This news and photo came today from Ron Sheranko, associate pastor at First Grace Brethren Church, in Dayton, Ohio. The church recently sent a team of eight (shown at right) to Sumy, Ukraine, to minister to orphans at a camp owned by the Sumy Church of Grace.
The team left on Friday, July 20, and returned on Thursday, August 2. Responsibilities at the camp included leading crafts, teaching ESL classes, teaching Bible lessons, and introducing Baseball. A number of gloves were donated for the trip. The team also visited four different orphanages and shared testimonies with the kids and gave out gifts. Through funds raised by the team and given by the church, 70 orphans and 30 church/community kids were able to attend the camp for free. By the end of the camp, 60 boys and girls had made public professions of faith in Jesus. Pastor Ron and Terry Essex preached at the Sumy Church of Grace and one young lady came forward to give her life to Christ.
Pastor Victor will be coming to the states in February or March and we hope to have him visit other District churches and have the opportunity to share his heart for the lost and love for orphan children. Keep checking www.firstgrace.net for pictures from the trip. Email Pastor Ron (rasheranko@sbcglobal.net) if you have any questions or an interest in future trips to the Ukraine or support for the orphan ministry. What an awesome trip and a great opportunity to see God at work around the world.
In the photo, front left to right: Terry Essex, Tanya Essex, Pastor Ron Sheranko. Back left to right: Lauren Bowen, Adriel Kong, Denise Hays, Jack Herganrather, Hannah Herganrather.