February Annual Weekend Fri April 15 - Sun 17. See page 7. Inside this month s Newsletter... BOOK NOW!

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1 February 2016 Annual Weekend Fri April 15 - Sun 17 BOOK NOW!...defending the weak and the fatherless See page 7 N E W S L E T T E R Inside this month s Newsletter... Dear Partner in Hope Page 2 City Bible Quiz/Burns Unit Page 3 Bringing joy to the children Page 3 Christmas Mission 2016 Page 4 & 5 Foster Parents Meeting Page 6 Greetings from Sidenko s Page 6 Annual Weekend Page 7 News from Sri Lanka Page 7 Prayer Diary Page 8 Singing at Korsun Baptist Church - See pages 4 & 5 Bringing hope by sharing the love of Jesus

2 FEBRUARY 2016 Newsletter contacts: Editor: Jon Budgell Contact us: Hope Now International Head Office Malvern Centre Malvern Road Southampton SO16 6PY Tel: Fax: A Father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling. Psalm 68:5 Hope Now is a Christian charity that aims to bring hope, by sharing the love of Jesus and making Him known by ministering to those in spiritual, physical and emotional need. We want the message of the Gospel to touch the hearts of young and old, rich and poor, healthy and infirm, free and imprisoned. Hope Now works in Ukraine, Moldova, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. Dear Partner in Hope... As we enter the second month of 2016 the memories of our Christmas Mission are still very fresh in the minds of the team. Perhaps that is partly due to the shock of stepping off the plane in Ukraine to find temperatures of -22C, and a few days later being snowed in with up to 15 inches of snow! In all honesty though, the lasting memory in my mind is the wonderfully warm welcome we received from all those we visited. You can read more about the visit on pages 4 & 5. Being obedient in going to share the Good News was the last instruction Jesus gave before His ascension. I have been so encouraged to see so much blessing when volunteers answer the call on their hearts to serve in Ukraine. The Alpha House in the snow last two years have been difficult for Ukraine and for some of our staff and families, as menfolk are called up to protect their country. Little is said in our news today but the war is still raging in the East of the country. Each day young men struggle in freezing temperatures and each day young men are killed. For them to know their families will not be forgotten if the worst should happen gives them heart to go on. Through your generous donations we have been able to support the Hospitality Centre where many refugees come, and the new church planted there is growing each week. I give thanks that because of our partnership in Christ we are able to bless some. This year we want to continue to bless and encourage even more people through our camps at Kompas Park. On page 5 you can see dates and details of camps to be held there, and there may also be the opportunity to join our Village Evangelism Team reaching out even further to young people. One urgent need is for English speakers to volunteer for our Teaching English as a Foreign Language camp this year. If we do not have a team by the end of February it will have to be cancelled. Will you come? Do contact me for more information, and thank you for your prayers. In His Service Jon Budgell Registered Charity No: GAYE No: 7201 Company No: Kompas Park Although Ukraine is at war with Russia, Cherkassy life goes on as normal, over 400 miles from the fighting. 2

3 City Bible Quiz The children were very glad to know about the 5th city Bible quiz in Cherkassy that they could take part in. When they expressed their desire to visit the lessons of Christian ethics they were mocked by some of their classmates. But now they became heroes and those who mocked became jealous because they also wanted to go somewhere and get such an attention. I, as their teacher, wanted my kids to meet with those who study the Bible, so we were looking forward for the day, and getting prepared. The day came and we went to Cherkassy. We were impressed with the warm welcome we received. The members of the Bible Quiz participants jury were very kind and gentle. The children didn t have any fear to share their Bible knowledge and present the papers they had done at home. The presentation itself gives the child a chance to try the role of a teacher, it changes his heart, the subject he talks about becomes a part of his soul. My students met new friends. They were very glad to receive books as a gift. And they expressed Burns Unit Cherkassy Thank you... We had a request from the 1st City Hospital in Cherkassy to help the Burns Unit with some equipment which we were able to purchase. their desire to have the lessons of Christian ethics more than once a week in our school. The next day they shared their impressions about the quiz with other children and told me that the Bibles that were given to them are read at home not only by them but by their parents and other family members. Bringing joy to the children Hardships, high cost of everything, all these problems didn t stop Christians from collecting things for the children of the internat. It was a wonderful opportunity to bring joy to the children. First thing that was done is that everybody shared the good news about the Christ s birth with the chosen child, then they sent them sweets, toys, books and every child received clothing or footwear. The children are always eager to receive us as we bring them special gifts. And so the workers of the Burns Unit wish all Hope Now supporters a Happy New Year and express their gratitude. These are the words of Natasha (9th form): Dear believers, we are so glad to see you. You differ from all others. And we like your gifts, especially books. I read them all. Meetings with you are so special. We envy those three girls you took to Cherkassy to study. We hope you Coordinator Larisa Vovk wont forget us after we finish the internat school. We have nobody to pray for us, but you. I do love you and respect you. And our meetings are really special. We have something new every time and we learned to be flexible to be helpful to the children when we communicate. We are grateful to God, grateful to the church, grateful to Hope Now for 15 years of work in Shpola internat. Coordinator Larisa Vovk 3

4 Christmas Mission 2016 Team Christmas 2016! A very big thank you to everyone who contributed to our 2016 Christmas Mission trip. Snowy road to Christmas! Before Christmas some prayed for good weather but some, and Brenda, prayed for snow. And God answered both prayers. Wonderful snowy road led to Christmas in Ukraine. The children from foster families, from clubs were first to meet Christmas. Santa could not turn the other road so they met and did crafts together, recited poems, all were impressed with Jon s beard, Brenda s jumper with coloured lights. They had a chance to earn chocolate but there was a free shop and all got immensely happy. There were large snowdrifts at the student evening and they overcame them and were rewarded for their perseverance and courage. They played games, very simple but very interesting. They had a chance to communicate with their English friends; to practise their English and had festive dinner. And they also had a free shop and chose knitted quilts, especially the boys. When they were asked why, they said: They are light and warm. The winter in Ukraine is cold this year. Then Santa Claus sleigh went to House of Gospel Church. There were 120 people, who came together and met our friends with great love. They had Christmas dinner, had fellowship, shared testimonies, recited poems, sang songs and our friends played for them. Jon told about God s love that it is like a circle, it can reach every person and make warm every heart. All were given gifts and were very grateful for such a wonderful time. Snowy road Then God s love led to The Nest. The students spent two days cleaning the snow there, as Brenda was in trainers and we didn t want her to have snow in them. The Nest is a small house with seven people in it. They trust God in solving their life circumstances. And God gathered there the people of two countries to rejoice that Christ was born. That was a wonderful time with pizza and varenyky, but in Korsun people also waited for the team so we had to go. The friendship with this church was started in widows camps and it couldn t be broken because Visit to the Childrens Hospital Christmas Day lunch at House of Gospel Church Santa visits Korsun Baptist Church! 4

5 God s love is like a circle, and it is endless. We all met like one family, and listened to music and singing of Claire, Ali, Brenda, Jane, Jennie, Jon 2, Mark and Pat. We prayed together, read the word of God. All were given gifts. Wonderful time. Christ is born. Santa Claus s sleigh went to 80 elderly (some were bedridden) brothers and sisters to bring joy of Christmas then. Tamara (94 years). It is so important that we are not forgotten. God s family remember about us. Thank you very much. Happy Christmas to all. Larisa Vovk Tamara Jon (Barnes) writes... We went to bless others but were ourselves blessed by the love and hospitality of those we came to serve. Much love, much laughter, the fellowship If you would like to join a Mission Trip this year we are now taking applications for our Summer season. (Applications for the TEFL Camp need to be in by the end of February.) Please contact the office for an Application Form. Summer Camps 2016 These are the Hope Now camps planned for the 2016 Summer Season. If you are interested in joining one of the teams, or if your church would like to send a team, please contact Jon Budgell at jon@hopenow.org.uk or tel: HARD OF HEARING June TEFL CAMP 30 July-6 Aug FOOTBALL CAMP 6-13 Aug of brothers and sisters are all memories that will stay with me for a long time. Jennie writes... I returned home humbled by the attitude of those whom I had met; their thankfulness to and reliance upon God; their willingness to share the little they had with us and their gratitude that we had taken the time to show there are people in the UK who care about them. Jane writes... At the Alpha House foster children s party a little girl opened up her gift bag and saw a Disney necklace, her whole face lit up in the most amazing smile that I have ever seen on a child s face, there was such joy in her smile! That will remain with me forever. Brenda writes... We got the most amazing welcome at Korsun Baptist Church with such genuine warmth. The whole church seemed to be there and they had laid on a lovely meal as we sang and shared fellowship together. Claire writes... Standing together and singing God s love is like a circle with our brothers and sisters in Korsun BC was a wonderful experience. The love we shared throughout the week and the love we received everywhere we went will continue on forever. Give thanks to CHILDREN S CAMP Aug WIDOWS CAMP (1) 4-11 Sept* WIDOWS CAMP (2) Sept* * Please note Widows Camps are from Sunday to Sunday. All other camps are Saturday to Saturday. the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1 Ali writes... It was such a blessing to be part of the team and to see the joy on the faces of those who have so little, but will give you everything they have because of their love of Jesus. Mark and Pat write... Hugely rewarding; this week is a fantastic life experience for the Christian seeking to make a difference to the lives of others. Visit to the Rescue Shelter 5

6 Foster Parents Meeting This month we talked about childbirth, It s clearly written in Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart. When Jesus was born, there was no need for any sexual act. The Holy Spirit brought in genetic information to form his body. And that was the immaculate conception, the Virgin birth. But Jesus soul and spirit were inseparably connected with God s (Father s) spirit. Every one was able to recollect how many children they had given birth to, whether the children were desired or not. Sergei Sobko shared that when he and his wife were 38 they were told they were unable to have more children. The doctor said those cruel words but we felt he was a bad doctor. He should have told them they won t have biological children. After that verdict they had many more spiritual children. We also talked about new technologies to reduce childbirth, and why young couples don t want to have children. When should they stop, how many children to have? The answer: we need to feel the will of God. The meeting was very active. At the end Volodya Pidgornyy said: It s very important at childbearing whether you are with Christ or without Him. Larisa Vovk Greetings to you dear friends from England We want to share our life events with you. In spring Vitalii was in the occupied territory in Lugansk oblast to share the Gospel with Christians and non-christians. As a result a few people came to repentance. Later they had to leave that place and so the family of seven came to our city as refugees and they stopped at our church. Then Vitalii had a heart attack and that was a difficult time. Then our deaf people would collect food and warm clothing to send to the Cherkassy Hospitality Centre to be sent on to the soldiers defending our country. We did some outreach projects for the deaf. There was a camp conducted for them, and Vitalii had to do a lot of work and all the participants were very delighted. Three families came to the Lord and they and their children attend the church now. Our daughter Maria is in Donetsk oblast as a missionary (from May until now) and we send what help we can to her there. We buy nappies and baby food for orphans in the rescue shelter there. After the camp for deaf we were asked to help in organising a camp for disabled (physical and mental 6 Vitalii Ludmila disabilities) and that was 1 km away from the front line. The team of leaders consisted of four people only. They had to bring the participants into the camp, to play games, to feed, to care for their needs and Vitalii was the one to lead the Bible lessons for them. After the camp he would visit wounded soldiers in the hospital to give them Bibles, other things they needed and to tell them about God. After that he would bring food to poor families, meet with the soldiers who would come to take a shower, to change, and to eat. He would also participate in the children s events which included Bible lessons, dramas and crafts. As a result we ve got many friends we are praying for now. But after that trip Vitalii had a second heart attack. And he was taken to an intensive care unit. That was a great test for our lives. God has taught us much. But we continue to work with deaf people and with the young people, we do prayer and Bible study meetings, visit conferences for ministers, take deaf people to conferences. It takes time to get the lessons ready, to have a slide show for every meeting. We also celebrate birthdays and do meetings for group leaders. Every month we do a supper of love. This year God gave us three grandchildren. And we gladly pay attention to them. We also help our children to build and equip their houses and we want to make repairs in our home, to work with unbelieving neighbours, with young people, mothers with children and widows, but we are limited in finances, as my pension is to pay the utility bills and your support is to pay for Vitalii s medications. But God loves us and will provide. I also need time to study in Bible college. That s a little bit about us and the last year. Dear friends! Thank you very much for taking part in our life and for your financial and prayer support. May you have God s blessings and spiritual inspiration in your work on the field of God, and have joy and peace. Love in Christ, Sidenko family

7 Our focus this month is the... Annual Weekend at Ocean View Hotel, Bournemouth Friday April 15th - Sunday 17th Places are filling up quickly for the weekend, so please send in your booking form as soon as possible to be sure of a room. Our special guests from Ukraine this year will be Pastor Kurat and his wife Valentina, and we may even see Ksenya with us! Our Saturday evening entertainment will be the gentle music of Charles Timberlake, a Christian pianist/composer. Ocean View Hotel Pastor Kurat Charles Timberlake Come and hear of what Hope Now accomplished last year and the plans for Prices for the Weekend are: Places for the whole weekend are 155 per person. Saturday from 9am to include lunch 20 per person. Saturday to include lunch and dinner 40 per person. Donation to Hope Now NEWS FROM SRI LANKA Farms Lanka Projects Farms Lanka supports many Income Generating Livelihood Projects. Here is Ranjith s story... Ranjith Silva was living with his a pumper in a petrol shed newly married wife in Moratuwa being honest and very near the beach and was affected efficient although he was during 2004 tsunami. He had a single handed. He was obtained a piece of land in referred to Farms Lanka by Waskaduwa in Kalutara District as a local church in Moratuwa. a resettlement process for tsunami His wife was expecting when victims. In 2006 Farms commenced the tsunami struck which supporting him stage by stage to affected their property. build a new house in the new land. Now they have two children Discussing with the family of their progress He was born with only one hand and also he is bringing up and the other hand is short and without any fingers. another two children of his sister who has lost her He was very keen to develop and was working as husband and now a widow. Name... Address Postcode... Amount... To be allocated to... To be Gift Aided... Signature... Please send your donation to : Hope Now International Head Office, Malvern Centre, Malvern Road, Southampton SO16 6PY 7

8 PRAYER DIARY February 2016 MONDAY 1st Pray for those who are finding this cold winter hard in Ukraine, especially for families with small children and the elderly. TUESDAY 2nd Pray for our staff in Ukraine, and for the churches, who provide food packages for those in need. WEDNESDAY 3rd Pray for Sasha Tarasenko and Anatolii Perepelitsa and their ministry in the prisons and amongst ex-prisoners. THURSDAY 4th Pray for the girls in Leah House Pre-Independence home, and for the girls moving into the new flat, Bethany House, that they will all settle quickly and enjoy their home. FRIDAY 5th Pray for Nina and all those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, that God will draw close to them in the difficult times. SATURDAY 6th Pray for the preparations being made for the Annual Weekend, and that some younger people may be able to join us also this year. WEDNESDAY 10th Pray for all those who are attending the Bible School that they can give the time needed to studying, alongside time with their families. THURSDAY 11th Pray for the Directors and staff of the orphanages we are involved with, giving thanks that they show such love and care for the children there. FRIDAY 12th Pray for Jon in his many responsibilities, that he will have wisdom in each decision that he has to make. SATURDAY 13th Pray for those living in the villages that in the winter can be cut off due to bad weather. SUNDAY 14th Pray for Brenda as she leads the service at Baddesley Baptist Church today, also for Jon speaking at Sandown Baptist Church today. MONDAY 15th Pray for Jon as he puts together a programme for the autumn tour of Zozulenka, and pray for Natalya as she trains the young people in readiness for this. THURSDAY 18th Pray for Jon and Brenda in the office as the auditor visits today. Pray also for Maria Shevchuk from Kuchkivka as she celebrates her birthday today. FRIDAY 19th Pray for Anastasia Vovk and her team, as they plan and put together children s camps in the villages, and for Jon and Ali as they drive to Carlisle today. SATURDAY 20th Pray for more opportunities to speak at churches and organisations to share about the work we do, enabling further support. SUNDAY 21st Pray for the Ukrainian office staff, for Misha, Larisa, Ludmila, Svieta and Tamara. MONDAY 22nd Pray for those who are interested in serving at Kompas Park this year, that they will be clear if this is what God is calling them to do in the summer. TUESDAY 23rd Give thanks for Claire and all the work she does on our Newsletter, especially today as she celebrates her birthday. FRIDAY 26th Pray for Dr Doreschenko and his mobile medical unit, and for his team as they travel to the villages with medicines and healthcare. SATURDAY 27th Thank God for our trusty volunteers, and give thanks today for Jean Richardson as she celebrates a special birthday. SUNDAY 28th Pray for the churches who are twinned with one in Ukraine, that their support will be an encouragement to the members. MONDAY 29th Give thanks for all our supporters who pray regularly for our work, and give sacrificially each month to bless the people of Ukraine. Moments with God Ideal to give to friends SUNDAY 7th Pray that our Mission Fund will continue to receive generous donations, allowing us to support the Restricted Fund projects that have no sponsors. MONDAY 8th Pray for Jon as he speaks at the meeting in Nursling Hall, Rownhams today at am. TUESDAY 9th Pray for Larisa Vovk and the work she does with families and with the young people, that she will be an encouragement to them. TUESDAY 16th Pray for the work we support in other countries, for Clarence with Farms Lanka, for the Crasnaseni Day Care Centre in Moldova and for the work of Brother Mung in Myanmar. WEDNESDAY 17th Give thanks for Lidia Galchenko and the work she does in schools with her Christian Ethic lessons, and for her team of coworkers. WEDNESDAY 24th Pray for the ministry of Valerii Petrochenko amongst the disabled people of Cherkassy, and for his plans for summer camps for them. THURSDAY 25th Remember all the children in the Rescue Shelter, and pray that they can be moved to loving homes as soon as is practical. Also for the mail out team working today. A 16 page mini Bible verse booklet containing encouragements from Scripture available in English and Ukrainian. Please contact the office for details. HEALTHCARE Mobile Medical Unit Medical Treatment Fund Hospital visiting ORPHANS Foster Care Rescue Shelter / House of Babies Internats (Orphanages) EVANGELISM Village Camps Ray of Hope Group Christmas Mission Hope Now International Head Office Malvern Centre, Malvern Road Southampton SO16 6PY Tel: Fax: PRISON MINISTRY Support for ex-prisoners Working in Prisons Prison Evangelism ZOZULENKA Ukrainian Music Group from the School of Arts SUMMER CAMPS Kompas Park Alpha House Camps for the Disabled SUPPORTING CHURCHES Bible School Pastors Equipment and facilities EDUCATION Alpha House English Classes Student Sponsorship School visits and support ELDERLY Widows Camps Food Programmes The Nest