Mazur Family

Lifesong Ukraine, Chernihiv

During peaceful times in Ukraine, a daily estimated 105,000 children were in the orphanage system, one of the largest in Europe, with many more living in poverty on the streets. Now, because of the war, even more children are in need of safety, shelter, and care. Children have been forced to leave their homes with their families, their parents have lost jobs, and many have lost loved ones. These children are at great risk for malnutrition, abuse, trafficking.

The Lifesong team builds relationships with these kids in the orphanages, at our Day Centers, at our Bible camps, and in our transition homes for older teens who “graduate” from the orphanages as early as age 15. The ministry has grown to encompass working with single mothers and “crisis” families. The local Baptist churches work closely with us, providing Sunday School for the young students, Bible study groups for older teens, as well as relationships and mentoring for the “crisis” families we work with. Keeping families intact with God, love, and assistance, when at all possible, means fewer children in the orphanage system. Many of these adults never had the chance to learn about Jesus, repentance and baptism.

Bogdan Muzar supervises a team of paid staff members and several volunteers. Liliya plans women’s and camp programs. The Lifesong team operates a Day Center in the downtown area providing tutoring, chess lessons, Bible study, crafts, mentoring and friendship, a hot meal, a place to wash clothing, shoes and coats for those who have outgrown or do not have any. They visit orphanages and institutions weekly, where the team is allowed to furnish and invite kids to a “Constant Christian Presence” room. The team works closely with Social Services and families in crisis, too.