When it is our birthday,

there are certain things we can anticipate:

 gifts, cake, baloons, a party with friends and family!

Consider being a child growing up in an orphanage,

would there be anyting to get excited about? 

But you can change that!   

 “Cards for Kids” is a project that anyone can be involved in, regardless of your age or creative ability.  CFK will provide pictures, names, address, and the birth date of children from the Citkoftsey orphanage in Ukraine.  Cards can be made on the computer, from craft supplies, or even store bought.  Small gifts can be inserted such as a balloon,  stickers, a picture of you - their new friend.  Each card is then individually mailed by the creator to the children in time for their birthday.  If this sounds like the perfect group project,  or a  mission teaching activity for your family,  please contact us for a month or grade list of children whose birthday you can make special.

catalystforkids@aol.com

“Cards for Kids” is a project inspired by the following:

          One afternoon, while hanging in the halls of Citkovtsy orphanage, an interesting interaction took place.  I was waiting for some documents to be prepared and was just chit-chatt'n with the students.  Luda had a question for me, though actually she was being mischievous.

          “Vanya says that you are his mother, you aren’t really his mother are you?” 

To this Vanya, who was standing arm in arm with me turned beet red.  Luda had succeeded in her teasing; she puffed up with pride at exposing the truth and ran off laughing.  Vanya also disappeared. 

          Some time later in the evening Vanya came out of hiding and Luda happened by.  I took the opportunity to share with them and the others standing around about people who care, like a mom.   “Luda, I’d like to answer your question about my being Vanya’s mom.”  Then I shared Vanya’s story, which I knew was very similar to every young child that was listening that day.   Vanya has a mom. She lives in another city under circumstances that aren’t very good.  One day something happened to Vanya that his mom could not do anything about.  Vanya needed someone to act on his behalf to get him out of a harmful situation.  It so happened that I was the one that God used to help Vanya. 

          “That is why I always check in on Vanya when I come to your school.  So you are right, I’m not his mom.  But, if Vanya wants to call me his mom then I’d be proud to be like a mom for him.”  This time the tables were turned.  Vanya puffed up with pride as it was settled, he did have someone he could call mom.  And you could see that desire in Luda’s eyes, and those of all the children hanging in the halls of Citkovtsy that evening.  Each of them wanted someone they could call mom, or Uncle, or a friend who cares. 

          How can God use us to give such children a connection, a relationship with another human that helps them to realize their value in His eyes?  A mother figure, an ‘Uncle’ they can talk to, someone from the ‘outside world’ they can call their friend. 

          Through the following projects, it is my prayer that these children will find a connection with society and a relationship that will lead them to knowing God as their Father.

          Ludmilla Ustenko is a local Sunday School teacher that holds a Bible club in the orphanage.  Her church often joins in on special holidays; bringing programs, delivering gifts, and most important establishing relationships with the children.  

          “School Pictures” is a great project for local teams to do, helping build relationships while providing the children with their own photograph. We invite you to join these efforts. 

Luba's '05-06 school picture.

Children waiting for a copy of their school picture.

“Cards for Kids” is a project anyone can get involved in, sending birthday and holiday cards to specific children.

Or you may want to help support the Bible club and local church visits mentioned above.  Others have helped by providing for books, sports equipment, hygiene supplies, and individual student school packets, all delivered by local groups to further developing relationships.

          Because of these various ongoing projects in Citkovtsy orphanage, God’s love is being revealed. And as God uses us, children such as Vanya and Luda soon learn that someone values them.  They realize that they do have someone they can call their own.

 Vanya with local team member Yulia, someone he can call his friend.