Although GFA’s hosting program was “on hold” last summer, the Gomel Baptist church stepped forward to give children and teens a great summer experience in their own country.  Youth leaders in the church invited all the GFA children to participate in summer camps.  There was a teen camp and a youth camp, each lasting 8 days.  They stayed in tents and had games, bible studies and lots of good food.  Two of our children were able to attend: Nikita from Mozyr, and Sasha from Mogilev.  Others were interested but could not attend.  Several host families sent money for scholarships and supplies for the youth and teen camps.

“My name is Nikita. I am 12.5. I liked it very much to be in the Christian camp, and I am very grateful to the Director, Igor, who invited me here. Here I realized that God loved me. I made a lot of friends here. Together we played different games. One time we watched a movie on a big screen. I was really glad to be there and I am thankful to all people who helped me to come here.”

“My name is Sasha. I am 15. It is first time that I come to a Christian camp. On my first day when I just came here I was a little homesick, because I did not know anyone. But then I met other children who had already been here earlier. I like the agenda very much, our interesting classes and games where we talked about God. Especially I liked sermons delivered by Yura, who told stories from Bible every day and paralleled them to the life of teenagers. I learned a lot of useful and helpful things from these stories. And the most important thing is how much God loves me. “

GFA would like to continue to support this ministry.  GFA friends and host families may sponsor their own host child or contribute to sponsoring teens and young adults for camp scholarships.   The church youth ministry also needs funds for updating old tents, and possibly purchase a more “permanent camp” where buildings could be built.  Other needs include inflatable rafts and bows and arrows.

Gomel Baptist Pastor Igor Tsirulnikov is very grateful for GFA host families’ support:

I am very happy to see how God work through this ministry. We now pray for each of these [youth]. I ask you to pray for them as well. We will continue to work with them in the church.
Thank you once again to all who supported us in prayer and financially.

If you are interested in supporting this ministry, make donations to “Global Family Alliance”, Gomel camping ministry.  You will receive a tax deducible receipt.

Dear sponsors:

Summer is behind us and the kids are settled back in school so I, finally, have time to sit down and write to you.

My reason for writing is simple.  I/we want to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks for your generous financial support so that we were able to host our 15 year old Ukrainian girl, Veronika, this summer.  We felt truly blessed and that it was God’s will to have her come and become part of our family for six weeks.

Veronika, along with most other orphans, has experienced a very negative view of a family or a loving home.  It wasn’t until about 3 weeks into the summer that her hard outer, negative, independent shell broke and we were able to see her inner softer, loving, helpful and compassionate side.

It was especially difficult at departure for us this year.  She expressed a desire to stay in America and I think she knew that it would be very hard for her to return because of her age and the rules and regulations in the Ukraine.  Steve and I struggled parting from her because we knew what she was going back to, unlike our previous host girl, Nadia, who had a loving family and home to go back to.  We keep a picture of her on our refrigerator and it is a wonderful reminder to say a quick prayer for her and I hope you will do the same.

I could ramble on and on but I wanted to get this to you before Thanksgiving  :)

As I said before, my writing was simple, to let you know how you made it possible for this young girl to come to America and experience the true meaning of a family and that she is loved.

Blessings and hugs to you!

Steve and Mary Jo Halvorson and family

November 2009

Dear Ones,

Thank you for the privilege to invest in one of God’s special people—Katya staying with us this summer was both rewarding and challenging.

We are so grateful for the opportunity to grow and learn from others, as we seek to “not grow weary in doing good”, and take each day as a chance to make someone else’s life richer and more meaningful.

The gift of the Ukrainian Bible to Katya was especially valuable to her and I pray God will speak to her so clearly through His word.  She will be in Eternity because of your generosity.

Working together to see His will in heaven accomplished here on earth—

Gratefully, the Niclas Family

To Our Gracious Sponsors,

I would like to express my gratitude for your generous donations that have helped families like ours be able to host children from Ukraine and Belarus.   Because of your assistance, we were able to invite a young boy into our home.  This experience, no doubt, has changed our lives and his forever.  The love within the walls of our home is immeasurable; however, the finances are quite calculable.   This opportunity truly was a blessing for both us, and our host child (Slavka).

Before his arrival, we sent Slavka pictures of our home and family as well as a letter just telling a little about us. The children all bonded instantly.  Within days my youngest asked me when Slavka had to go home, he told me he wanted to “keep him” forever and he loved him.  Over the next few weeks, Slavka truly became a member of the family.  It was as if he had always lived with us, he fit.

While in our home, Slavka received necessary medical and dental care.   We also attended bible camp and church.  It is here I realized how much love we really have in our family.  The children were all asked if there was ever a time in their life when they did not feel loved.  Slavka said he has never felt love until he came to America to be with us.  We were able to give Slavka something that will never be lost from his heart.  We were able to give him genuine Love, and Hope for a better tomorrow.  No matter how hard it was to send him home, I thank God for bringing him to us every day.

It was only because of your sponsorship we were able to touch the life of this young boy.  We have formed a lifelong bond with him and been in continual contact since his departure.  We are truly grateful for your support.

Blessings and Thanks,

The Sotebeer’s