A CONDENSED APPEAL -
The 2014 FSAOF mission focus is three-fold; a Bible – Music and Arts Camp in the Crimea, a young people’s band recently formed in Kiev’s Light House Corps. Both projects are under the direction of Salvationist recruited and trained by me 20 years ago. One is a SA officer and the other two musicians product of the SA’s very first music camp in Ukraine, and now successful professionals in their own right, and soldiers of the corps. Both hold Master's degrees in brass instrument performance.
Our third mission focus is on a very different activity, it’s on two unsung heroes in the Simferopol Corps, Ukraine. We met these very special SA soldiers, Doctors Igor, his wife Elena and their eldest son, all registered practicing dentists, but with a unique list of patients.
About eighteen months ago Igor’s and Elena’s youngest son developed a form of cancer. In order for him to receive the very costly USA prescriptions and treatment needed they sold everything; their home, their dental practice, their car in order to maintain the very expensive treatment. Sadly, in spite of the treatment, their boy died six months later, and they had lost everything. They still grieve over the loss of their son. Nevertheless they continue to move forward resolutely seeking to learn from the cruel lessons the death of their son presented. They asked God to help them understand and respond to His leading them through their tragedy.
Faith in Christ infused their grief with the hope Jesus promised. It was God’s sign that He has called them to care for others in a way they had not ever anticipated. They believe God has told them that He does not want them to return to their earlier relatively comfortable lifestyle but to move to a new calling. They now work four days a week voluntarily providing free dental care particularly for children and the elderly, and also for others who urgently require dental care but can’t afford it.
Both Igor and Elena travel about the Crimea and beyond in a seriously dilapidated car, hauling their dental tools and medications with them, in full SA uniform. And they wear a Salvation Army badge on their dentist lab coats to encourage conversation as they repair the teeth of people in need.
Glad and I traveled with Igor in his 1991 Lada, and the crunching of gears could be heard well in advance of the car’s arrival. The car has had 4 major overhauls and the odometer reads 719000 km. (420,000 miles) and its reliability is in question. They receive no SA or other funding and rely totally on donations, mostly the FSAOF’s, hence our focus on their ministry.
Ruslan Zuev Commander, Crimea
Sven, December 3, Igor Repyakh received your money in the bank in the amount of U.S. $ 470, in 3760 Ukrainian hryvnias. Igor and Oleg received 50% each, Igor and Oleg 1880 hryvnia hryvnia 1880.
Let God's blessings on you will be generously.
Once again, Thanks for your help.
Blessings to you.
_________________________________
DONATIONS: (Sven & Glad Ljungholm)
August, 2013 given to Dr. Igor in August $150.00
Dec 3 300.00 GBP Pounds $480.00 includes WU fee
Jan1, 2014 $400.00
Total: $1,030.00
My hope is that the FSAOF will support Drs. Igor and Elena Repyakh in the amount of $400.00 per month via WU beginning Jan 1, 2014. None of the funds will be diverted to the SA or any other Factivity.
If you would like to join in supporting this unique ministry please consider a one time or monthly recurring gift. All gifts will be acknowledged publically in the blog and in the FB forum and a monthly financial statement made available from the FSAOF Treasurer.
Please send your donation to Paypal at selmoscow@aol.com. The Paypal address displayed will be FSAOF – FORMER SALVATION ARMY OFFICERS FELLOWSHIP.
Or you may donate by check to:
Sven Ljungholm
202 South
1100 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Clearwater, Fl. 33756
We'll also initiate an appeal for dental equipment and supplies very soon.
Many blessings!
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