I’ve been acquainted with this smiling face for almost twenty years. Erik Haviland, a friend of my “other son” Lane’s, was on my prayer list for months. A super talented, creative guy had everything going for him except one really important (said loosely) ‘thing.’ He didn’t have Jesus. So, Lane, and a group of pray-ers began the storming of heaven. Can I be so flippant to say, the rest is history? Not only does Erik have Jesus, he and his beautiful family live the gospel. Gena, a gracious and lovely woman has a heart for kids and horses! Several years ago she had a dream to purchase a run-down, foreclosed home in the country. She could see the paddock filled with horses. A pool filled with splashing and laughter. The Lord gave her the desire of her heart and now, just like God does, He wants to expand their territory once again. God wants to bring a little bit of Ukraine into rural North Carolina – his name is Kolya…but wait, read the rest of the story here!
I rarely ask y’all for anything but a share, a like, a comment but this time? I’m asking you to go deep and when you come to the FundMe link, will you please consider some tangible love?
If you’re like me and have a super busy day-after-a-four-day-weekend kind of day, the short version of this story is this: Kolya is aging out of the foster system in the Ukraine – he will be sent out the door of the orphanage to fend for himself – THAT is a death sentence in the Ukraine. The Haviland’s have a vision and a heart for Kolya and that is to join their family in rural NC. Cuddly babies are the norm for adoption but a 16-year old boy? They tend to become throw-away’s yet Gena and Erik desperately want him to be theirs. They want to be HOPE-givers and after all, you know….
#hopechangeseverything
#bringKolyahome
Here’s the link to the GoFundMe…
Thank you for giving this plea prayerful consideration. No amount is too small.
xo
This week I’ll be linking up with Inspire Me Monday, Jennifer Dukes Lee, Tea and Word, Porch Stories, Coffee for Your Heart, Tune In Thursday, Dance With Jesus, Fresh Market Friday, Glimpses of His Beauty, Salt and Light, Warriors of the Word, Heart Encouragement, Thought-Provoking Thursday, Grace and Truth, Faith-Filled Friday, Seeking God, Glimpses of His Beauty.
Oh, how these stories remind me of how much this broken world needs Jesus. How much we need to take care of “the least of these”, how much we are all loved, regardless of our station or standing. Praying for the funds for this boy to be brought home!
Becky, true religion, right?
Unfortunately I can’t give til my husband gets paid this week, but I shared. Thankfully a little thing like money won’t stop the will of God.
M…so true. And, thank you.
What an incredible story!
It is, isn’t it?
What a beautiful family and a beautiful project! Headed over to visit right now.
Thank you so much.
Love your heart and this is a great idea. We just gave large donations to ELI (Empowering Lives International), based in Kenya, Tanzania, Southern Sudan, and DR Congo. Their mission statement is: A community that equips the poor to live sustainable lives and honor God. They have several orphanages, trade schools, have built wells, provide medical care, and on and on. http://empoweringlives.org/. We also gave to The Living Room, a hospice care facility in Kenya, established to compassionately honor life and honor hope in end of life care http://www.livingroominternational.org/.
Isn’t “giving” the most fun? I’m hooked!
WOW! Those statistics are scary. What an amazing family and how cool that you are in some ways a part of it. <3
Blessed. Makes the world smaller, doesn’t it?