The Candlemas Children’s Outreach On February 14, 2015 the Children’s club “The Future Fathers of Ukraine” operating within Gethsemane church put up the Candlemas holiday gathering for more than 100 children and parents, in particular, children from underprivileged families and refugees from Kramatorsk (eastern Ukraine). The idea behind the gathering was to make God’s love evident to them through a joyful environment, God’s word instilling hope and gift boxes from the “Samaritan’s purse” project to every child in attendance.

The hosts of the event were Deacon of Sunday School Iryna Naprasnyk and Deacon of Children’s and Teenagers’ Ministry Pavlo Vasikov. At the beginning of the holiday every child was handed a Christian magazine called “Hope” to help them learn what walk with God is like in the world of today.

Christian songs with moves appeared to be the most frolicsome and mobile part of the event providing the kids with both an opportunity to leap and to worship the One who is the source of the true childish joy. The best move performers across the age range were awarded with sweet presents.

The Children’s creativity group “The Colors of Life” readied a Biblical quiz to enable the many kids to teach one another the truths of the Bible by answering their questions. The most active kids got to join the living chain, illustrating a biblical understanding of true friendship and partnership.

“The Colors of Life” were awarded with a certificate of appreciation for their active role in organizing the event. The event organizers did not let themselves forget about team-building games, being an illustrative application of the notions of friendship, mutual respect and unity for a common goal.

Brother Vyacheslav Vorovchenko spoke a message to both the kids and their parents on the love of God by referring to two outwardly identical gift boxes. One of them was empty and the other filled to the top. Unfortunate a sit may be, children often run into frustrating moments in their expectations from other people or life that resembles opening a gift box getting to be empty. In time their faith may be put out. Only God, however, always has a box full of blessings, is always ready to do good to those who put their faith in Him. Brother Vyacheslav wished the kids to have faith in God’s love for them even at the time, when they get to be of their parents’ age.

Following the message the kids received that very “gift-filled box from God” available owing to the “Samaritan’s purse” international project. Every single child was handed a box with articles of clothing, school stationery, children’s hygiene and sweets. Thank You, Lord, for the “Samaritan’s purse”.