Arriving in Chernihov on the evening of May 27th, we decided to spend the next day resting from the long plane ride and planning and practicing for the programs in the orphanages. To our surprise and delight, the pastors of the churches we cooperate with treated us to an afternoon picnic in the forest. It was beautiful, the weather was warm and sunny and the fellowship and food was even better!
Wednesday was our first day of ministry. We arrived just after lunch with about 150 children eagerly awaiting us. The clown team quickly went to work putting at least half a dozen stickers on each child. It was amazing. Some of the older children were a little reluctant to allow the clowns to interact with them at first. But the clowns wouldn't take no for an answer and, eventually, every child, even the older ones were participating in the fun and laughter.
The children enjoyed the clown skits, games and contests. They especially seemed to like the bubble gum blowing contest. The children were very well behaved. I figured there would be wild hysteria as the clowns performed their antics, but they sat on their little benches, laughing and taking it all in.
Passing the balloon without your hands is fun in any language or country! Notice the two boys wearing glasses? This particular orphanage specializes in children with eye defects. My heart went out to them, knowing that most of their problems could be solved by relatively simple surgery available here in the USA. But not to them, these children, unless God intervenes, will go through life with their vision impaired.
My wife, Judy, is incredible. Basically, she is a pretty serious lady. But when she gets in a clown outfit around children, anything is possible! In this photo, a child just won a contest and she is saying, "Alright! Way to go!"
One of the popular skits was what I called "the unhappy clown." Susan Illgen, right, played the unhappy clown, sobbing and crying uncontrollably. Each clown would try to make her happy with something, but to no avail. Finally, the last clown, would tell her that God loved her, using a red, heart-shaped balloon. She stopped crying. Joy began to rise in her heart and when she broke into a big smile, the children would squeal with delight.
After the program was over, all the clowns would just love on the children. Of course, those of you who know Judy, understand she was right at home with a child in her lap! No matter that he didn't understand English, nor she Russian, love has a language all its own.
The clowns of Chernihov, left to right:Ellie Sanford, Dave Sanford, Sophie, Alex Horton, Joel Illgen, Olga, Susan Illgen and Judy Tinney. A major attempt was made to get me into a clown costume, somehow I managed to evade their tactics and persistance. Someone had to operate the camera :-)
After the program was over and it was time to leave, the children would follow us to the bus, trying to stay with us as long as possible. Alex is the last on the bus. These three boys just wouldn't let her leave. Life within the orphange is difficult. The resources are scarce, especially in the smaller cities. The meager provisions, inadequate clothing, and cold impersonal care take their toll on children who should normally be vibrant and happy. Many develop deep psychological scars and withdraw into themselves. Clowning helps bring joy into their young and very serious lives.
The lady in red between Susan and Judy is the director of one of the orphanages in Chernihov. Her heart was touched just as much as the childrens. She told the team, "You have shown me some ways to bring happiness to the children." She then introduced them to a lady who is director of a program that works with older children in what we would call foster homes. The opportunities for ministry continue to open wide to us. Perhaps you would consider being a part of a team that would bring joy to a hurting child.
Joel Illgen, pictured left, has the distinction of being the youngest member of any FAI ministry team. He celebrated his 12th birthday in Kiev. However, his age certainly wasn't a hindrance. His balloon animals were a big hit with all the children, as well as Sophie and Olga, our interpreters!
Standing next to Judy and I in this photo is our National Director, Anatoliy Bilonozhko. Anatoliy and his wife Nadia have two children, Andrei 21 and Sveta 19 and reside in Kiev. Anatoliy and Nadia co-pastor Word of Grace, a daughter church of the mega church, Embassy of God. Anatoliy was instrumental in registering FAI as a humanitarian charity fund with the Ukrainian goverment last year. His duties include oversight and administration of all activities of FAI in Ukraine, which has included distribution of food on a regular basis to over 300 families, acquiring and distribution of clothing and aid to several orphanages in the Chernihov district. He also organizes the successful Christian Business Seminars we host in Kiev and the Chernihov region. Besides all this, he is Missions director for the Embassy church and serves on Pastor Sunday Adeleja's spiritual counsel.