MissionSupport

Overview | Bio | News | Résumé | Slideshows

2004 November
2005 February | March | April | May | June | July | August
September | October | November |  December | Apartment Update
2006 Christmas Update | Orphanage Update | January | February
Orphanage | March

December, 2005

HAPPY THANKSGIVING and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

 It definitely does NOT feel like Thanksgiving for obvious reasons for me. The hardest times for me so far (in terms of missing home)—are the Holidays and my birthday (even though I had a little party) - because it makes me remember my own family’s traditions—and just American Christmas’ have lights and a certain feel about them. It’s so much fun shopping for other people, especially my nephews and niece, etc.
 

That’s why I am so excited about shopping for these orphans/homeless children. Wrapping gifts has never been a favorite chore, (putting gifts in a sack is easier) but wrapping them will add to the special presentation to these children. So, Christmas will come, with Christ’s LOVE and special care.

Click here to make a “Faith-Promise Partnership” pledge

The CHRISTMAS PROJECT:
 Giving presents to homeless and/or orphaned children!
My Dear Partners,
 To Review—over 100,000 children are orphaned in Ukraine.
Each year many orphans between 15-18 leave the orphanages.
About 10% will commit suicide after leaving before their eighteenth B-day.
60% of the girls end up in prostitution.
70% of the boys in crime.
Only 27% of these youths will find work
As followers of Christ we are helping…
We are partnering with “The Father’s House”– an orphanage just outside of Kiev—in a project to give gifts worth $20 to each child this Christmas. Your $20 gift will buy toys, hygiene products, hats, and other necessities- (given directly to kid)
We have three options or goals:

  • Raise enough money for 70 Christian Children in The Father’s House, near Kiev.
  • Raise enough money for the 200 Children in the State run Orphanage and have the open door to preach the Gospel to them.
  • Raise enough money for 300 homeless children in Kiev for a Christmas miracle! -

SO FAR—together– we have raised 1,520 dollars for gifts—that’s 76 gifts!!! That means, at the least, we have reached the first goal! I hope and pray we can reach the next two—or at least one more. Please give before December 15.

Thus far, I have met with at least 6 pastors, and a few different ministries...all of which have accepted my help. Every week I am having more meetings with ministries and it is quite exciting. However, I just want to state for the record, that my main duty for the first 1-2 years needs to be language study. I should be studying 2-4 hours a day—thus far I spend about 1 hour a day because I am exploring the city and doing ministry. Just basic travel takes hours upon hours—it’s so different than the States in that regard. Almost every missionary here repeats the same thing— “Please focus on God and language first”. It is vital to my effectiveness in the years to come. So, join with me in prayer about my duties/studies...and know, it’s the hardest part—the ministry is the fun stuff. Ok, I want to give you my address in Ukraine:

Kiev, Ukraine
Nikolsko-Slobodskaya St, 4, Apt. 151,
02002
Hanebury Lloyd & Nataliya
(For Rick Schwendinger)

Even though I got a new apartment – it may be sometime before I can set up a mail box – so please just keep sending letters and cards, etc to this address. I have really appreciated all the moral support that I have received as well. Your care is extremely appreciated!

Thank you very much for your love and support,
Rick Schwendinger