Transformation Is Possible - and happening!

Lives Are

Being Transformed!

Vanya from Lifesong for Orphans on Vimeo.

“I remember the first time I saw Vanya because there was

something different about him. Yes, he was the only black kid in the orphanage, but more than

that, there was something about his eyes that intrigued me.

“Vanya is a smart kid.” Denis, our director, told us.

“He was abandoned as a newborn. His parents were students at the university and he is

very smart.”

I smiled at him and he smiled back. His outgoing personality was evident

as he tried his hand at English. I met a lot of kids at that summer camp in 2004, but Vanya is the

one I remember."

-Marla Ringger, Orphan Advocate

Vanya, then 13, was just learning the power of Christ’s love in his life.

Recently Lifesong for

Orphans had started a program at his home in Sachnovsheena Orphanage. And though

Vanya resisted the Gospel at first, through the examples of volunteers and staff members,

Biblical mentorship, and educational support he began to see Christ’s love in

action, and knew this was something he wanted for himself.

Now at 19, Vanya continues to rise above standards and expectations.

He lives in one of Lifesong’s Transition Homes in Kharkov, a home designed to

support those aging out of the orphanage system, studies English at the local college, translates

for Americans who come to visit, and mentors younger boys at the orphanage in the same way

the Lifesong staff once mentored him!

We praise God for success stories like Vanya’s and are thankful

for our partners who continue to support those like him both financially and in prayer!

Vanya from Lifesong for Orphans on Vimeo.