Growing Up

Dear Friend in Christ,

“Six of our boys turned 18 this past year, so they are now on their own legally and in fact as young men ‘graduates’ of the Bortniky Boys’ Home here in Ukraine,” reports David Lock, long-time volunteer at the Home. “We don’t abandon them, of course, but help them with their studies, housing and food until they can be fully on their own.

“Ivan is studying to be a railroad line foreman. We just helped get him a house in the village that comes with a small field where he can grow vegetables; also an orchard with some apple and pear trees. Stepan is studying computer science, and we’re helping to renovate an apartment in L’Viv he inherited that was in absolute ruins. Bodgan, 19, is employed by us as a farm and barnyard worker. For $6,500 we can buy him a small house in the village sturdily made of clay and straw with a plot of land for growing potatoes and for keeping chickens and maybe a cow. Kostya is studying architecture. He’ll be really good at it. We bought him a small apartment in the city for $5,500. Vasyl and Sergei have each inherited property from a grandparent. We are helping Sergei in his training to be a train conductor.

“These young men come back to our Bortniky Home at least once a month and help out with the younger kids. I have been here ten years and watch them grow,” David continues, “These are all my kids.”

Please help our Miles Jesu Missions today, such as our Bortniky Boys’ Home in Ukraine. Your sacrifice of a monthly pledge or a one-time gift truly makes all the difference. In Miles Jesu we pray for our benefactors daily with gratitude because the Miles Jesu Missions depend upon God’s help through people like you.

Additional Reading