Beyond the seas, beyond the mountains and dense forests, on the eastern edge of Europe there is a splendid land with a euphonic name – Ukraine. It is the land of still waters, bright stars, green orchards, simple yet elegant houses, golden fields of wheat, honey and milk rivers, where still is heard the song of the nightingale. Ukraine is a wonderful garden of God’s creation. Its widespread plains, blue sky, and undulating slopes of Carpathian Mountains are a witness of to beauty and greatness of God the Creator. (It was from here that Stuart Hone wrote, “How Great Thou Art”)
In one of the picturesque corners of Cherkassy region, in a multitude of gardens, by the peaceful, quiet ponds is located the picturesque village named Mykhailivka. Here a noisy orphanage family of many children inhabits the soil of a former country estate. There are true orphans and those deprived of parental care. Here they study, work and rest.
In 1996, because of the will of the Almighty God, there appeared a van of foreigners. The children encircled the guests, not knowing what they were talking about. However, one of them, a lively cheerful person, with eyes radiating light and kindness, joined the children. Vic, Vic, Vic – one would hear on the children’s lips.
The children did not understand why the people came but waited for something out of the ordinary. That “out of the ordinary” started soon. (God was in control, of course) From the hands of God’s messenger, Vic Jackopson, we received $ 300 for medications. He became a wise Sponsor of the school family.
That summer the villagers were shaken with intriguing news: a group of English people had built showers, indoors and outdoors toilets. When the work was done, the people of the village came to the schoolyard to thank the people for charity they have shown. Vic, dressed in embroidered Ukrainian dress, was sharing interesting fairytales with the village children. Here again Vic, - a benefactor and a magician produced an industrial washing machine, we needed so badly, detergents, stationery, Christmas gifts and later a minibus. Curtains for bedrooms, a big plasma TV set for a games room, sport equipment, and yet more shoes, clothing and toys for children. Later still came the playground that is a pride of the school. Vic became a member of our village family. He generously gives humanitarian aid to families with many children as well as shoes and clothing for orphans. All the people of the village lift hands to heaven and thank God the Lord for sending this, God’s man. Everywhere could be heard praises to God. Alleluia! Our Lord! We will never be abandoned, as we all are in your hand. Alleluia! Our Lord!
Moreover, how nice and needed are the buildings that now beautify the yard of the school. There were many sleepless nights in the process of building. There were lots of machines and many people involved in the improvement of life for the children with a new gymnasium, storehouses, a washhouse, and an office for the accountant. All of this was done with the help of Hope Now in harness with the state. How melodious is the name - Hope Now.
In addition to all the practical help, summer camps were held for 120 children, including the children of the village. Those are unforgettable godly days of rest and learning the Word of God. We ate together, had interesting games, creative crafts and competitions until late at night. Those camps can never be forgotten. The image of the Organizer and Vic Jackopson will stay in our memories forever.
The tradition of conducting the camps is continued, but now they are done in Kompas Park. Our children are very pleased to go there every year. We cannot forget all the prayers, wishes, and dreams of the cycle tour Cherkassy – Mykhailivka route. All witnessed that fairytale event, and their souls and thoughts were in unity with those, taking part in the tour. When today one just steps in to the grounds of our school, it is to feel the very aura of our brothers and sisters from overseas and their work to improve the living conditions of our children. In creating the comfort and beauty of the gardens, with bushes of peonies and a multitude of flowers so pleasing to the eye we have good reminders of our friends from abroad. These gardens will always blossom with wonderful flowers of friendship, mercy, and God’s grace, because they contain the flowers of hope, goodness, and faith that come from Hope Now and its president. He is a special, kind, gentle man of God who, like the warming sun, encourages and inspires with hope every heart of every child and staff members in particular. He is forever, the long-awaited, desirable friend of our school family.
We want also to express words of thanks to the Ukrainian director of Hope Now, Mikhail Vyshemirskyy. We kowtow to you, generous, merciful people. We thank God, Whose name is glorified.
Sincerely with thanks and love Children and staff of Mykhailivka internat.
