Today began our church men's weekend. Attended by more than 30 men. Please pray for all of us, that God did what He thought of us to be attentive to his word!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Please Help Almaz Orphan Outreach Project....
We are trying to raise enough to pay for the van necessary for the missionaries in Ukraine.
If you are friends of Almaz outreach, please add a "chip in" on your blog or website and end the event May 31 2011. We are asking people to skip a coffee or a latte for a day or a week and donate for this need of our brothers and sisters in Christ. You may offer what ever amount you'd like. Please keep in mind pay pal does charge a fee for their processing terminal, even though it is minimal. We thank you in advance for all those who will help in this ministry. Summer missions trips will be starting in May & June so we need to get this van ready for the Skripak family and for the missionaries who will be coming in to Ukraine soon. If you can donate a large sum and would like a tax deductible receipt, then email Pastor Sasha for details on how you can do this.
These missionaries will be heading to Vorzel Ukraine where they will minister to the children and replace broken and old plumbing & electric. They will repair walls and rooms and hopefully finish off the playgrounds for the children. Playing is something we take for granted in America...these children in the orphanages also need to play to stimulate them and to have the staff be able to interact and for therapeutic reasons.
If you have ever considered going on a missions trip but don't know anyone or don't the first thing about getting involved..here's your chance.. Email Pastor Sasha at the address above to join a team already in progress. Can be 1 person, can be a few...places are filling up. You can add a couple of extra days to your trip to do some sight seeing as well in beautiful Ukraine. Be prepared for an awesome life changing experience though....you will be happy you did. If your life seems empty of unfulfilled or you don't understand what life is about or why God put you on this earth, you will probably find some answers to many question you have had.
Join the Skripak family this summer as they follow through on a mission from God to love, help and care for orphans.
PSALMS
17 You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and
you listen to their cry,
18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is
of the earth, may terrify no more.
27:10 Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.
68:5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy
dwelling.
82:3 Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of
the poor and oppressed.
Dear Friends!
We would like to share our story with you.
Many of you know what our life situation is – beside us, our parents, sister, children, and grandfather all live together in a three-room apartment, all in all 9 persons and 4 generations.
Of course, lots of various things happen. Life in such conditions is sometimes especially complicated.
We know that it is God, who is allowing this situation, even though it seems quite desperate. But He wants something for us in this situation. He wants us to exercise humility, learn, be the light for our non-Christian parents and grandfather, and influence the nephews in some way. And saying the truth, we are not always faithful.
Two summers in a row God gave us opportunities to apartment sit for our friends and, thus, live separately. They left for the whole summer to America and we used their apartment. But this summer, they are not going. We knew about it and were perfectly prepared to spend the coming summer at our own Kyiv apartment.
Some two weeks ago we prayed about out living situation at out small group meeting. We prayed for us, that God give us strength, wisdom, and especially support, so He, if He will it, let us live somewhere separately for at least a little.
I had little faith that this would bring any result. Nothing indicated that we will ever be able to live alone. We cannot afford renting an apartment.
Quite unexpectedly another family suggested that we stay this summer at their house . They too are going to America and need somebody to apartment and dog sit for them. In fact, they proposed it to some other couple, but they decline and recommended us. These people know us very well and a very long time, since we came to the Lord. We used to go to the same church at some point. But, we never were especially close. And, on the last Friday we learnt that they are ready to trust their house near Kyiv to us.
This was a miracle!
I remember what we learnt about Abraham. He was afraid. At some moment of his life he showed lack of trust in God. But, God did what He planned. God is always faithful.
We are not perfect in the life conditions, where God put us, we often lose our battles, we often feel weak and whine. But God is our hope. Our hearts are with Him.
Another scripture I have been thinking about:
Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: For he makes sore, and binds up: he wounds, and his hands make whole. (Job 5:17,18)
God allowed us to live in difficult conditions for these three years. And this seems to be a desperate situation. But, He never leaves us alone in this situation. He supports us, gives us respite, time when we could be hospitable to people. The same has happened again. His hands make whole, very tenderly and with great love.
This is a miracle for us! And, we want to share it with you :)
Thank you to all, who prayed for us or somehow felt for us.
We would like to share our story with you.
Many of you know what our life situation is – beside us, our parents, sister, children, and grandfather all live together in a three-room apartment, all in all 9 persons and 4 generations.
Of course, lots of various things happen. Life in such conditions is sometimes especially complicated.
We know that it is God, who is allowing this situation, even though it seems quite desperate. But He wants something for us in this situation. He wants us to exercise humility, learn, be the light for our non-Christian parents and grandfather, and influence the nephews in some way. And saying the truth, we are not always faithful.
Two summers in a row God gave us opportunities to apartment sit for our friends and, thus, live separately. They left for the whole summer to America and we used their apartment. But this summer, they are not going. We knew about it and were perfectly prepared to spend the coming summer at our own Kyiv apartment.
Some two weeks ago we prayed about out living situation at out small group meeting. We prayed for us, that God give us strength, wisdom, and especially support, so He, if He will it, let us live somewhere separately for at least a little.
I had little faith that this would bring any result. Nothing indicated that we will ever be able to live alone. We cannot afford renting an apartment.
Quite unexpectedly another family suggested that we stay this summer at their house . They too are going to America and need somebody to apartment and dog sit for them. In fact, they proposed it to some other couple, but they decline and recommended us. These people know us very well and a very long time, since we came to the Lord. We used to go to the same church at some point. But, we never were especially close. And, on the last Friday we learnt that they are ready to trust their house near Kyiv to us.
This was a miracle!
I remember what we learnt about Abraham. He was afraid. At some moment of his life he showed lack of trust in God. But, God did what He planned. God is always faithful.
We are not perfect in the life conditions, where God put us, we often lose our battles, we often feel weak and whine. But God is our hope. Our hearts are with Him.
Another scripture I have been thinking about:
Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: For he makes sore, and binds up: he wounds, and his hands make whole. (Job 5:17,18)
God allowed us to live in difficult conditions for these three years. And this seems to be a desperate situation. But, He never leaves us alone in this situation. He supports us, gives us respite, time when we could be hospitable to people. The same has happened again. His hands make whole, very tenderly and with great love.
This is a miracle for us! And, we want to share it with you :)
Thank you to all, who prayed for us or somehow felt for us.
Hello,
My name is Alexey Volkov. I focus on developing and improving Almaz church worship services. Starting from January 2011, I am also a full-time minister at Almaz church.
Among other things, my responsibilities include taking care of the administrative issues dealing with Sunday services, coordinating different ministries related to church services,
developing vision and strategy for improving worship services together with our pastors, and implementing the set goals.
With God's help, over a couple of months' period we have accomplished the following things:
- growth in children's ministry: in the upcoming weeks we will have group #4, even though a month ago there were only two groups;
- growth in hospitality ministry: we started a better feedback system for new people through questionnaires, calls, emails and personal meetings with the pastors.
Besides, we now have worship service translation into English through headsets.
My name is Alexey Volkov. I focus on developing and improving Almaz church worship services. Starting from January 2011, I am also a full-time minister at Almaz church.
Among other things, my responsibilities include taking care of the administrative issues dealing with Sunday services, coordinating different ministries related to church services,
developing vision and strategy for improving worship services together with our pastors, and implementing the set goals.
With God's help, over a couple of months' period we have accomplished the following things:
- growth in children's ministry: in the upcoming weeks we will have group #4, even though a month ago there were only two groups;
- growth in hospitality ministry: we started a better feedback system for new people through questionnaires, calls, emails and personal meetings with the pastors.
Besides, we now have worship service translation into English through headsets.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
WE CAN SEE MORE THAN WE CAN EVEN IMAGINE.
In 2008 my wife and I visited an orphanage in Vorzel for the first time. There were 10—15 special needs children who impressed us especially. I remember how desperate I was to realize that no one needed those children. I suffered thinking that they had no future and their lives will end in the institution. We could only visit those kids, involve our local church into ministering to them, to share with some Ameicans our grief and bring them to that orphange to visit.
For the last three years I have been witnessing miracles though they are still hard to comprehend. Most of those kids were adopted into families. Today they have parents and become socially adjusted. It is an honor for me to even touch the lives of these children and to the work of God He is doing in them and for them.
I want to introduce three of those kids to you.
Igor.
A boy who you always want to visit because he is so friendly and outgoing! Despite his desease he is brilliant and has great memory! Today he is adopted into a wonderful American family.
Ruslan
Nadya, Sasha and Dima.
We met these kids in 2009. All 3 of them lived in Vorzel's orphanage. Nadya was 6, Sasha was 3 and Dima was 1. They knew very well they were the only family for each other. It was so sad to know that Nadya was moved to a boarding-school. The boys were so upset and depressed not to have their older sister around. An incredible miracle happed. One family from Almaz church in Ukraine fell in love with these kids during one of the ministry projects. They were praying in secret for two years about adopting them. Our Lord Jesus promiced to give to those who ask Him.
In 2008 my wife and I visited an orphanage in Vorzel for the first time. There were 10—15 special needs children who impressed us especially. I remember how desperate I was to realize that no one needed those children. I suffered thinking that they had no future and their lives will end in the institution. We could only visit those kids, involve our local church into ministering to them, to share with some Ameicans our grief and bring them to that orphange to visit.
For the last three years I have been witnessing miracles though they are still hard to comprehend. Most of those kids were adopted into families. Today they have parents and become socially adjusted. It is an honor for me to even touch the lives of these children and to the work of God He is doing in them and for them.
I want to introduce three of those kids to you.
Igor.
A boy who you always want to visit because he is so friendly and outgoing! Despite his desease he is brilliant and has great memory! Today he is adopted into a wonderful American family.
Ruslan
Nadya, Sasha and Dima.
We met these kids in 2009. All 3 of them lived in Vorzel's orphanage. Nadya was 6, Sasha was 3 and Dima was 1. They knew very well they were the only family for each other. It was so sad to know that Nadya was moved to a boarding-school. The boys were so upset and depressed not to have their older sister around. An incredible miracle happed. One family from Almaz church in Ukraine fell in love with these kids during one of the ministry projects. They were praying in secret for two years about adopting them. Our Lord Jesus promiced to give to those who ask Him.
Dear Friends!
We long to let you know that the miracles God does in lives of many people become evident in our family in Ukraine!
It is hard to put into words what we experienced when the doctor said that Liza’s nose was broken. We heard it from a well-qualified doctor and the X-ray proved the diagnosis.
We tried to stay calm and confident in the Lord. We trusted Him in everything we had to face. It was so encouraging when we heard from all of you!!! We were so moved that so many people prayed right away about our daughter!
We were broken before God and got ready for the surgery. We got to a hospital early in the morning and we knew it was all in God’s hands. We had to stay in line for 2.5 hours to see the doctor. It is an average situation in Ukraine. We had prayed and asked God to bless us with a good doctor. An we did met a professional. He looked at the X-ray and he commented angrily that we were not attentive to let it happen. Then he had several tests and with a great surprise he said the nose was not broken just hit. We asked him to test Liza again to make sure he was absolutely right. He said that in his opinion there was no fracture. It is hard to tell how happy we were to hear that. But from the other hand we got suspicious. Why would it be so?
The next day we went to the institute of otolaryngology to hear the third side’s opinion. We wanted to make sure the nose was ok and did not need a surgery. The professor there proved that the nose was hurt but not broken and Liza did not need the surgery!
What a relief!
So today we can confidently say that God healed our daughter! It is unbelievable but true.
Today instead of sitting in the hospital and suffering from pain after surgery we are able to keep on serving the Lord and His church.
Please, share our joy with us! Tell us that our Lord is the Lord of healing and He is merciful to the families who labor for Him.
Today we are in awe but joyful!
Skripaks
Sasha
Olya
Liza
Herman
Martha
Tereza
We long to let you know that the miracles God does in lives of many people become evident in our family in Ukraine!
It is hard to put into words what we experienced when the doctor said that Liza’s nose was broken. We heard it from a well-qualified doctor and the X-ray proved the diagnosis.
We tried to stay calm and confident in the Lord. We trusted Him in everything we had to face. It was so encouraging when we heard from all of you!!! We were so moved that so many people prayed right away about our daughter!
We were broken before God and got ready for the surgery. We got to a hospital early in the morning and we knew it was all in God’s hands. We had to stay in line for 2.5 hours to see the doctor. It is an average situation in Ukraine. We had prayed and asked God to bless us with a good doctor. An we did met a professional. He looked at the X-ray and he commented angrily that we were not attentive to let it happen. Then he had several tests and with a great surprise he said the nose was not broken just hit. We asked him to test Liza again to make sure he was absolutely right. He said that in his opinion there was no fracture. It is hard to tell how happy we were to hear that. But from the other hand we got suspicious. Why would it be so?
The next day we went to the institute of otolaryngology to hear the third side’s opinion. We wanted to make sure the nose was ok and did not need a surgery. The professor there proved that the nose was hurt but not broken and Liza did not need the surgery!
What a relief!
So today we can confidently say that God healed our daughter! It is unbelievable but true.
Today instead of sitting in the hospital and suffering from pain after surgery we are able to keep on serving the Lord and His church.
Please, share our joy with us! Tell us that our Lord is the Lord of healing and He is merciful to the families who labor for Him.
Today we are in awe but joyful!
Skripaks
Sasha
Olya
Liza
Herman
Martha
Tereza
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Dear Friends! 
On behalf of Almaz church and also from us personally we want to thank you for taking part in the ministry to orphans in Ukraine! Knowing how much you are willing to support us our family moved into Vorzel for 2 month to serve the orphans here!
Sasha Skrypak, the pastor of Almaz church and the family of Olya, Liza, Herman and Martha.
Vorzel, 2010. What is new?
Week #1
We all were looking forward to start working in the orphanage in Vorzel this summer! Today there are about 100 kids. How does is happen that these children are in the orphanage and not home with their families? Some parents abandoned their children right after their birth, others were trying to take care of them and gave up, some were deprived of parental rights. Our mission is to take care of children and of the care takers in the orphanage. Most donors want to help kids but often forget about people who live and work with these children (half of them are disabled) day by day and get them ready for their difficult life.
So, we are we doing in Vorzel this summer?
We break the old.
We broke down a 50-years old restroom in building 5. More than 60 kids and care taker were using it for years. Children have no idea about using a comfortable toilet and having a shower or a warm foamy bath. We will not go into the details explaining the conditions for the nurses who work there day and night. Financial support of Ada Bible church, Michigan, USA made this construction possible.
We started the reconstruction of the early intervention therapy room or as we call it the "sensory" room (room for developing sensory skills). Here they have classes for children with Cerebral Palsy, for mentally and physically retarded kids and for kids who need rehabilitation after serious surgeries. The physical and mental development depends very much on the conditions of the classroom and learning tools. The better kids are developed the more chances they have to be adopted. Also they will have a better quality life in the institutions where they are sent when they turn 6. Unfortunately life in these institutions greatly differs from life in the orphanage for little kids where the atmosphere is nicer and more friendly. Financial support of Ada Bible church, Michigan, USA made this construction possible.
We also started remodeling of another room where 20 kids live. They sleep, eat, play and learn in one room. These children get sick more often than others because of the old wall papers that spread around the old infection. We could not leave it the way it was! Faithful members of Almaz church support this project financially.
This ruins will be replaces with new remodeling and construction that will bring lots of joy to children, nurses, doctors and care takers. Some of them work at this orphanage for more than 50 years.
We are building a play ground.
If you have ever been to the post Soviet territory you khow how this terrible metal constructions called "playgrounds" look like. It is scary even to think about children playing on this playground, They are in absolute decline. Children are not able to spend time outside where they can play, learn and get exercise. It breaks your heart when you see kids wondering around outside having nothing to do and losing their opportunities.
For the first time our ministry got a chance to build a playing ground for the orphans!
We are planning to build a playground of 135 square meters covered with a rubber layers. We want to have there a track, sandboxes, swings, a pool and place for rest for the care takers and children.
This is how children spend time outside today.
This is the beginning of the reconstruction of the old playground.
We spend time with children and share our love with them.
For the first week our multinational team was able to reach out with love and care to more than 30 kids. We were able to take them out, help stimulate their intellectual and physical potential and just share our love and joy! It is not much but how grateful those kids were!
How you can participate in the mission ministry to orphans in Vorzel today.
Tell everyone who is interested in adoption.
Tell everyone you know that Kati needs a family.
This girl is 13 months old. Her mom gave her away because Kati was born hydrocephalic and had a myelocele. Also she has dislocation of her thighs joints. She was operated on and had certain medical treatment. Kati is recovering right now. It is amazing but her brain works well and she is doing very well intellectually.
Please, support the ministry in your prayers.
Please, pray for the physical, emotional and spiritual state of people who have been serving in Vorzel for 3 weeks now. They still have 5 more weeks of a hard labor ahead.
Pray for us to have wisdom how to share the Good News with the personnel. This year as never before they ask so many questions and want to know more about our life and our faith. It is a unique opportunity to share Christ with them!
Pray for the patience and wisdom in working with children. The children are special and so different. Most of them have special needs and have lack of discipline.
Help finish construction of the playground in Building 5
Thanks to the CBN ministry in America and in Ukraine and to the Christ Community Church, in New Smyrna Beach in the USA we got the funds that made it possible to start building a new playground, build the foundation and a fence. We need to continue working on this playground.
We are planning to purchase:
135 square meters of rubber covering (1 square meter is $45). This rubber cover will allow the disabled kids to move around independently. We will be laying the covering step by step so even if you decide to help with 1 meter it would be a great investment.
A swing set ($500).
A swing set ($600).
A swing set ($300).
A slide ($500)
A sandbox ($300).
2 benches for the caretakers ($300 X 2 =$600).
A swimming pool ($120)
If you consider helping the ministry financially you can send the donations to:
Account Name: Friends of Ukraine
Bank: Fifth Third Bank
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Routing Number: 072400052
Account Number: 7165237749
Checks sent to office.
Phone 616-954-2000
Donate quickly with PayPal : www.almazgo.com/donate/
On behalf of Almaz church and also from us personally we want to thank you for taking part in the ministry to orphans in Ukraine! Knowing how much you are willing to support us our family moved into Vorzel for 2 month to serve the orphans here!
Sasha Skrypak, the pastor of Almaz church and the family of Olya, Liza, Herman and Martha.
Vorzel, 2010. What is new?
Week #1
We all were looking forward to start working in the orphanage in Vorzel this summer! Today there are about 100 kids. How does is happen that these children are in the orphanage and not home with their families? Some parents abandoned their children right after their birth, others were trying to take care of them and gave up, some were deprived of parental rights. Our mission is to take care of children and of the care takers in the orphanage. Most donors want to help kids but often forget about people who live and work with these children (half of them are disabled) day by day and get them ready for their difficult life.
So, we are we doing in Vorzel this summer?
We break the old.
We broke down a 50-years old restroom in building 5. More than 60 kids and care taker were using it for years. Children have no idea about using a comfortable toilet and having a shower or a warm foamy bath. We will not go into the details explaining the conditions for the nurses who work there day and night. Financial support of Ada Bible church, Michigan, USA made this construction possible.
We started the reconstruction of the early intervention therapy room or as we call it the "sensory" room (room for developing sensory skills). Here they have classes for children with Cerebral Palsy, for mentally and physically retarded kids and for kids who need rehabilitation after serious surgeries. The physical and mental development depends very much on the conditions of the classroom and learning tools. The better kids are developed the more chances they have to be adopted. Also they will have a better quality life in the institutions where they are sent when they turn 6. Unfortunately life in these institutions greatly differs from life in the orphanage for little kids where the atmosphere is nicer and more friendly. Financial support of Ada Bible church, Michigan, USA made this construction possible.
We also started remodeling of another room where 20 kids live. They sleep, eat, play and learn in one room. These children get sick more often than others because of the old wall papers that spread around the old infection. We could not leave it the way it was! Faithful members of Almaz church support this project financially.
This ruins will be replaces with new remodeling and construction that will bring lots of joy to children, nurses, doctors and care takers. Some of them work at this orphanage for more than 50 years.
We are building a play ground.
If you have ever been to the post Soviet territory you khow how this terrible metal constructions called "playgrounds" look like. It is scary even to think about children playing on this playground, They are in absolute decline. Children are not able to spend time outside where they can play, learn and get exercise. It breaks your heart when you see kids wondering around outside having nothing to do and losing their opportunities.
For the first time our ministry got a chance to build a playing ground for the orphans!
We are planning to build a playground of 135 square meters covered with a rubber layers. We want to have there a track, sandboxes, swings, a pool and place for rest for the care takers and children.
This is how children spend time outside today.
This is the beginning of the reconstruction of the old playground.
We spend time with children and share our love with them.
For the first week our multinational team was able to reach out with love and care to more than 30 kids. We were able to take them out, help stimulate their intellectual and physical potential and just share our love and joy! It is not much but how grateful those kids were!
How you can participate in the mission ministry to orphans in Vorzel today.
Tell everyone who is interested in adoption.
Tell everyone you know that Kati needs a family.
This girl is 13 months old. Her mom gave her away because Kati was born hydrocephalic and had a myelocele. Also she has dislocation of her thighs joints. She was operated on and had certain medical treatment. Kati is recovering right now. It is amazing but her brain works well and she is doing very well intellectually.
Please, support the ministry in your prayers.
Please, pray for the physical, emotional and spiritual state of people who have been serving in Vorzel for 3 weeks now. They still have 5 more weeks of a hard labor ahead.
Pray for us to have wisdom how to share the Good News with the personnel. This year as never before they ask so many questions and want to know more about our life and our faith. It is a unique opportunity to share Christ with them!
Pray for the patience and wisdom in working with children. The children are special and so different. Most of them have special needs and have lack of discipline.
Help finish construction of the playground in Building 5
Thanks to the CBN ministry in America and in Ukraine and to the Christ Community Church, in New Smyrna Beach in the USA we got the funds that made it possible to start building a new playground, build the foundation and a fence. We need to continue working on this playground.
We are planning to purchase:
135 square meters of rubber covering (1 square meter is $45). This rubber cover will allow the disabled kids to move around independently. We will be laying the covering step by step so even if you decide to help with 1 meter it would be a great investment.
A swing set ($500).
A swing set ($600).
A swing set ($300).
A slide ($500)
A sandbox ($300).
2 benches for the caretakers ($300 X 2 =$600).
A swimming pool ($120)
If you consider helping the ministry financially you can send the donations to:
Account Name: Friends of Ukraine
Bank: Fifth Third Bank
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Routing Number: 072400052
Account Number: 7165237749
Checks sent to office.
Phone 616-954-2000
Donate quickly with PayPal : www.almazgo.com/donate/
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