Dear Partner in Hope. Snow obstacle! Annual Weekend. Alexander Kirpichov. A Forest Tale. Teaching Assignment WANTED. Prayer Diary.

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1 Dear Partner in Hope 1 Snow obstacle! 2 Annual Weekend 2 Alexander Kirpichov 3 A Forest Tale 4 Teaching Assignment 6 WANTED 6 Prayer Diary 7 January 2011

2 Jon Budgell From the CEO s desk. Dear Partner in Hope, There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:18 This newsletter comes to you with the greetings and very best wishes of the Hope Now staff and directors in both Ukraine and the UK. With every New Year comes new hope for those we serve, and 2011 will be no exception. Last year saw a lot of upheaval and uncertainty, but as we look forward we can see so many positive points. The 11th to 13th March will see our annual weekend to be held at the Wessex Hotel in Bournemouth, an opportunity to meet and share with other Hope Now supporters, to hear reports from our heads of departments, to hear first hand from our Ukrainian staff and to be a part of the future of Hope Now as we enter this time of change. We all look forward to summer, and Hope Now is no exception. Already camps are planned at Kompas Park and several church teams have expressed an interest in going. Two individuals from the UK have already confirmed their bookings and Alla, the director of Kompas Park, has many Ukrainian based camps planned in a bid to keep Kompas Park self sustaining. Hope will also be in the hearts of Dima, Ivan, Anna, Ira, Paula, Anna, Katya and Julia. These are the names of the young people who hope to take part in the Hope Now 2011 music tour. By popular demand I have decided to bring on tour a group of Ukrainian youngsters who will wow you with true Ukrainian style song and dance. Trained by their music teacher Natalia and the production arranged with the help of Lena Holt who brought us Close to the Heart, these young people aged 11 to 22 will be training throughout the year in the hope you will enjoy their God given talents. We already have some churches booked, if your church or school would like to invite us in November (dates to be confirmed) please contact me as soon as possible to avoid being disappointed later. We plan to hold 20 evening concerts and visit 5 schools, along with showing the group something of our country and culture. During my last visit in December I watched the first performance of these talented young people and knew immediately that audiences in the UK would love them. The tour will have a cost to arrange, but I feel sure that if churches are willing to host us as they have before we will not only be able to share something of Ukraine with you, but also raise funds for our ongoing work among the children of Ukraine. Jon Budgell CEO page 1

3 Snow obstacle! in Shpola orphanage and have organised a Bible School there that meets every Saturday. The most wonderful fruit of this missionary work is that many other young people looking at us want to become leaders and to do something in the places where they live. Anastasia Vovk So - this year, my Christian friends and I want to organise "Teen Games" in 5 different places. This project helps us to work with local administrations and unites members of different churches. Dear Hope Now, Thank you that last year you helped us financially in the project "Teen Games" in the village of Shoobiny Stavy. After that project our team lead the same project in Cherkassy School Number 6 and in Shpola orphanage. Is it possible for your organisation to support us this year as our work has become wider? Our team consisted of young people from 9 different churches. Now we continue to work in Shoobiny School. Last time we went to Shoobiny we trudged more than 4 miles because Pastor Nikolay`s car became stuck in the deep snow. We had to walk through those snowy fields, but when we arrived we were really happy to meet our dear children and the director of the school. Along the way, we met many people to whom we gave the message about Jesus Christ. One of them was granny Galya, in whose house we decided to get warm during that long, cold, walk to Shoobiny. We also talked with Larissa, the director of Shoobiny School, about Jesus and even prayed with her. We continue to work with children Anastasia Vovk Annual Weekend Book now for our annual weekend at the Wessex Hotel, Bournemouth from the 11th to 13th March Come and meet friends old, young and new! This year we are pleased to have guest speaker Revd. David John from Hampshire along with some guest musicians to entertain us. Details will follow but if you can, please let us know if you would like to come so we can reserve rooms. Shoobiny Stavy page 2

4 Alexander Kirpichov My name is Alexander Kirpichov. I have been a member of Grace church since I gave my life to Jesus in 1992 and was baptised in I work as a missionary in Mikhailivka internat, Vilshana internat and the orphanage in Kropyvno, in the Cherkassy Oblast. The ministry in Mykhailivka began in 2000 and we visit the internat there and the Kropyvno orphanage once a week. Vilshana is further away but we still try to visit the internat once every two to three weeks. When we visit, we teach bible lessons, learn Christian songs, pray and play different games. At the same time we have spiritual talks with the workers of the institutions. At the end we give the children sweets. As a result of the work, a church was started (Sergei Polupanov is the pastor) As the door of salvation is open and God calls us to repentance, we have a responsibility to work and gain souls for Christ. It is not in vain that God is called Father of Orphans in the bible. (Ps 67:7) Doing this work we fulfil the command of the Lord to care for widows and orphans. (James 1:27) Orphans are an unprotected category of people, who are likely to become criminals or lead an immoral life. I hope the word of salvation they hear from Christians whilst they are in the internat will keep them from taking too many incorrect steps in life and will bring them to stability and a good life. This ministry hasn t had any regular financial support for years but has managed on one off donations from people from local churches. These days the donations have been reduced and we are in need of financial support. We pray that the ministry will continue as we have developed good relationships with the leaders of the institutions, who always give us a warm welcome. Our request to Hope Now is to support us in ministry through prayer and financial gifts, which are needed to cover transport expenses and gifts for the children. There are also plans to support the young people when they leave the orphanage. May God bless you, Love in Christ Sasha Kirpichov on behalf of the group that serves in the internats page 3

5 A Forest Tale Once upon a time in a land far away there was a big forest, there were many trees in the forest, some very tall and straight, some more crooked with odd shaped branches, and a few quite small ones that had yet to grow. Just on the edge of the forest there was a tree just like that. Each day she would see the foresters come in and chop down one of the bigger trees, all the trees were very excited about this because they were each going to be used to make something special. If you were big enough it could be a wardrobe, or even a table at which people would sit every day to eat their meals. Some of the other trees could be used to make chairs, or wooden bowls, even a chopping board for the kitchen. Each day the foresters would go into the forest, passing by the little tree hardly even noticing it as they searched for the bigger stronger trees. The little tree became quite worried, would she be left here forever, never to be used for something useful? Autumn came and many of the bigger trees began to drop their leaves. All around they fell covering the ground in a beautiful golden carpet. Sometimes the foresters children would run between the trees throwing the leaves into the air and watching them fall like golden rain, they had such fun playing there. The little tree did not have leaves though, just a lot of green needles that did not fall off, she wished so much that she could make people happy too. A little later the snow came, it covered all the trees and bushes and ground with a lovely white blanket, everything looked so clean and pure. The foresters still came too, but now they chose the odd shaped trees and chopped them into logs. Then they took them to their homes and kept all the family warm. They too were so useful, and the little tree became sad, it seemed that nobody wanted her, she was just too small. One day a forester came into the forest with his children; this was unusual as normally children did not come with the forester, so all the trees watched them, wondering what they were going to do. As they walked from tree to tree the children would call out, no too small, or too big, or even wrong shape! What could they be doing? Suddenly one of the children spotted the little tree, come here he called out, this one is perfect. With that the other children and the forester came over and dug up the little tree. She was so nervous, what was she page 4

6 to become? A walking stick, a shelf in a cupboard somewhere? It was so exciting, and all the other trees waved their branches as she left. At the foresters house there were several of the little tree s old friends, one was a sideboard, another was a door, and yet another was the table with lots of nice things on it. Then the little tree was carefully placed into a bucket, and the children came in and placed pretty decorations all over it, and on the top (which was not very high) they placed a shining star, just like those in the sky above the forest. The little tree was so happy, and throughout Christmas she was the centre of attention, everyone who came said how pretty she looked. She was such a happy little tree, now she knew what she was meant for. A childish story? Perhaps, but when Ali and I heard it told to children aged 3 to 13 at the Cherkassy Rescue Centre it brought tears to my eyes. We were asked not to ask why the children were here, it may have been that one parent had attacked or even killed the other, or perhaps the child was found wandering the streets. They would spend some months here before the authorities made decisions about their future maybe an orphanage, or if they were lucky a family member may take them in. On this cold wintery night with temperatures plummeting and eight inches of snow due to fall overnight we had met Alla and her small team of volunteers who go each Saturday afternoon to spend time with these unfortunate children. They play games, teach crafts (I and 4 year old Tania made a Christmas tree) and generally give some love and attention. They buy paper, colouring books and pens along with a few sweets each week out of their own money, but it s the hugs that really make the children s eyes sparkle. It was a stark reminder to me of why Hope Now was working in Ukraine, to give hope to such as these little ones, just like the little tree. Holding back the tears we said paca (bye) and left with a wave, probably never knowing what would become of these children, but knowing more would be coming to the Rescue Shelter with similar untold stories. I thank God for Alla and the team for making a real difference to the lives of these young people, and of being able to share something of their work. Jon Budgell page 5

7 Teaching Assignment When I was in Ukraine in October last year we had a very busy time (Jon, Ali, Brian and I). I had met Nadya Ananieva (the deputy head at 1st City Gymnasium) on the Friday evening and as usual she tried to persuade me to come into the school. I told her that I really didn t have time; my timetable was full. Monday morning was the only time and we had to leave for the airport at 11.30am. When I went to bed on Sunday night I had decided that it was impossible to do anything but get up and go to the WANTED airport next day. But, of course, I woke at 6am and, knowing there would be no more sleep, I got up and walked to school for Nadya soon fixed me up for the first two lessons of the day. I find it is always so good to get in front of a group of enthusiastic kids and when they can communicate so well in my own language it is even better. In both sessions we had a good chat about things in general and then we looked at the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10 v25 37). You remember that the man asked Jesus, Who is my neighbour? but when you look carefully at Jesus answer, it is to the question Who can I be a neighbour to? Jesus turns the answer from being potentially passive to being positively active. (Well He would, wouldn t He!) It was amazing how my students picked up what Jesus was getting at. To drive the point home, I asked them to hold their hands out as if they were going to receive a gift from me and to think how they felt inside as they received my imaginary gift. Then I asked them to put their hands out again as if they were going to give me a present and to think how they felt about that. The enthusiasm with which they put their hands out towards me for that second time convinced them all that it is much, much more blessed to give than receive! I am so glad that I woke up early that Monday morning! I felt so uplifted, so blest, as I made my way back to Alpha House knowing that, in some way, some seeds of Jesus powerful teaching had been planted into some young lives. Praise to His name! And again thank you all for praying. Please continue to pray for the school and the witness of the Christian teachers there. Philip Mutton Do you know the whereabouts of any puppets? Any information leading to the surrender of puppets will be rewarded. The puppet ministry in Ukraine is planning to resume its activities but is in need of, you guessed it, puppets. The puppet ministry used to travel to schools and internats presenting the Gospel to eager minds. We want to encourage this ministry and with your help we can. Any information to Jon Budgell at the Southampton office. page 6

8 The Prayer Diary Sunday 30th Monday 31st Saturday 1st For the 2011 music group who are hoping to tour the UK later this year, and that churches will come forward to host us. For Alla Kostyunina as she directs the work of Kompas Park and also helps each week at the Cherkassy Rescue Centre, pray too for the children who are taken there. January 2011 Newsletter contacts Editorial: Jon Budgell jon hopenow.org.uk Contact us: UK Hope Now International Head Office Malvern Centre, Malvern Road Southampton SO16 6PY. Tel: Fax: For all those we serve in Ukraine and South Africa as we celebrate a New Year knowing that the Lord is our true Hope. Sunday 2nd For Pastor Kusin and his leadership team at First Baptist Church, Cherkassy along with all those who worship there. Monday 3rd Tuesday 4th Wednesday 5th Thursday 6th For Jon and Brenda in the Southampton office as they prepare for their first audit and finalise plans for the coming year. Give thanks for all those supporters who responded so generously to our request for extra funds, may they be used wisely as the Lord leads. For Beverley Richards of the Southampton staff as she ministers to young people at a winter camp in Shpola. For the children living in the internats in Ukraine, that they may have the opportunity to hear the Gospel. For Jon as he meets with the auditors. Friday 7th For the people of Ukraine on this their Christmas Day, that the message of the Gospel may impact every area of social and political life. Saturday 8th For Margaret Ferguson as she oversees the children in our care in South Africa, and for the children as they consider their futures. Sunday 9th For Pastor Skripnikov and the congregation at Second (Calvary) Baptist Church as they minister to the handicapped in the area. Monday 10th Pray for Dee Ewart, one of our directors who is still very ill, and for her husband Peter who is caring for her whilst trying to continue working. Tuesday 11th For Beverley as she travels back to the UK today following her time in Ukraine working with young people. Wednesday 12th Pray that more local churches will want to be a part of our work and that we may be given the opportunity to visit and talk about Hope Now. Thursday 13th For the children in our care in the cottage homes and foster families Friday 14th Pray for Ludmila and Tamara as they work on and finalise the accounts for Hope Now Ukraine and Kompas Park. Saturday 15th For David Reddaway as he seeks to find new ways of raising funds for the Bible School and church planting programmes. Sunday 16th Monday 17th Tuesday 18th Wednesday 19th Thursday 20th Friday 21st Saturday 22nd For Pastor Kurat and the members of the House of Gospel church in Cherkassy. For Jon and Brenda as they finalise last year s accounts. For Jon as he attends the Ashley Baptist Church Mission meeting tonight. For the Lord to provide for the financial needs of the ministry, especially the mission fund as it enables everything else to function. For Misha and Leyna Vishemirsky as they work together overseeing the work of Hope Now Ukraine and the cottage homes. For Jon and the Hope Now directors as they attend the board meeting tonight in Southampton. Pray for wisdom and the Lords leading in every discussion. Pray for the Hope Now UK planning day as the directors and Jon discuss the projects and work to be undertaken in Sunday 23rd Monday 24th Tuesday 25th Wednesday 26th Thursday 27th Friday 28th Saturday 29th Pray for the Cherkassy School of Biblical studies, the teachers, staff and students and for many opportunities to share the Gospel. Sasha Tarasenko and Anatoly Perepilitsa as they minister to those in prison. For Frank and Lin Collier as they travel back from visiting family overseas, also for their families. Pray for the young ladies staying at Swindon house, Vika, Oksana, Galya, Inna and Oxana that they will enjoy their time of learning with us. For Larissa, our childcare officer as she oversees the work in our cottage homes, foster homes and Swindon house. Pray for Jon as he prepares for the Hope Now annual weekend, that many supporters will come along to be informed and entertained. For Pavel and Ivan who are currently staying at Kornah House and Victor Kusimov who is caring for them and teaching them. Hope Now was founded in 1985 by Sue and Vic Jackopson MBE. Designed by Reg Charity No: GAYE No: 7201 Company No: