What a crazy year this has been and I know I pretty much speak for everyone. I am amazed that the year is almost over although it seems to have dragged on. Here at OAU things seem to be constantly changing and sometimes it is hard for us to understand and know what we are supposed to be doing. It seems like many doors have been shut, yet there is still ministry happening. I heard a quote the other day that totally resonated with me. “We as Christians are burdened by cultural performance.” I will say I (Melissa) have been so guilty of this. I want to feel successful in ministry and recently have been convicted that I may only feel successful if I can tell these stories where our numbers of success are through the roof. But I was reminded that so often it is in the little things that God can move and work the most.
One example of ways God has been working is through a guy named Vitalik. Sasha randomly met him a year and a half ago or so. He needed some food and clothes. He also grew up in the orphanage and he has some physical issues. Sasha stayed in contact with him and he got into some trouble and then was sent to the mental institute. We were able to continue to bring him clothes and food there. He is now out and living with a couple other guys (who are not in great shape themselves). Sasha went and met up with him and was shocked by their living conditions. It is already getting cold here in Ukraine and they have absolutely no heat. His clothes had also seen better days. Sasha was really glad to get to see him, see where he lives and see how we can further help his needs. Sasha asked the pastor from the church in Sumy if they could help with clothes and they were more than willing to see what they could do. Vitalik has very much latched on to his relationship with Sasha which shows us that he really doesn’t have many people to show him love.
We would like to get a couple warm blankets for their house to help them get through the winter. If you would like to contribute there is a PayPal link below. Thank you in advance for your support of our relationship and outreach to Vitalik and others like him!