.)

Pastor David and Jayne have been building and strengthening many over the years they have been serving in Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine with us. Right now they spend over 6 months of the year in the foreign mission field. We want to tell you a little about them:

Pastor David
1. Professor with International University of Central Asia
2. Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the International University of Central Asia
3. Counselor in the foreign mission field - working with IUCA, Mercy Foundation, Chinese Church and many others.
4. Student counselor - funder of many private projects and supports for students and families.
5. PhD educated and fully qualified as a pastor, professor and trainer.
6. Senior consultant in the area of Theophostic Healing.
7. Board of directors for ILDC in Kyrgyzstan and in Ukraine.

Jayne Schooler
1. Author of 7 books on adoption, one of which has just won a national award. Considered one of the most expert consultants on adoption in the United States.
2. Two books published in the Russian language, one in Polish language.
3. Expert trainer in child welfare.
4. Works as a professor at the International University of Central Asia
5. Coordinates LAMb projects for training, consultation and program development.
6. Developing a major video product to promote healthy families post adoption - doing this as a project of Christian Broadcasting System of the USA.
7. Board of directors for ILDC in Kyrgyzstan and in Ukraine.

This is just a little glimpse of our team members David and Jayne. We are so honored to have them on the ground with us in both Kyrgyzstan and in Ukraine. They are committed and passionate about bringing "life to the parched lands." They are the catalyst to our motto - "Just show up and stop for the one in front of you."Pastor David and Jayne - we honor you. We thank you and the seniors, disabled, children and families of Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan thank you as well.

ILDC - UKRAINE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

2011-06-06T16:20:00.000-07:00

A beautiful picture of graduates - read the statistics below and see how you would feel chosing the 1/3 that are successful. It just breaks our hearts.

EACH DAY CHILDREN LEAVE THE ORPHANAGES AND ARE PREY FOR PERVERTS, TRAFFICKERS AND CRIMINALS. The orphans graduate at age 14 - and they are given a chance to attend a technical school, live in a dorm and become independent. Some orphanages are seeing the damage this causes and are keeping youth longer - that is a good thing. However many are dismissing their graduates and leaving them to learn the hard way of life - from the "streets."

ILDC - our organization in Ukraine - founded by LAMb, the Institute for Human Services, Father's House and Christian Broadcasting System of Ukraine is working to make a difference one child at a time.

1. We are working hard to find permanence for youth in the orphanages by finding and encouraging nationals to adopt children. We have seen great success from this work over the last several years. Our program Adopt Ukraine is active and will become even more active in the future thanks to a great support from a new sponsor for this program. But we have other needs to ensure youth are safe and protected.

2. Each week ILDC offers training and consultation to NGO's, government workers and volunteers who are working with children and families - with the goal of supporting the movement of strengthening families and protecting children from orphanages.

3. We are seeing partnerships built with powerful child focused organizations like Alliance for Ukraine Without Orphans, Father's House, Kiev City Children's Services, and Partnership for Every Child - all working toward GATEKEEPING and diverting children from the orphanages into permanent homes through adoption and/or reunification.

4. Our staff in Ukraine are professionals - hard working young adults committed to the movement of UKRAINE WITHOUT ORPHANS. We have ongoing training for Life Skills for Youth aging out of the system - training on leadership, on and on....working as fast as possible to help as many as possible.

TODAY THEY NEED YOU AND WE ARE ASKING FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION IN A CHALLENGE - Let's sponsor them for more - finding more families, finding more trainers, giving more materials, more parenting booklets, more seminars and more encouragement! They cannot do this alone...Ukraine is a developing country - they don't have the resources of North America - but they DO HAVE THE DREAM - TO SEE THEIR CHILDREN WITH A MOMMY AND A DADDY, TO SEE THEM SAFE AND LOVED - TO SEE THEM SUCCESSFUL! You can help....

Will you please hit the donate button for them - asking each of you reading this to donate just $25 OR EVEN MORE IF YOU CAN - not much to ask for so much return as it will bring so much to so many. We don't usually ask so boldly, but the need is great and the time is limited - graduation is just around the corner once again and the statistics are sickening.

Out of all the graduates - ONLY 1/3 MAKE IT!!!! The other 2/3 end up suiciding, dying on the streets, in prison, in prostitution, trafficked out of the country for sex slaves, addicted to drugs. PLEASE - LET'S NOT FORGET THEM AS WE WALK IN THE COMFORTS OF OUR LIVES.

JESSICA'S FAMILY - RELIEF, RESTORATION, DEVELOPMENT IN ACTION

2011-06-06T05:03:00.000-07:00

Little Medlin - coming out of the hospital after his surgery. He was a very brave little boy!

YOU KNOW THEM AS JESSICA'S FAMILY - named after one of our team members, the social worker (Jessica) from Cleveland, Ohio who found them at a park and followed up with finding out more about their family.

Today we see this family growing and developing...here is a brief recap of the involvement with them:

1. Found children hungry at the park, fed them and took them home.
2. Met with mother, father (who was drunk at the time)...took food to the home.
3. Kept in touch with the family - encouraging them and taking RELIEF from time to time.
4. Began to RESTORE the family, had another team from Canada with us and they did a renovation on their home - the family worked along side of us the entire day, painting, renovating and making their home a little safer. This RESTORATION included bringing new beds so each person had a bed to sleep in. It included bringing in a new rug, a table with stools.
5. Continued visiting the family - taking some RELIEF from time to time.
6. Mother decided to bring her children to the Chinese Church where we attend - where she NEVER knew we went there. She was delighted and continues to come to the church with her children and sometimes her husband. They also sometimes attend a little cell group.
7. Our team members John and Julie begin RESTORATION of a home for a widow who was burned out of her home. They hire our favorite contractor - Vlady and he needs a helper. We recall the good work of our father - from Jessica's family - and he is hired to work along side of Vlady and we learn he is DEVELOPING into a great worker. Vlady says he is talented in construction. Our father is not drinking and tells someone, "he cannot drink anymore because Lynn and Ruby will be really mad..."
8. Our family is now doing remodeling on their own home - using funds they have earned by the father working - DEVELOPMENT IN ACTION.
9. Madlen - the second youngest child needs a surgery on his knee and this is beyond the funds they have made or can make at one time. ENTER a sponsor from LAMb and the surgery is complete.

We just wanted you to know the story once again - what an example of RELIEF, RESTORATION AND DEVELOPMENT - something we are learning and attempting to apply. The book, When Helping Hurts has really made a mark on our team and the work we do for Kingdom Building! THANK YOU SPONSORS FOR HAVING FAITH IN OUR TEAM!