The Shalbesky family has been part of our ministry for over ten years. |
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Mulberry International
Crimean Children's Ministries
December, 2011 January, 2012 |
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| Greetings! |
Mulberry has been through some tough challenges this year. Now, we can focus on 2012.
We ended the year with 47 children in our care. There are now seven Mulberry families.
During 2011, two girls finished cooking school and are now employed as chefs. Although they are still part of the family, we no longer count them as supported. One of the girls is a newlywed. Another young girl has returned to her family (grandparents.)
We still have open applications with the state for more foster children. And we are beginning to work through local churches to identify traditional foster families.
Hussein continues his work with two baby wards in Simferopol. A lack of accountability has forced us to end support for the work in Sevastopol.
We are entering 2012 with optimism. We are now more focused on serving children and families. Keep reading for an update on 2011 and an outlook for 2012.
Don't grow weary. |
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| The current situation in Ukraine | |
Our long-time Ukrainian Director has claimed the Project Sasha building in Simferopol as his personal property. When purchased in 1999, property could not be owned by non-Ukrainians. The building has always been registered in the name of the Director. The registration would change when there was a change in Director. Everyone was aware of the risk, but felt safe as long as honorable people were involved.
For reasons we still don't understand, the Director has also taken steps to donate our Dyetski Dom building in Evpatoria to the city. This building is owned by a charitable foundation established and funded by Mulberry. The foundation documents have been altered so the Director's family now has the majority of the voting rights.
We offered generous compromises which were rejected. We appealed unsuccessfully to the local church. Crimean (regional) church leadership instructed the Director to stop what he is doing and return our property. He refused. I have been in discussions with Ukrainian (national) church leadership, but they say their authority over individuals is limited.
Legal objections have been filed. Our first court date is scheduled for February.
Please join us in praying for our staff, families and children in this time of transition. And, pray that our ex-director will agree to negotiate a settlement.
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The outlook for 2012 | |
What do the recent changes mean for Mulberry International?
Mulberry supports a strong, effective foster parent program in Crimea. There are 27 children living in three families in Evpatoria and 20 children living in four families in Simferopol. We are committed to raising these children in loving Christian homes. These families will continue to receive the same support.
Our work in the abandoned baby wards of two hospitals is still being funded. We are committed to serving these most-vulnerable children and will add a new hospital this year. Staff salaries and ministry support continue to be provided.
Mulberry will participate in a new ministry that will serve orphanage "graduates." This ministry is much needed and will be very close to the original ministry of Project Sasha. You will hear more about this in the coming months.
The bottom line is we continue to support the foster families and abandoned babies and we are looking forward to a new Project Sasha.
Where do we go from here?
Our goal for 2012 is to add 12 children to our foster family program: Add 12 in 2012! We can do this with our current structure. To add 12 children, we need to raise $21,600 in one-time gifts or new monthly support. We hope you will help us reach this goal. |
| Matters for Prayer |
Praises-
-God continues to guide us through this time of uncertainty.
-The overwhelming majority of our partners have encouraged us and continue their support.
Requests-
-Pray for our staff, parents and chlidren as we go through a time of transition.
-Pray that our former Director will agree to compromise and avoid legal action. |
| December/January Birthdays | |
12-13, Elizaveta, foster child 1-8, Olya, foster child
12-22, Alisa, foster child 1-23, Fyodor, foster child
12-24, Vanya, foster child 1-24, Nadezhda, foster child
12-28, Evgenia, foster child
12-28, Elena, foster child |
| Coming Events | |
We are scheduling team visits for 2012. Please contact us if you are considering a visit to Ukraine.
Exploratory trips for those interested in visiting the ministries of Mulberry can be arranged to fit your schedule. |
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Mulberry International is a 501(c)3 organization. Tax deductible donations can be made by clicking on "Donate" in the quick link box above, or mailed to:
Mulberry International
PO Box 43623
Louisville, KY 40253
(502)-267-1009 |
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