A ministry that has been a part of Calvary Chapel of Kiev for many years now has been that of loving, serving, and providing for the needs of sick and dying orphans at the baby hospital in northern Kiev. The Lord has led us, through joy and tears, to pour out our lives for these who cannot help themselves. From simply holding and loving these babies, to providing diapers on a daily basis, to purchasing medical equipment, and to even assisting in the adoption of some of these children, the Lord has used us to touch these children with His love.

Ludmilla Ryabtseva, pictured right, coordinates our efforts in serving these children.

Through the efforts of many people from the church, and even from other organizations, practically every day of the week there are people visiting this hospital to serve these orphans.

Below are a few photographs of some of the children who are in the hospital right now.

Most of the orphans in this hospital are more than just sick. Problems ranging from heart conditions to Down Syndrome to missing limbs plague many of these babies.

Others are practically normal other than the severe sickness which brought them to the hospital.

Perhaps you know the story of Kristen Markey. She is the adopted daughter of George and Pam Markey, missionaries in Kiev, Ukraine. She was discovered in this baby hospital when she was only 1 1/2 years old. At that age, she only weighed 9 pounds and could not even sit up. Her date with death was canceled when funds for a heart operation were raised by the efforts of her now sister, Rhonda.

Today, Kristen is a healthy 9 year old attending a Ukrainian school and taking ballet lessons. She does have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, but she is a living testimony of the love that the Lord shows through those who visit this hospital.

The number of children who are in the baby hospital vary from week to week. It is our desire to see each child loved and cared for as frequently as possible.

Many of these children are not used to caring human touch. We have seen great responses as they are held in the arms of people who love and pray for them. The nurses and doctors at this hospital see this as well and have urged us to continue to minister in any way that we can.

Please pray that the Lord would continue to fill us with his mercy, as well as to show others the Father's heart toward these children.

Please pray for these children, that God would work in them mightily. Of course our desire is to see each one, not only physically and emotionally healed, but to see them in homes where love is shown to them on a constant basis.

Truly, as God has filled our hearts with His love, could we not share it with those who are most in need?

Many have asked how they can be involved in partnering with the ministry to the baby hospital. If you are interested please visit here.