Shpola Grads

The Plight of Orphan Graduates in Ukraine

September 21, 2018

When you think of the country of Ukraine, what comes to mind? Maybe you think of the Russian conflict, delicious chocolate, or harsh winters and fur hats. For one moment, we’d like to draw your attention to the lives of seven siblings who live in Ukraine - the Pikuyev children. Although each of these seven kids is unique and gifted in their own way, their story is unfortunately very similar to many other orphans in Ukraine. For many years, the Pikuyev children lived in a home with both parents, a surprising fact for many people who first hear their story.

Community News Shpola Grads Shpola Orphans

Created to love like Jesus, but I’m still learning how

July 27, 2018

I was thrilled to return to Ukraine again this summer to serve at Hope Now’s Kid’s Camp. I wanted a break from my normal routine and to be with my Ukrainian friends again. I desired to be in a different culture and to see the children I’ve gotten to know over the years. I was excited about the normalcy of going to Ukraine again in the summer. But I wasn’t necessarily ready for conviction…

So often I fail at loving people the way Christ calls me to. I am quickly thrown off by my own selfish desires, focusing on my own agenda rather than the needs and wants of others. Truthfully, as Christ followers, we should be constantly in a state of loving others. Unfortunately, it’s a lot easier to dislike people who are different from us rather than love them. But Jesus told us to literally love our enemies (which is way easier in theory than in practice, but yet I am called to do this). He modeled what real love looks like; He is love. If I’m honest, I fail every day at loving people like Jesus did.

Community News Shpola Grads

College Visits for Teen Orphans in Limbo

November 20, 2017

In Ukraine, after the 9th grade, children living in orphanages age-out or “graduate” and hopefully move onto a new institutional setting. We say hopefully, because education beyond age 16 is not mandatory, and many kids without a support system or even the most basic help simply disappear into a street life of gangs, prostitution, drugs or worse. Recently, we discussed the disturbing situation of orphans in Ukraine.

Medical Shpola Grads Shpola Orphans

Get well soon, Marina

May 19, 2017

"All that is here is the best of my life! I'm happy that I have so many friends who love and appreciate me and I them! The Lord does everything for me and I remember that! With God it is easier than in a past life!" -- Marina, age 17

A year ago, those thoughts would have never entered Marina's mind. She was a scared, defiant and self-conscious 16 year old, seeking attention from anyone who would give it. She told me "I really want friends, but I am unable to make any."

Throughout her teen years, I saw how Marina was positioned as an outcast in

Community News Shpola Grads

“Is it Opposite Day?”

March 06, 2016

That’s the question I’ve asked myself on and off over the past 2 weeks here in Ukraine. It seems like things have gone from joy to stress to surprise to confusion to irritation and even to peace.

Like today, my coordinator Inna and I simply invited 3 kids to church with us…

This morning, Anya (19 yrs. old) caught the freezing cold 7:20 am bus to Cherkassy from her town 3 hours away, where she is studying to be a Vet Tech and lives in a public dorm.

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Hope Now Ministries
2090 Dunwoody Club Drive
Suite 106-123
Atlanta, GA 30350
United States of America

Contact:
info@hopenowusa.org
(404) 643-3162

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Hope Now Ministries is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity.
Federal Tax ID# 75-2067420.
All contributions designated for specific projects shall be applied to those projects.
Occasionally we receive more contributions for a given project that can be wisely applied to that project. When that happens, we use these funds to meet an urgent need.