Minsk Family Home — in depth
January 28, 2010
Here is an in-depth report on the Minsk Family Home as it is functioning today. We are very thankful to be able to help these young ladies.
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There are five girls involved, in addition to Alesya the counselor.
Katya S. – Studies in vocational school for the shoe-making trade. She is a new believer and attends the ABC (basic) Bible training at church. After some rough times with personal issues at the beginning, she is now fitting in well. She and Alona are good friends.
Alona G. – Was studying insurance, but has dropped out and is looking for a job. She will apply to school again in the summer. Alona’s birth mother has cancer, and Alona often visits her as well as her brother and sister on weekends. As you might guess, this takes her away from church and Family Home activities, leaving her as the least “plugged in” of the girls – although she is good friends with Katya. Imagine the stress Alona must be under. Please pray for Alona, and that the other girls will know how to minister to her.
Alla S. – Studies chemistry at the Belorussian State University. She has finished a Bible training course at New Life Christian Church (NLC) and has become a member there.
Tanya S. – Is taking evening courses to be a sales clerk. She plans to take qualifying tests during the summer so she can apply for the teaching program at Belarussian State Pedagogical University. She attends pastor Tamara’s church in the village.
Masha I. – Studies marketing at a college in Sennista village, near Minsk. She is at the MFH on weekends. She loves the Lord and has completed part of the Bible training course at NLC.
So you can see there are four girls full time. One leaves, but another joins, on weekends.
Aleysa is doing very well. Olga says the girls respect her as a leader and listen to her counsel. Alesya keeps Olga informed about how things are going, and Olga gives input as needed.
Finances
The expenses are running about $1100 monthly, a little less than we had projected. A few furniture and supply needs remain, but basically things are going well . The girls are contributing on the average of $35 each monthly. It’s good to enhance the participation of each girl by having her contribute something.
Training
The girls go to church on Sunday, and they are offered the ABC course – six basic lessons in Christianity. Following that is a Beginner School (which Alla has completed). On Monday they have home group at the MFH, which includes Bible study, prayer and fellowship. They also have a study weekly, with video and study guide.
Ministry
The girls are involved in the orphan ministry – going to shelters and participating in programs at orphanages. How wonderful it is that they are learning to minister to others.
Prayer Requests
Well, praise first. Olga says they are growing in unity, love, and friendship among themselves – an extremely important aspect of the ministry. The girls love and respect Alesya, something so critical in this context. Olga and the others are very moved by those in the U.S. who enable the MFH to flourish through their prayers, gifts, and encouragement.
In terms of prayer – Alona’s situation, as mentioned above, is a big concern – for her mother, a job, and in time an open door for more study. Pray for schooling, health and spiritual growth for all the girls. Remember also that these girls all come from families broken in some way. Pray for their integration into the Family Home family, that they will experience healing of hurts, that they may become vulnerable and trust and love others, and that they may be prepared even now for their life post graduation.
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