God’s word reminds us that He will do abundantly and exceedingly more than we could ask for or think of.  Just when we think we have been stretched to our limits God broadens the boundaries.  And we continue to be amazed at what he can do in the hearts of men and children.

We have been ministering to the children in Ukraine since 1998.  This year has been especially significant because three of the orphans whom we have mentored have “graduated” from the orphanage and are now out on their own at the young age of 17.  Their names are Igor, Vasya, and Dennis.  They all have jobs and are working to support themselves.  Each year they have looked forward to our arrival and this year was no different with arms opened wide for lots of hugs.  After two weeks, upon our departure at the train station, they were there once again to bid us farewell until our return. I wondered who remembers them on their birthdays besides us, who will give them advice when they have a big decision to make, who will encourage them and give them words of wisdom, who will invite them over for dinner or take care of them when they are sick?  My heart has been deeply touched by these boys and all the orphans who will also be “graduating” (and I use that term loosely) from the orphanage.  How fortunate we are and how fortunate our children are to have parents who love them and care for them.

We have revisited many of the same orphanages over the past 8 years.  I cannot express to you how wonderful it feels when we arrive and hear the children shout our names and come running to give us hugs and kisses.  I feel like a human magnate.  And they cry so when we leave.  God has blessed me with hundreds of grandchildren.

I have no special talents.  I can’t really sing, I’m not real creative, I can’t play a musical instrument, I can’t speak Russian and find it a very difficult language to learn.  But I can be me and I can give these children the love and attention they so desperately want and, most importantly, I can tell them about Jesus.  I can tell them that they are not a mistake.  I can tell them that they are not alone, they can go to Jesus for their needs.  I can tell them that they are worth more than they will ever know or realize because Jesus gave his life for them.  I can tell them that they are bright and beautiful and I love them and Jesus loves them.  Will they understand??  Only our Lord knows the seeds that have been planted.  I continually pray that Jesus will shower those seeds with the Holy Spirit.  HE will do more than what we ask for or can imagine.

I am looking forward to returning in November and seeing all my lovely grandkids J

Sherrel Richmond