WORKING WITH ISKRA HOME FOR DISABLED MEN - RADICAL

Larissa is one of the Radicals! She is on the ground in Kyrgyzstan - working directly in our absence with these wonderful men. She is their angel. She brings hope and dignity to the men on a daily basis. LAMb is NEVER far from them as Larissa is dependable and committed to the men of Iskra!



Jayne is another Radical! She is LAMb's major bearer of good news and hope. Her gentle spirit is welcomed by all. The men of Iskra are loved by her and she is truly a Radical - walking the RADICAL ROAD!!!!

WHEN RADICALS GET TOGETHER AND PARTNER
We just got an email from one of our partners in Kyrgyzstan - ANOTHER RADICAL. They decided to go out to Iskra and see what the LAMb team has been talking about. They were delighted to see the work that had been done and the changes being made to help bring hope and dignity back to these men.

Let's update from their email. They took the van and driver that John has always hired and we all not consider part of our on the ground team - ISCAR! When the van arrived - they thought it was John and the men started bouncing up and down with joy! You see - they know a couple of things: 1) we return 2) they are loved by our team.

John, Julie, Emma, Bekah, Pastor David, Jayne as well as Lynn and Ruby are gearing up to return to Kyrgyzstan in only a few more days.

WATCH RADICALS RETURN TO BECOME EVEN MORE RADICAL....WALKING THE RADICAL ROAD TOGETHER

WHEN RADICAL TAKES ACTION - THINGS HAPPEN

HER NAME IS PAM AND SHE IS A RADICAL.

I was overwhelmed by an email I received today. This wonderful woman is a true Radical. She is walking the radical road and we are so honored to know her. She has helped us with needs in Kyrgyzstan and has helped many others on our team. Recently she went to Cambodia and served those craving to have dignity and hope returned. Look at one of her RADICAL MOMENTS:

Cambodia was very good. God moved in so many ways it was crazy good!

Perhaps the most impressive to me was a psychotic woman suffering from hallucinations which become worse when she drinks alcohol had heard my testimony and presentation of the gospel to the crowd. Later she positioned her chair away from everyone, did not want anyone to touch her, and the local people said this is typical of her...she is paranoid and prefers to be alone. But when she saw me, she rushed to me, sobbing, not saying words, and kept "sniffing" my face (a sign that means "I agree with you"). She could not quit hugging me and stroking my hair. I hugged her tight for the longest time, prayed over her, and then we sat her in a chair next to me. She kept smiling at me, sniffing me, all the time rejecting the male pastor who tried to talk to her. But she agreed to let me and a village female Christian pray over her. Isn't that awesome? All I could think was how Jesus said whoever receives us, receives Him, and how we know He is the CHrist because the poor have the gospel preached to them....How else could she understand the gospel in light of her severe mental illness? I am so amazed and stunned. I felt like I saw Jesus, and got a glimpse of what it must have been like for Him to heal the crowds, and to have people experience the light in their souls that is spoken of in 2 Cor.4:1-6.

Grace and safe travels!
Pam

Now, if that doesn't bring tears to your eyes! Pam - we are so honored to know you and to see you walking the RADICAL ROAD. We are looking for others to do the same.

NOTE TO THE RADICALS OUT THERE ------LET'S GET WALKING!

OUR AMERICAN GIRL KATYA IS HOME AGAIN

ADOPTED AT 12 YEARS OF AGE AND MOVED TO THE UNITED STATES, TURNED 18 AND TWO MONTHS LATER, SHE WAS SENT BACK TO UKRAINE, WITH A LITTLE MONEY, AND NO FUTURE - YET TODAY, SHE IS BACK IN HER STATE OF RESIDENCE - GEORGIA.

Katya is home again in Georgia and living with an amazing family which has been arranged by our partner Gregg. And the church in Atlanta that has wrapped their arms around her to help her get started again - to finish her education and to find connections.

We have people coming forth to help her, and be her friend. We will stay involved and help her in whatever way we can. She is a lovely young woman, and needs all your prayers and support. Let's be to Katya what she needS most right now - STABILITY, CONNECTIONS, RESOURCES AND ASSURANCE SHE IS SPECIAL AND A CHILD OF GOD.

If you want to help her in any way - please contact us. i WILL NOT BE POSTING HER ADDRESS, HOWEVER IF YOU WANT TO CONTACT HER, PLEASE CONTACT US.

WITH HEAVY HEARTS

OUR SENIORS AT KEMIN - EACH ONE IS PRECIOUS TO US We have lost four seniors over the last months, two just passing this last week. The sorrow is deep as we loved each one and each one gave us so much joy. We understand how being close to and working with a senior project will certainly have losses, due to deaths of persons we love. Yet, it is not easy to get a message about someone we have been hoping to see again soon, take special gift to and just be with them as they smile, dance and sing from the depths of their hearts. Today - this blog is just to say we are so sorry to let you know of these losses. Our team will remember Anatolie. Leana came after the teams, so you did not get to meet her. They are precious to us - each and everyone. Saying good-bye is never easy.

TRAINING - TRAVELING AND PACKING

Our lovely "dumplings" here waiting for our teams return...imagine living in the dump?


LAST DAYS BEFORE HEADING TO CENTRAL ASIA..
We are winding down our time in Ohio - "tent" making. We have almost completed our time here and will be returning to Canada on Friday - getting things in order to head out again. March 5th we return to Kyrygzstan - however until then we have lots to do:

1. Continue the prep for our team from Ohio - getting them all ready to join us in April, 2011. This will the the grand opening of Dayspring. We are really excited about this. Children will soon be joining our family parents at DS and training of many will start - in our training room; families at risk, prospective adoptive parents, DS staff and of course children! Wahoo.

2. Prep for our team from New Hampshire and Georgia - they will be helping us with the work with the Bishkek Humanatarian University and with the International University of Central Asia. Watch for the details of the amazing work.

3. Preparing training materials for SOS Childen's Village - helping them care for the vulnerable children they care for.

4. Working with our team to develop the best way to teach/train those who want to work in their local churches in KG.

5. Gathering us hundreds of pounds of humanatarian goods to take with us, send with the teams to bring needed items to those who are waiting for what we can bring.

Well, that is all for now...are you interested in joining us? There is always room for one more!

The LAMb Team

HOPE AND DIGNITY TO OUR SENIORS IN KYRGYZSTAN

THIS IS A MESSAGE FROM OUR TEAM MEMBERS BLOG...ABOUT OUR DEAR SENIOR HOME

JOHN WRITES:
....I always remember the words of my friend Dylia. She told me ."Start by doing
what you CAN do and before you know it you will be doing what others said could not be done." So with that boldness, we have blundered into many big , over our head, projects. When we step out, something amazing happens... Others see the light you bring... When people see things that are good, they want to be a part of it. We have seen that in many of the orphanages and the invalid home, but no where is it more
prevalent then the Seniors home...

Remember when we went into that home the first time . The director had nothing left but a striped down old building, no heat no running water,no furniture, and no food..........The task seemed overwhelming to us at the time, but we just started where we could... We bought them food... Over the next few weeks, others came along.....

LAMb team arrived, and together we began working to bring dignity to the home.. people from all over the world began to get involved as the light began to shine in and on this place..

Furniture was bought, the kitchen was stocked, the water was brought in, and the heating system put in one section at a time.....the blessings have continued to flow. The folks at Lepta Plus.. (a social fund operated by Sergey) brought some of their sponsors there, and the last of the heating was sponsored.. Just yesterday, another great blessing arrived. Lepta plus received a container from Norway, and in it was many things that are so valuable for the seniors home.. new floors, new winter boots, cleaning supplies and much more.....I just sit in amazement as I watch such a dark place become a beacon of light to the community around it...I have said it before, but I will say it again... Thank you for everyone that has had a part in this project... you have fanned into flame a beautiful thing.

Note: Soon the team will all be on the ground again...watch for some amazing moments of hope and dignity being returned to those suffering and waiting. Lynn and Ruby leave on March 5th, John, Julie, Bekah, Emma leave on March 7th and David and Jayne leave on March 12th.

LAMb International invites you to join us and others who are coming to serve in some very special ways...

Pastor Ken and Jackie

Kim and Randy

Dr. Jordan

Chris

THE WRIGHTS ARE ON THE ROAD SOON

See the Wrights blog - they are on the road to raise funds for their upcoming work in Kyrygzstan. You all know "they are the best on the ground - working hand in hand with the nationals - equipping them and activating them to work in serving those without hope or dignity." Let's encourage John, Julie, Bekah and Emma as they return to Kyrygstan to meet us with us as a team.

IT IS THE WRIGHT THING TO DO!!!!!

HOME FOR DISABLED MEN AND WOMEN - UKRAINE

MANY TEAMS HAVE PASSED THROUGH THIS HOME AND have blessed our dear friends at Bari Oglie. Some of those teams have been ours and others too have brought teams.

When here in Ukraine a few days ago, we wanted to reconnect and bless them once again. Some time ago, the Church of Praise in Krivoy Rog, Ukraine got on board with helping the home. There is a woman, Ira who goes frequently to Bari Oglie and helps deliver aide, do crafts and bring worship to the group. She is their little "angel" and now has a team of church members helping her. Yes, the needs are great and her ability to help is limited to the support and encouragement she receives from others.

We did a little. When we asked what we could do, the needs were of course food, adult diapers, potties, and a rug for the front entrance. Your gift of finances was shared with her and she will meet the need as she can. We thank you - Bari Oglie thanks you!

TICKET PURCHASED - KATYA IS CONFIRMED TO TRAVEL

Just a quick update to all who have been following this situation. Katya's ticket is booked and she will be traveling soon. The sponsor has completed the reservation and all is settled. We cannot tell you how pleased we are at all the help that has gone into this...international cooperation not in chronological order - but to let you see the different players....

1. Missionary in Italy - contacts youth in Netherlands - they donate funds for ticket.
2. LAMb in Canada - connects with U.S. Embassy in Kiev to get ball rolling for repatriation.
3. U.S. Embassy in Kiev - coordinates with U.S. Department of State - Health and Human Services to create a repartition plan to return Katya to Georgia.
4. NGO worker in Krivoy Rog, Ukraine contacts Social Services in Ukraine, other volunteer workers and gets Katya moved out of the orphanage where they are attempting to get her to surrender her U.S. citizenship.
5. Workers of NGO in Kiev - continue connecting with U.S. Embassy to update all.

WE THANK YOU ALL...YULIA, MAX, VIKA, PAVEL, CHERI, GREGG, OLEG, MAX S., ANNYA, OUR NETHERLANDS YOUTH TEAM, OUR EMBASSY TEAMS IN THE US AND IN UKRAINE, JOB CORPS TEAMS IN ATLANTA, FULTON COUNTY CHILDREN SERVICES, AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST ALL YOU WHO WERE WILLING TO GIVE KATYA A HOME! The help and support has been so amazing.

God Bless You All.
The LAMb Team

ABANDONED NO MORE - KATYA RETURNS TO AMERICA

HELP HELP HELP HELP

Katya will be traveling to Atlanta within the next several days - and we would like as many people as possible that are willing to get to know her to have her contact information. If you want to be her friend - please contact us as soon as possible and we will keep you connected. No one can have too many friends. We have arrangements for her made as follows:


1. Sponsor will be purchasing her ticket today.
2. U.S. Embassy in Kiev has made arrangements with the U.S. Department of State; Health and Human Services to get her repatriated. She will be in Atlanta - and helped by Fulton County Children Services and the Job Corp - they will get her started and help her complete her final year of high school.
3. We will stay involved with her and do what we can to encourage and support her.


Keep in mind this young woman was SENT back to Ukraine - two months after she turned 18, with the Russian language of a 12 year old, and absolutely no Ukrainian language. She went to an orphanage (illegally) and was being coerced to give up her U.S. citizenship. She was sent to school and was approached by our staff (who also teaches at the school). She recognized such a discrepancy between her very poor Russian and her good English. She began asking questions of where she learned the language so well. The story surfaced.

The story is complex and there are many decisions that were made that were wrong - not good for anyone. Bottom line - this young person was "kicked" out of her adoptive family. Bottom line, she was a rebellious teenager (aren't there lots of them out there still living with their families!) Bottom line, she asked to be sent back to Ukraine every time they had a blow up in the family. But let's be reasonable - you don't send a child off to a foreign country to punish them!

Success for her was most unlikely - as the statistics for orphans in Ukraine are dim and very disturbing. Only 1/3 of the graduating orphans are successful. Those who are successful have grown up in the culture. The other 2/3 have also grown up in the culture, but cannot find success. They end up being trafficked out of Ukraine for sex, coerced into prostitution, addicted, homeless, in prison or committing suicide. Those who are successful are fully Ukrainian - culturally. Katya is not culturally Ukrainian - she is American. She is an American citizen, resident of Georgia, has a "southern drawl" and has become American fully over the last 6 years.

There is a very large team working with Katya in Ukraine - people who are professional, know teenage behavior and have come to know Katya over the last four months. I have met her, talked to her and know she is suffering terribly. She is an 18 year old, trapped in the emotional state of a 12 year old. She needs people who will just be her encourager, her friend and help her through this very difficult time. And she is a child of God.

She has talked to her aunt in the U.S. who told her that the Job Corp was a terrible thing and she gave her details of how bad it would be for her - causing Katya to stress over the return to Georgia - causing her to doubt her ability to cope with such a move. She is suffering - confused and unsure of how she can make it alone. She has been abandoned by all she has know for the last 6 years.

Katya will return to Georgia - she will have people to help her, yet she needs friends, people who will call her once in a while, write emails to her, pick her up for dinner or just be a sounding board for her. We will follow her - encourage her as well. But we do not live in Georgia - we need you to help us too. God has protected her - brought her to people who could see the damage for life that giving up her citizenship would cause. She is coming "home", yet she is a wounded little bird. She will need lots of encouragement and support to move forward. She is loved by many - and God, our heavenly Father has NOT abandoned her. He has made her for a purpose and it is yet to be revealed. And each of you who have been so supportive, are part of this larger plan for her life. We thank you.

Jeremiah 29:11 I know the plans that I have for you declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil to give you a future and a hope. (NASV)

KATYA - HEADING HOME

UPDATE! WE HAVE THE SPONSOR AND ARE WAITING FOR THE BOOKING TO BE CONFIRMED.

Katya's passport has been scanned, the sponsor has confirmed he will move forward just as soon as getting the scanned passport. We fully expect Katya to travel between February 7th and February 18th, depending on availability of the flights needed to meet the expectation of the U.S. Embassy.
1. Katya must arrive into Atlanta on a weekday.
2. Katya must arrive between 9am and 5pm.
Keep posted - and hey Atlanta friends - we need you to be her friend too. Let us know you are willing and we will get you connected!
THANKS SOOOOOOO MUCH!
The LAMb Team

LET'S BRING MEAT TO THE BABIES

RETURN TO THE BABY HOSPITAL in Krivoy Rog, Ukraine was both a sad and happy event. We were able to leave funds for them for feeding for the next five weeks. (Thank you for giving us this resource to do this!) Yet we found out they have not been feeding the children meat or milk for the last two years. This is devastating. This is a children's hospital, receiving children of all ages. Presently in the abandoned baby wing, there are four babies - two from a mother who just died of aids, another child abandoned because of being born with downs and another with a health issue.

They prepare a soup three times a day - it has either rice or buckwheat as a base, mixed with water and sometimes carrots or other vegetables they can get. They are attempting to feed the children on about 40cents per child a day. They would need about 20 kilos of meat each day to actually give them meat on a plate. To add meat to the soup, we could do this for about $10 per day.

Much has been done to help this hospital, we had a sponsor for two years to help in the feeding - but now need another. Would someone like to be a sponsor for even one year? or a month? a day? We would love to bring meat to the babies! and milk?