UKRAINE — Even at the tender age of 6, Ilya knew there must be more to life than the storms he regularly faced. He struggled to survive with his parents and eight siblings in a crowded house where opportunities were as limited as the small space they shared. Food was scarce, and education wasn’t valued.
A Difficult Start in Life
How could any child thrive under these conditions? As with most other families in his Roma community, simply getting through each day was a challenge for Ilya and his siblings. But when Ilya heard about a place where children could eat, learn, play, and hear about God, something stirred in his heart.

A Turning Point: Hope for a Ukrainian Boy
Because of your love, our Orphan’s Promise Training Center in his area offered a turning point for Ilya. No one told him to go. He simply showed up. Then, he kept coming back. Isn’t that amazing? Even at such a young age, Ilya was already reaching for a better life. And you helped provide that opportunity for him. Today, Ilya has the courage to dream of a better future, and this young boy’s words radiate hope. “I dream of a nice house for me and my family. I understand that in order to have something, you have to be educated. So, I will study, and I will not be poor.”
Your Kindness Creates Lasting Hope
Through your kindness, Ilya found more than just a comforting place to spend his time. You gave him the opportunity to learn, grow, and begin understanding how deeply he is loved by God. You also helped care for his family by providing food packages and clothing during difficult times. In the middle of hardship, that kind of support reminds vulnerable children like Ilya that they are not forgotten.
Hope for a Ukrainian Boy and His Family
And your love didn’t stop with him. As Ilya continued to learn about Jesus, he started sharing what he was discovering with his family—opening the door for them to encounter that same hope. Today, Ilya is thriving in school and at home. The shy, reluctant boy who started at the Training Center has grown into an outgoing child who is eager to learn and help others.

