Each session is tailored to the specific child,” says Grigory. “We create something new every time! I always ask, ‘What would you like to make?’ or ‘How could we fix something that’s broken at home?’ This teaches children to find solutions, fosters creativity, and builds confidence.” Our children develop in many different areas: they work with wood and metal, make jewelry or toys, paint pictures, sing, and sculpt with clay. These workshops are made possible by the creative center within our Children’s Ark. Some of the clay and vocal lessons are even conducted together with parents. These become a gentle yet profound form of family rehabilitation. Mary, head of the “Clay” studio, shares her reflections: “Sometimes words aren’t needed. It’s enough to sit nearby, take the soft clay into your hands, and start sculpting.” As it is written: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3
We believe that through creativity, care, and prayer, God is healing these children. Right now, we have five instructors. We are currently seeking financial support to employ them full-time so they can continue this important work wholeheartedly, without worrying about tomorrow. Thank you to everyone who supports the Children’s Ark. Here, together, we are raising children for the Kingdom of God.
In 2017, my wife and I moved to Vietnam to spread the Word of God. Before that, we had gone on several short-term mission trips and fell in love with the country and its people. Later on, the Lord opened doors for us to serve in Thailand and Laos as well. From time to time, we travel there, continuing to sow the Word of God. My wife Irina has the gift of evangelism. No matter where she is or whom she meets, she always speaks about her Lord. Even now, while in the hospital, she encourages almost every woman going into surgery with a word from God. Vietnam has a very hot climate — temperatures sometimes exceed 40°C (104°F). We have contracted dengue fever twice, a disease that sadly takes the lives of many locals. Due to it, Irina suffered a minor stroke — but the Lord showed us mercy and spared her life.
Recently, we faced yet another trial: my wife was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Over the course of five months, she underwent many tests and procedures. A surgery was performed, and now she is going through chemotherapy. Irina is afraid of chemotherapy and feeling overwhelmed. Please pray for us! This is a very difficult season of life for my beloved Irina and me. God continues to guide and sustain us through your prayers and your help. We humbly ask you to strengthen your intercession for us and support us as we walk through this valley — believing together for healing, hope, and peace.
The father of Karonna and Rohanna found another woman and left the family, leaving their mother with four children when the youngest was only six months old. The mother couldn’t find stable work because there was no one to look after the children. She worked for neighbors in the village: washing dishes, doing laundry, cleaning the house and yard — earning about 2 euros a day, which was just enough to buy some food for the children. When there was no such work, the mother would go through trash piles looking for scorched rice left at the bottom of cooking pots, so she could soak it in water and give it to the children.
Soon, the mother learned about our shelter and asked if we could take her children. We took in not only the children, but also the mother. Now she cooks and helps with household chores. Karonna is a calm, compliant child — very obedient and always willing to help when asked. She does well in school but is a bit withdrawn, likely because in her previous school she was constantly mocked and humiliated due to her low social status — something that plays a significant role in Cambodia. Rohanna is still very attached to her mother — constantly seeking attention and love. She is cheerful, active, joyful, and curious. These and many other children need your prayers and monthly support!
This month, the camp on wheels was successfully completed — despite the scorching heat and sudden storms, God protected every step. Not a single child got sick or was harmed, and we always had good weather during the events. We traveled to Tak and Mae Sot, meeting with children from rural areas and refugee children from Burma. Many of them work to support their families. For a few days, they became children again: laughing, playing, and hearing that God loves and sees them.
More than 100 children in Tak, over 80 in Mae Sot, and 90 young people joined our camps. The children learned about God as Creator, Helper, and Keeper. Many opened their hearts and chose Jesus. Many of these young people come from pagan families. They follow Jesus — even though they know their families may turn away from them. Please pray for these children — that God’s Word will take deep root in their hearts. Thank you for being with us — through your prayers and your support. You are a part of every smile, every lesson, and every decision made in the camp on wheels. In October, we want to continue our camp! Join us on this journey.
On September 17 of last year, a five-year-old boy named Sasha came to us. His mother had struggled with addiction since her youth. His grandparents tried to help her: they moved, sent her to rehabilitation centers, but it was all in vain. When she became pregnant, the family welcomed her and hoped the birth of her son would change her life. However, she was unable to care for the child.
Soon she disappeared with Sasha, hiding from the police. When Sasha was 9 months old, they were found in a village. He was severely malnourished and weak. His grandparents took custody of him. But his grandmother’s health began to decline. Recently, with a heavy heart, she gave up custody, guided by common sense. Through tears, she said goodbye to her grandson.
At the shelter, Sasha began working with our specialists. Now, nearly six months later, his developmental delays and speech difficulties are almost behind him. In fact, nearly all the children who come to the shelter have developmental delays or are completely unprepared for school. That’s why we carry out daily and focused work for their development.
You can support the work of our specialists by donating to help children like Sasha. Even a small amount like \$20 can make a significant difference.
April began with the festive opening of a preschool in the village of Asas, at the Promise Land Church. As we’ve mentioned before, our vision for the near future is for every one of our daughter churches to have both an adult school and a preschool. In 2025, thanks to your support, we were able to open preschools in the villages of Asas, Obura, and Mamarai. In the photo, you can see our preschoolers in Asas and their classroom — inside and out.
The Lord used a team from the First Ukrainian Baptist Church of Seattle and the Korean Community in Texas to fully fund the construction of the church building and preschool in the village of Obura. For the village of Asas, no sponsors could be found, but the local residents got involved and did their best to build classrooms using available materials — bamboo and a thatched roof. They are currently working on constructing an additional classroom because the existing ones can’t accommodate all the children.
If the Lord is stirring your heart to help with this project, please let us know. The preschool is a tremendous blessing for the village!
