Brev från Anatoly 2014-06-06

Dear Friends,

It is always some special experience for me when somebody of the orphans-graduates asks me to look for his parents and to help to meet with them. Usually this procedure is rather complicated. First, an information is very poor: I should find out a place of his birth, to find out some people which know and remember his parents, to go to this village to learn something in detail.

Unfortunately for me and to great sadness for an orphan it is clear that 10-15 years ago a kid was taken to some orphanage because his parents were alcoholics and did not bring them up. Usually such kids have no their beds to sleep because some other alcoholics come or some new partners of their Moms sleep on their beds. Some kids tell that they looked for some food in some garbage.

After taking kids from their alcohol parents they begin to drink more "to forget their grief by alcohol." As a rule, they perish and some other alcoholics come to live there. They sell doors, windows, wooden floor and at last doing some fire inside to warm and this house is destroyed in the fire.

It is very bitter to see when I with the orphan come to his parents' house and there is only destruction. And instead of long-expecting meeting with his parents he visits two graves in the local cemetery.

Dima Ukhobotov's situation is better a little. He is a graduate from Elatma orphanage which is in 200 km from Ryazan. During our visits to this orphanage Dima accepted our edifying very well. After his graduation from the orphanage he began to study in the trade school for  the  orphans (in 50 km from Ryazan). His friends and he with joy began  to  visit  our Transition Home and church "Grace". They decided also to have their studying practice in our Transition Home and
church.

For several times Dima asked me to look for his parents. By his words he has not seen them for 10 years. I was praying for his parents and help to find them out. I also prayed for their aliveness. When we have found out the village where Dima was born and our calling the administration was successful: his parents were alive but their condition (they were starving) and residence were very sad.

We began to arrange our trip to accomplish Dima’s visit. First, we prayed together with Dima for this visit because the result of his meeting can be unexpected. Dima bought some new clothes for himself, bought some gifts for his Dad and Mom, bought a packet of food having Pam Miller’s money as a gift for his pocket expenses.  (Dear sister, thank you very much!)

At last this long – expecting day for Dima has come. He was waiting for this day during all his life. During the way I asked Dima: How are you? He answered: I am very excited. Can they recognize their son in me? Will they accept my testimony about Christ?

This day all Russian Christians celebrated the holiday of carrying Jesus Christ to Heaven. Usually all Orthodox churches are crowded and by rumour Dima’s parents are near such Orthodox church where they ask some alms. The service was finished and we could not catch Dima’s parents. We met some villagers to ask about his parents. Many villagers were surprised to see Dima which did not see his motherland for 16 years. He was 2 years old when he was taken to the orphanage.

At last we have met Dima’s parents in the way to their home. It is bitter to watch how they met each other since 16 years. There was a mixture  of feelings: upset and distrust, tension and estrangement and a little joy. I was waiting for this spark of blood ties and joy which will grow into the flame of delight from their meeting. But instead of this I saw that they did not understand Dima as their treasure coming himself personally. They have got 3 kids their jewel but they have lost them without any sadness.

Unfortunately a sin destroyed all this. This sin is not alcohol or something else. Their sin is idleness and laziness. Their neighbors told us that his parents never wanted to work and they lived only getting some alms. Their health was normal and they could work and grow their kids. So their kids were starving without any clothes and they were taken to the orphanage.

Their estrangement was so big and I had to ask them to do some hugs and then to kiss their son. But first of all Dima has given the New Testament to his Dad and said his testimony. The name of his Dad is Alexander and he is 55 years old, the name of his Mom is Dina and she is 42 years old.

Their home is  like dog’s kennel where it is difficult to enter because the door hardly opens because of their collecting any rubbish and lumber. They invited Dima to enter and he tried to run through this door with big difficulties. He was inside for 2 minutes and came back. His parents invited him to come again and Dima asked: Where?

I felt that the Lord wants me to tell them the story from Acts when disciples Peter and John came for prayers to the temple where they had amazing meeting with the lame person since his birth and his healing. This couple is alike only in the first part in this story. Daily they sit near church. I tried to explain them the meaning of the second part of this story. The Lord can do some amazing things for them instead of their getting some alms (food and rubbish). He wants and can change their lives and to give some new perspectives. This son’s arrival which loved the Lord is a bright confirmation and a good impulse for some good and blessed changes.

During our relationship Dima’s Mom was keeping her cat constantly. It was seen that she enjoys this cat. It was bitter to watch this picture because she could love much more her outcast kids and could experience a real joy, enjoyment and blessing. But they themselves destroyed all this given by the Lord for them.

Before saying Good-bye we prayed for salvation their souls, for changing their lives, for restoring their family and relationship. Dima’s Mom according to Orthodox tradition crossed her son and invited him to come again.

All way Dima was silent. We could only suppose what happened in Dima’s heart. My prayer was for the Lord’s strengthening Dima in this stress situation and for his direction to blessings. Praise God! It has happened!  In a couple days I was a witness of Dima’s prayer.

The summary of his prayer is following: The Lord, save and give your mercy to my Dad and Mom.  I am very sorry for them. I am glad that I am clever as my Dad and handsome as my Mom but I do not want to be similar in their attitude to work, life and You. The Lord, forgive them and help them to revive. Help me to love any labor and to be a good Christian!

Our friends! Let’s together say: Amen! for Dima’s prayer. If you send some encouragement to Dima I will give it to him by all means.

Thanks for your prayers and support!
Anatoly.