Katia's Smile
Terry Meeuwsen recounts her precious time of ministry to a 9-year-old Ukrainian girl and her grandmother.
The faces of the poor, the lonely, and the elderly are prevalent in the former Soviet Union. Their hands tell silent stories of hardship.
When I visited the Ukraine, I learned that many used to have houses and small gardens to make a living. Now, theyre too old to work the land, so they migrate to the city. There the high cost of living catches many off guard, shattering dreams of happy golden years.
What saddened me most were the children caught in this web of poverty. Many elderly care for their grandchildren, because the parents have ruined their lives with alcohol.
I met Luda and her granddaughter Katia. Katia is like many American children. Her parents have split up, and for now, she must live with her grandmother. But what you rarely find in America is a grandmother who cannot feed herself, let alone her beloved granddaughter. It broke my heart to know that every day Katia is hungry.
I saw her dream of a happier life, and I wondered if shed ever have one. As she heard us talking, Katia started to cry.
The struggles that Katia faces are not unusual. Here in Ukraine, there are thousands that are faced with hopeless circumstances every day. Is there any answer to this dilemma? Is there a way to bring a smile to the face of a little girl? Yes!
CBN and Operation Blessing have seen the need, and they are meeting the need. Every day the doors swing open and meals are served to the poor in Kiev, Ukraine. Many who are helped are children who are so grateful that someone cares. Those that come hear a message that God loves them and cares about them.
That includes Katia and Luda. It was good to see a smile on Katias face.
We were so touched by their story that we gave Luda a financial gift to help make ends meet, but she was so grateful for what Operation Blessing had already done, she didnt want to take it. I told her, "This is from the Lord for you!" and she accepted our gift.
Then I asked the Lord to bless the people of Ukraine that I had met: "Father, bring hope in the midst of difficult circumstances, and may the joy of the Lord be their strength, God. Keep Your hand of protection upon Katia. I pray Youll send angles to guard to her and that all the purposes You have for her life will be accomplished."
When we see something that is a great need in someones life and we know we have truth, we need to be willing to send people who can tell them that. We need to be willing to stand up and make it possible for them by our giving.
Thank you for your gifts to CBN and Operation Blessing that keep programs like this going. Thank you for caring about Katia. If you are not a partner, please join with us today.
