Thank you for providing a better future!

Helping kids growing up in the orphanage find hope

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Group activities! — Group activities and games break the ice and make room for conversation

Ukraine has one of the largest per-capita ratios of children who are institutionalized. According to the approximate statistics provided by UNICEF, if you do the math, the number of institutionalized children in Ukraine tops the European average by almost 3 times, making it well over 5 times the global average (source). Adding to the problem, as with many other countries, the system badly needs reform. Yet, while that legislative battle drags on, we remember that the casualties are not mere statistics on a chart. They have names. Behind the numbers are individual lives.

As of 2026, roughly 106,000 children are reported to live in boarding schools of various types (source; the numbers may be inaccurate due to wartime fluctuations). This number is likely to increase as the war continues and casualties on the front lines rise sharply.

Over the last several years, our strategy to reach orphaned kids has developed to focus on those in the upper echelons of their teenage years who will be leaving the system as soon as they turn eighteen. The reality is that most are ill-prepared to take on the real world with all its challenges and demands. A small percentage typically assimilates well into society. Most youth at the early onset of their new independent lives show a high risk of falling into drug abuse, incarceration, prostitution, and suicide. One of the biggest factors in these terrible outcomes is the lack of a grounded adult to lean on during life's hardships and inevitable questions.

Easter community meal with the kids from the orphanage — Sharing a meal with kids from the local orphanage at one of our Saturday gatherings. Because of the mentorship certification program that Anya has been promoting in our city, we have a working relationship with the institution that allows us to chaperone kids to spend time together

Everything begins on the foundation of trust. Throughout the week, we create opportunities to gather these kids at our mission base, hosting game nights and occasional dinners to foster deeper bonds. Our evenings are full of creative activities, games, and even quests! For example, during Easter, we organized a full-on exploration of the biblical story. This involved costumes, acting, and sharing about the love of God! The more time we spend like this, the more their hearts open.

Resurrection story quest at Awakened Generation's missions base

The somber reality is that most of these kids do not see God as a father figure. For most of their lives, God has been the judge who keeps their behavior in check. That begins to change when we get the prized opportunity to explain who Jesus is; their eyes open and ears perk up to listen when we describe the passionate love and care of God when we share our life story.

More than anything, we get comments about the tangible love and authenticity around our community when we hear feedback on their experience at our events.

One of our greatest joys is to see someone from one of these fun evenings come to our weekly worship nights or a Bible Study. Even though it usually takes time, when they show up to read the Bible, we know God is taking a hold of their hearts.

These memories we treasure are with us for life.

AWKND missionaries and volunteers at a wedding — Meet some of our missionaries and volunteers! Photo: celebrating the wedding of our friends

Our missionaries have become mentors

Being a personal mentor produces the greatest impact in a child's life. Instead of being one among many in a group setting, a child can ask personal questions, receive undivided attention, and feel truly special. The love the youth are receiving is bringing visible healing to their souls. The slow, quiet process of long-lasting relationships is bringing lasting transformation.

Trip to the village — Anya and other friends in the mentorship program went out to visit this family's village. Three of them are siblings and were able to return to live with their father. Even though they are back home, their relationship with their mentors continues.

Anya has been mentoring a girl she met on a visit to the orphanage over two years ago. Her family fell apart when their mother abandoned them alone with their father, who was unable to take care of all four children. Since then, Anya has walked alongside her, offering companionship, counsel, and a helping hand.

After some time, they were able to return home. They took trips back to her home in the village, where this young girl introduced her to her siblings and father. Ever since mentors entered her life, things have begun to change. She has at times attended church; she has found work and is making choices toward a better future.

Our End of the Year Campaign is Coming Soon!

In just a week, we'll begin our end-of-the-year fundraiser! We have a special project opening in 2027 that has largely emerged from the needs we see in this ministry. I can't wait to share more details in our soon-coming letter! 😄

Thank you for your continued love, support, and prayers! We send you our love and blessings in the Lord. As we look ahead and envision the future, we desire for revival fire to manifest among these kids.

We pray, "Maranatha!" Come, O' Lord!