Featured Photo: A portion of Eugene’s and Lada’s family holding socks that we brought.
Three socks on one foot!
Nickolay had told me about a need for children’s socks. He said the parents would put three socks on the children’s feet. One sock had holes in the toes, one had holes in the heel and the third sock held them together! He didn’t tell me where the children lived and when we pulled up to the house of Eugene and Lada I was surprised.
I have reported several times on the wonderful home that Eugene and Lada are providing for children. They now have 29 children living in their home! Several have grown up and left home but as some leave more come. The most recent addition to their family is “Katya.” She is 4-years-old. You can see her in the above photo with the strawberry pants and mismatched socks.
Eugene told me that he and the older boys are building a separate house in which the older boys can live. They had begun this on my previous visits but now the construction is coming along very well.
I continue to be awed by the love and parenting of Eugene and Lada. They will not turn away any child and have driven long distances to get a child that has been abandoned. The home provides love and acceptance and teaches responsibility and respect. Each child has a duty and it is done without complaining. In fact, each is eager to do his/her task and is excited about being able to help the household. Those who are old enough have searched for jobs and they happily work and contribute what they earn to the family’s living needs.
Nickolay had brought a box of new socks that he had received and also a box of chocolate. Each child was able to pick new socks. Nickolay wanted a photo of the kids with the new socks and said that everyone who held up their socks would get chocolate. Eugene quickly picked up a package of socks saying he wanted chocolate too! 😊
Once again, I left thinking of the fertile soil for the gospel in this small community. It is located away from the larger towns and cities and very few are willing to give up the comforts of city-living for the barren conveniences of the villages and settlements.
As we left Eugene called the family together and asked if we could have prayer. He led one of the sincerest prayers that I can recall. Throughout the prayer he kept thanking God for the Bible and how we can obey Him only by following the Bible.
As I left I could not help but think how “three socks on one-foot” frames an amazing message!
And…this is made possible by your generosity in supporting our efforts in collecting, shipping and funding various actions that are often unseen! THANK YOU!
Pray for our success in seeing and taking advantage of the “open doors” that are before us! John L. Kachelman, Jr, Ukraine Missions, Dalraida Church of Christ, Montgomery, AL 36109
