Newsletter June 2006

Orphanage Will Soon Be Homeless!

    The situation in St. Petersburg continues the same.  More and more kids from the street come seeking help at New Life Orphanage.  And the orphanage will keep helping them…until the end of spring, when, after 10 years of renting the same space, the orphanage will be evicted.  The building has been bought and will turn into upscale apartments and businesses after extensive renovation.

    In the city of 5 million, there are only 3 Christian shelters, including New Life Orphanage. The government really appreciates these refuges as they do not turn desperate homeless children away.  However, there is no help in finding new space.  Rents have skyrocketed in the city, and leases are really insecure.  Purchasing space is the the best option.  The orphanage needs room for 25 kids, plus staff.  This will cost conservatively, $400,000, but likely closer to $600,000. 

 

The kids need a new home by fall, when they all return from camp.

WILL YOU HELP US PURCHASE A SECURE HOME FOR THESE CHILDREN?

Update on the Goreliks

    We are coming to the close of our semi-sabbatical year in June.  Although you have not heard from us so frequently this year, VOTC’s effort to reach street children continues unabated. Personally, the first few months out of Russia were spent in deeply needed rest then in the fall, Alex took a group to Louisiana for post hurricane aid.  It was a bit scary, but bore incredible spiritual fruit for all involved-thank you God!  Alex  then spent five weeks of the winter in Russia and Finland working on several projects.  We continue pursuing property in Finland to open a VOTC retreat center for Russian street children and staff.   In between all this, we have been establishing a home base here in California, continuing with VOTC business, reconnecting with friends and family, and learning a great deal about walking closer with God!  It has not been an easy year.  It has been filled with many illnesses and struggles.  However, we are learning to keep going back to the basics-seek God in prayer and Bible reading, focus our lives simply on Him, and accept His goodness.

    The whole family will return to Russia in June to support the work that we started ten years ago with the children.   We will be spending some time in St. Petersburg, as well as out at the drug rehabilitation Center in Kotli.  It will be good to be back there again!  We will be back again in California in time for school to start in the fall.

    Thank you all for standing by VOTC’s work with your prayers, encouragement and donations.  We appreciate each one of you.

 

 

Yulia

By Alex

    I met Yulia* again in St Petersburg this February.  She walked into New Life Orphanage and greeted me happily-smiling, and thanking us all for the chance we gave her there. 

    Escaping a terrible background, 12 year old Yulia spent several years in the New Life Orphanage where she learned about Jesus and love.  At 17 years old she entered a transitional program for orphanage graduates, she did so well there that she completed the 2 year program in 1 year.  Now she lives independently and studies.  She loves Jesus, and volunteers at the New Life Orphanage twice a week.

    I also was so happy to see Misha*, a 16 year old boy who had spent some years in our orphanage in Kotli.     Eventually his disruptive behavior landed him in a state orphanage.  But the lessons of the past have weathered his turbulent teen years, and now he visits New Life every week, and eagerly helps out in many ways.

    Vova* came to us in Kotli when he was about 14 years old.  His mother was on staff in a Christian ministry.  He was so unruly and threatening, she asked for our help.  He spent two years with us and did his share of running away.  Now he has been back home with his mother for a year.  I saw him this winter.  His transformation was remarkable to all – his mother, coworkers, me, and himself.  He has grown to love Jesus, help his mother in her business, and is serious about his life.

    This work is like raising any child - there are many highs and lows along the way.  Only years down the road we may be able to see the results.  On our side, all we can do is be as Christ-like as possible in word and action.  It has always been my dream that the children we have helped will turn around and give help and hope to other hurting children.  Now after ten years, we are beginning to see this happen.

 

*  It is VOTC policy not to use real names or other identifying information of children.