Prayers and support for Natasha. Natasha is the hands and feet of the ministry Friends of Children. Big Family supports her financially. She travels to various orphanages around the St. Petersburg area including Luga and Jukki. She visits with the children, takes them on outings, brings them gifts, celebrates holidays with them, and whatever it takes to show these kids that they are not forgotten about and that they are special not only to her, but to God as well.

Friends of Children also has a family home in St. Petersburg. This is to help get kids off the streets, give them emotional support and sometimes financial support. FOC assists them in finding jobs and bettering their education. The family house gives residents a place to belong and feel "safe" from the streets. It is basically a small house with 3 bedrooms. Two young mothers currently live there as well as a young man with Downs Syndrome. But that is not all, Friends of Children also support people in the community who have fallen on hard times. I personally have been a part of helping a young mother with three children set up her new apartment. Funds I sent purchased her household goods such as dishes, towels, etc. I cannot express what a blessing it is to know that my support is making a real difference in people's lives. A visible and immediate difference. I cannot be there to give this young mom those things, but I consider Natasha my arms and hands loving on the people of Russia for me.

But I digress...
Natasha has been given the opportunity to come to Chicago to speak in a few churches and try to raise more support. If she can she would love to travel to as many churches that sponsor her as possible. This is a tremendous opportunity and she is very excited about it. So am I! However, the travel expenses are quite overwhelming for her agency. That is where you and I come in. How about not eating out this week and giving the donating the cost instead? Or perhaps not get that new gadget you were eyeing and instead give the funds to Big Family? I know Natasha would appreciate it. But what if you can't financially afford to give? She still needs your prayers! If you could do both that would be best!
Contact Big Family at http://www.bigfamilymission.org/ for more information.