Children’s Art Centre
Christian Hope Church in Kiev, Ukraine has a big heart and a spirit of evangelism that permeates through all their ministries. The Children’s Art Centre is their latest venture to reach children with the Gospel. Started last fall and headed up by Christina Omelchenko, this daily after school program invites poor and needy children from the neighbourhood (as well as children from church families) to a regularly scheduled art, music, and English classes throughout the week. MPI was happy to provide many of the initial start up supplies and materials, and will be helping more and more in the future.
Christina’s bubbling enthusiasm and musical skill makes her a natural leader for this children’s program. While the kids sing songs, practise plays, and make interesting crafts, they learn about Jesus’ love. Volunteers also come in to help the kids with their math and English homework. Christina has been able to provide a safe place where the kids can learn, get a healthy snack, and have a lot of fun. The thread of the Gospel runs through every activity. Many children from non Christian homes and poor families in the area are coming on a regular basis as their parents see the value of homework help and a safe place for their children after school. A nutritious snack helps little tummies last from school lunch to dinner at home.
When we visited one day last fall, we were surprised to see so many children there for the first time. They were invited by their friends or their parents found out about the program and signed their children up. We could see that, very soon, the room would be too small. Christina’s love for the children and her ability to relate to them as individuals shines through, so every child does their best to excel. The reward for each child is performing one of their plays or musical numbers in the church or as an outreach to orphanages. With such an enthusiastic leader as Christina, and so many children attending each day of the week, the Children’s Art Centre has a bright future.