From a young age, Vladimir lived in a small settlement where he often encountered evangelical believers who, whenever they met him, would tell him about Christ! After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Vladimir began drinking heavily. As a result, he divorced his wife, lost his home, and became a man no one wanted. He wandered between flop houses, and had toes and parts of his feet amputated.
In November 2023, in one of the half-ruined houses — with no light, no windows, no heat — we found Vladimir freezing in rags and brought him to the shelter. At the shelter he was washed, given clean clothes, and reminded again of God’s love. At that time, we didn’t yet know that in two days there would be a severe cold snap down to -40°C. If not for the Lord’s intervention, Vladimir would have frozen to death in that shack.
When we cleaned him up, we realized he had developed gangrene. After several months in the hospital, he began to recover! In the summer of 2024, he began to complain of stomach pains and rapidly lost weight. He was diagnosed with cancer, but he did not lose hope and continued reading the Gospel. His condition worsened. Vladimir began to pray and repented of his sins! The pain grew stronger, but the joy of forgiveness and the hope of eternal life filled his heart. He did not despair or complain. On March 11, 2025, Vladimir quietly left this world for the eternal dwelling place of the Father!
When we are joyful, we have the strength and desire to live. This is such an important truth — especially for children who have been through trauma. This month, a new room was opened in the children’s oncology ward — a space where kids can rest and spend time with us. The head doctor of the department says she can’t imagine her work without our presence. We thank God for this favor — and we thank you, too. Your faithful support has made this ministry possible! On the day the room opened, it was Ksenia’s birthday. We bought her a big stuffed animal, dressed up in her favorite animal costumes, and threw her a celebration. Although Ksenia is in very serious condition, her mother told us she had never seen her daughter so happy.
We are praying for them, as they soon must travel for a bone marrow transplant. We would like to help raise funds — they have no way to pay for the trip or the medications. Ksenia’s mom is now actively involved in our gatherings and has even come to church. At the Artyn orphanage, we also met Sergey. He was 9 years old when we first met him — angry and always fighting. Now he’s 14. A year ago, we bought him a keyboard, and he fell in love with music. He started playing, learned a few hymns from the hymnal, and now when we visit the orphanage, he plays them for us. It’s a miracle to me. Jesus heals! Thank you for your open hearts and your help!
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.
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.
When I look at the children, the parents, and all the pain and despair they go through, I am once again convinced that we need each other. We speak to them about hope and faith, and they remind us to examine our values and priorities.
We visited three orphanages, a hospice, and a children’s oncology unit. What brings me joy is that the children wait for us, and most importantly, they understand that our relationships will continue even after they leave these institutions. One boy, Roma, wants to be adopted, and there are people willing to take him in — but he has two brothers with him, and they can’t be separated. Please pray that God would resolve this situation.
There is good news: we now regularly hold a small group for the parents of hospitalized children. Before, we simply provided meals and helped as best we could. But now, they themselves are ready for serious conversations and discussions about faith in God and the Church. Their number is growing, and seven moms have already attended our women’s gatherings.
I also want to ask for prayer for a girl named Kristina who has leukemia. She was going to be sent for a bone marrow transplant, but her condition is unstable, and doctors are afraid she may not survive the journey. Please pray for her family! They are also in need of financial support, as the treatment requires additional resources.
We had an interesting trip to the Artyn orphanage, and it stood out to me especially because I spent time with a new boy named Egor. He is 13 years old. His mother died, and his father is in prison. Egor used to do sports and had success in mixed martial arts. His foster family sent him to a psychiatric hospital, and from there he was brought to the orphanage.
He told me his story: his foster father humiliated and beat him, and Egor couldn’t take it anymore — he fought back and nearly killed him. People think the teenager is a thug and mentally ill, but when I became friends with him, I saw a little boy who lost his beloved mom and doesn’t know how to take care of his two younger sisters and little brother.
I want to take him home for the summer and give him protection and love.
We are also going through a special season ministering to children with cancer. Their numbers have grown — but so has our team. We have a special concern for a little girl named Anya. She is five years old, undergoing hormone therapy, and being prepared for a bone marrow transplant. They came to us from Ranga. Her mother is emotionally overwhelmed, and they have no money! We want to help them. Right now, they need help with housing rent and airfare to the clinic where the transplant will take place.
Thank you, dear friends, for carrying this ministry with us. Together we can do more for Christ! May God bless you!
